Top 10 Audiophile Recordings by Mike from the Audioish Podcast – The Beginner Audiophile Journey. My Top 10 Reference Tracks
I really need more than 10 tracks to cover my favorite reference tunes but this is the beginner audiophile journey. So I’m going to start with my top 10 audiophile recordings to get you all started. You don’t need to be a beginner audiophile to enjoy this list, you just may have heard of some of these before. Load up your favorite streaming audio service, get out your favorite headphones, sit down in your listening chair and let’s get comfy.
To make things easier I’ve built out the playlist in both Tidal and Spotify. If you don’t have Tidal, I highly recommend it. Give their free trial a spin and make sure you pick the expensive version when downloading the app. I’ve chosen the “master” file tracks where available on Tidal and you’ll need the Master version to listen to these. Yes, you can hear the difference.
Get Tidal for your iOS Device HERE.
Get Tidal for your Windows Device HERE.
Get Tidal for your Android Device HERE (unfortunately no Master)
Scroll down to the bottom for the direct links to the playlists.
Top 10 Audiophile Recordings List by the Audioish Podcast – Enjoy 🙂
Audiophile Track# 1 – Hounds of Winter by Sting
What to listen for: Vocals, soundstage and a the clean, uncongested clarity in imaging.
I’m starting off with a long-time favorite reference track. I’ve listened to this recording on hundreds of different systems and setups. It’s a go-to for me because I know it so well and how I think it should sound. It’s a great track for the beginner audiophile because it’s so well recorded and in my opinion on one of Sting’s most underrated albums.
Audiophile Track# 2 – Tin Pan alley – Stevie Ray Vaugahn
What to listen for: SRV on the guitar for starters, tonality, soundstage and great studio production.
I first heard about this track from the guys at The Beginner Audiophile Podcast and now I recommend it to anyone who like blues and wants to hear a great track. This recording makes me feel like I’m in a smoky blues club with a glass of bourbon in one hand and a cigar in the other.
Check out our review of the Audioquest Dragonly Red
Audiophile Track# 3 – Gold Dust Woman – Fleetwood Mac
What to listen for: Haunting female vocals and harmonies, exceptionally well recorded and engineered album. This entire album, Rumors by Fleetwood Mac is highly regarded in most audiophile circles as on of the top albums of all time. This particular track is my favorite but I do recommend listening to the whole album. No self respecting audiophile would exclude this from a Top 10 Audiophile Recordings list for beginners.
Audiophile Track# 4 – Hotel California (Live On MTV, 1994) by the Eagles
What to listen for: Fingers on the strings of the acoustic guitars, bongos, incredibly expansive soundstage and outstanding engineering. Probably one of the best live recordings to come out of the MTV unplugged series. This is a must on a good pair of open back headphones like the Philips Fidelio X2HR’s. This is one of those tracks that sounds good on almost all equipment but really stands out on a good audiophile setup.
Audiophile Track# 5 – Time by Pink Floyd
What to listen for: Channel separation and laser focused imaging. A masterpiece of studio work in 1973. Off their iconic album “Dark Side of the Moon” this track is one of my picks for a 2-channel system with the source being a good ol’ turntable and the original vinyl. Definitely had to be on my top 10 audiophile recordings list but it’s best analog if that’s possible.
Audiophile Track# 6 – Magic by Coldplay
What to listen for: The dusty bass riff that anchors most of the song and the well recorded piano played by Chris Martin. Best listened to on a good pair of headphones, this deserves a spot on my top 10 audiophile recordings for a number of reasons. I need to introduce some variety and something a little more contemporary before I lose the younger listeners..LOL. Just kidding, this is a solid track and deserves a spot on this list especially with the focus on beginner audiophile. When I sit down and put together a top 25, I’ll include some classical music.
Audiophile Track# 7 – Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
What to listen for: The breath in Norah’s voice. Incredible female vocals would be an understatement. No need to justify why this made my list. Just listen and you’ll understand. Headphones, 2-channel, take you’re pick for this recording. A really good DAC will bring a lifelike quality to the breath in Norah’s voice though.
Audiophile Track# 8 – Night Flight by Joe Sample
What to listen for: A well recorded smooth jazz track that has always been on of my top 10 audiophile reference tracks. Joe’s masterful piano playing, Jay Anderson on bass and a beautiful melody. If you have a turntable look for this album. Night Flight on vinyl is amazing and the original recording is better in my opinion.
Audiophile Track# 9 – Growing Up by Peter Gabriel
What to listen for: Crazy, almost 3D soundstage with a proper 2-channel system. The spatial information in this track still amazes me. Master file or analog sources will resolve this 3D marvel but it must be played back on a well setup two-channel rig. Sounds good on headphones but the spatial information engineered into this come through headphones like cross channel phase shifting. You’ll get it when you hear it on a good system. It actually sounds like speakers are behind you and the soundstage is all around you. Amazing when you get it right.
Audiophile Track# 10 – Josie by Steely Dan
What to listen for: Everything! The entire album “Aja” by Steely Dan belongs on this list but this is my favorite track for the top 10 audiophile recordings list for beginner audiophiles. Besides, I forced myself to stay with only 10 tracks. Enjoy this masterpiece however you wish. Sounds great on almost any setup.
I hope you enjoyed my Top 10 Audiophile Recordings list. Don’t forget to listen to our podcast here.
Here’s a link to the complete Top 10 Audiophile Recordings playlist on Tidal
Here’s a link to the complete Top 10 Audiophile Recordings list on Spotify
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