How do you "flex" or show nuance of your music system for visitors?

I actually do not play anything specific. I usually simply ask my visitors what they want to hear. I let them decide.
I do the same. They are more likely to be familiar with recordings they choose. Plus, familiar music tends to get guests “into it” more quickly. As the evening goes on I’ll ask “do you like…” That said, I do occasionally have guests who are happy to let me DJ for them, in which case I have a few “go to” records:

Steely Dan: Aja and Goucho
Dexter Gordon: One Flight Up
Rush: Moving Pictures
Cameo: Word Up
Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela: Rejoice
Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense
Tony Williams: Angel Street
 
Last edited:
I actually do not play anything specific. I usually simply ask my visitors what they want to hear. I let them decide.
Actually one is not mtually exclusive of the other. Visitors generally listen to more than 5 pieces of music.

I think the objective of the thread was to have fun.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dre_J
Actually one is not mtually exclusive of the other. Visitors generally listen to more than 5 pieces of music.

I think the objective of the thread was to have fun.

I agree. Just explaining my process. Some visitors bring their own music and I tell them to play whatever they want. Other visitors, ask me to just pick records for them. I give the choice to the visitor because he’s the guest. I want him to have fun.

I remember when I visited you, you pulled out some very nice records exposing me to some excellent new music as well as played DJ spinning stuff that you thought promoted your system’s character. We had a good time. Both of our systems have changed a lot since that visit.
 
word of warning: don’t get the new Craft LP. It’s a pale facsimile of the original LP sounding washed out, stereo and lacking the airiness the original.
Thanks Myles. Good to know, but surprising given that Kevin Gray did the work.
 
Thanks Myles. Good to know, but surprising given that Kevin Gray did the work.
Even Michaelangelo ruined a few pieces of marble. It also may have nothing to do with Kevin but the condition of the tape, too. Paul Stubblebine said when TTP was making their running masters 15 years ago that the master tape was on its last legs. So they may not have even used the original master. Dunno but there are clearly other things going on here. And you’re welcome to come over to hear the same comparisons that I did. :) There’s no sense of space and instruments are 2D.
 
Even Michaelangelo ruined a few pieces of marble. It also may have nothing to do with Kevin but the condition of the tape, too. Paul Stubblebine said when TTP was making their running masters 15 years ago that the master tape was on its last legs. So they may not have even used the original master. Dunno but there are clearly other things going on here. And you’re welcome to come over to hear the same comparisons that I did. :) There’s no sense of space and instruments are 2D.
Thanks! Aren’t you still in the NY/NJ metro area, though? I moved away when I retired. Now in sunny (read: hot as he!! :oops:) Florida.
 
My system is in the basement (cave) and no one ever goes down there except me. I used to ask visitors if they wanted to hear my 'stereo', but I don't bother anymore. So no one has actually heard my system except me in the last 10 or so years. LOL
 
... That said, I do occasionally have guests who are happy to let me DJ for them, in which case I have a few “go to” records:

Steely Dan: Aja and Goucho
Dexter Gordon: One Flight Up
Rush: Moving Pictures
Cameo: Word Up
Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela: Rejoice
Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense
Tony Williams: Angel Street

Thanks for responding in the spirit of the thread and sharing some music. Good choices.

Dre
 
  • Like
Reactions: MylesBAstor
I do the same. They are more likely to be familiar with recordings they choose. Plus, familiar music tends to get guests “into it” more quickly. As the evening goes on I’ll ask “do you like…” That said, I do occasionally have guests who are happy to let me DJ for them, in which case I have a few “go to” records:

Steely Dan: Aja and Goucho
Dexter Gordon: One Flight Up
Rush: Moving Pictures
Cameo: Word Up
Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela: Rejoice
Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense
Tony Williams: Angel Street
"Word Up" is a fabulous demo track

 
  • Like
Reactions: Tangram
I have a playlist of tracks stored locally on my Pachanko server that I know very well. They're enjoyable to listen to, and they also help me readily identify changes in my system or listening conditions. They also do an excellent job of demonstrating to non-audiophiles what a good two-channel system is capable of.
Here are the first ten:
-Anna Lee (Buddy Guy, Blues Singer)
-Fever (Ray Charles with Natalie Cole, Genius Loves Company)
-Queen Mary (Francine Thirteen, Queen Mary)
-Blues in 'F' (Bill Evans Trio, Live at Shelly's Manne Hole)
-Prairie Wedding (Mark Knopfler, Sailing to Philadelphia)
-Better Git It In Your Soul (Charles Mingus, Ah Um)
-Take Five (Dave Brubeck Quartet, Time Out)
-He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother (Donny Hathaway, These Songs for You - Live)
-Tin Pan Alley (Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Couldn't Stand the Weather)
-I'm Your Captain (Grand Funk Railroad, Closer to Home).
 

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing