if it’s about showing a system off, the worst thing is to ask for a suggestion. most people, especially those not accustomed to higher performance audio, don’t understand the disadvantages to a poorly recorded track. shortcomings that are masked by cheap earbuds or bluetooth speakers show up in a better system. if I am showing off a system, I have several tracks I use to do so. after that, I will take suggestions.
sadly it’s like many things which are high end; you’d likely experience similar behavior (or worse) walking into a designer clothes store or super car dealer. the people who work in these types of stores work with expensive product, and somehow an air of arrogance develops around this environment. it’s unfortunate because, unlike expensive clothes or cars, where people want to be associated with that product/brand, audio gear doesn’t carry the same caché, and it does nothing more than turn people away from this hobby.
question: do you think things like Ferrari cars or Glashütte watches are fucking crazy as well? everything has extremes, including audio. I understand you may not buy those items either - but do you hold these other luxury brands with the same contempt?
most anything with compression sounds like shit. one that particularly stands out is Adele. she has one of the most powerful voices, yet her albums reduce her to a buzz saw. it’s horrible.
an amazing recording that will push any system is the Blade Runner 2049 soundtrack. huge soundstage, dynamic, thunderous bass…
amplifiers warm up relatively fast. I do not leave mine on (plus it uses vacuum tubes). DACs I always leave on. digital takes a lot longer to settle and sound right.