Most Challenging CD


What is the CD that most puts your system to task in your collection?

My best is, Tchaikovsky "The Nutcracker," by the Kirov Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev. This CD has it all, huge bass passages, giant crescendos, sharp horns and interwoven dynamics.

Yes, I know, there are lots of CDs that show all these attributes. There is one thing on this CD that I have never heard on any other, a real loud gun shot.

Sure, some 1812 Overture discs have real cannon fire. They just aren't as powerful as the gun shot on this Nutcracker disc. This report is a CRACKPOW!!!!!!!!

Ok, what do you have that tests your system like no other? I am not really interested in test discs. I have those and they aren't as good, besides being boring.
muralman1
'power' is not a challenge, the softest sheen on a voice is way more of a challenge.
((as an aside: I remember in some 'sword' movie where the Crusader cuts a thick metal rod with his sword to 'impress' the Ottoman. Then the Ottoman pulls out his sword and floats a fine silk scarf up into the air and as the scarf floats done, it cuts ITSELF in two on the unmoving blade of the Ottoman's curved sword. two different ideas of what a sword should do!))
Same way with a stereo, brute force or subtleties?
I am far more concerned with the subtleties than the brute force.
Try Sinead' O'Conner singing "Nothing compares to U', or 'I do not want what i haven't got' or 'bewitched Bothered and Bewildered' and listen to the sheen surrounding her voice. Spectacular! When it is right, that is a good sign. Especially from a CD player!!
I guess I am just not interested in gut massage.