I hope you’re enjoying your sound system and discovering new music to make it shine. From time to time, I’ll be sharing playlists designed to sound incredible on great gear — whether you’re using Qobuz, TIDAL, or Spotify.
Music is important, but we all tend to play the same songs over and over.
In this series, we’ll have plenty of new music to share — the kind that sounds great and reminds you why you invested in a good system in the first place. We’d love to hear your favorite albums and tracks, too. The goal is to help you discover new music that fits your style, and maybe expands on what you normally listen to.
Here’s the first one — a playlist that not only sounds amazing but can also help you fine-tune your system for the best possible performance.
This playlist comes with detailed instructions on setting up your speakers properly. It will help guide you in ensuring you’re getting the best performance. As always, if you have any specific questions, our staff are always happy to help.
Step-by-Step Speaker Setup Guide
Follow these seven simple steps to get your system dialed in. The playlist will guide you — each track helps refine your soundstage, clarity, and tonal balance — and trust your ears along the way. A well-tuned setup rewards you every time you press play.
- Step 1: Verify Speaker Wiring
- Step 2: Center Imaging
- Step 3: Separation & Sound-Stage
- Step 4: Midrange Purity
- Step 5: Midrange Presence
- Step 6: Mid-Bass Definition
- Step 7: Deep Bass Performance
Step 1: Verify Speaker Wiring
Tracks 1-3:
These first tracks confirm your speakers are wired correctly — Left, Right, and Phase. If the phase is off, bass will sound weak or hollow. Double-check your amp and speaker connections (red to red, black to black) before diving in.
Step 2: Center Imaging
Track 4: Till Brönner - "A Thousand Kisses Deep"
The trumpet should come from the exact center point between your speakers.
If the sound seems to come from the left and right instead of the center, try toeing the speakers slightly inward or moving them closer together.
Step 3: Separation & Sound-Stage
Track 5: Ozone Percussion Group - "Jazz Variants"
At 0:32 seconds, the wooden xylophone should sound like it’s behind and outside the left speaker.
At 0:42 seconds, a cowbell should keep time from the right side of the room.
When properly positioned, your speakers should create a deep, wide soundstage that feels immersive and three-dimensional.
Step 4: Midrange Purity
Track 6: Eva Cassidy “Songbird”
If your midrange isn’t right, nothing will be.
The midrange should be clean and uncolored, free from distortion or muddiness.
The vocals and guitar should sound natural, clean, and uncolored. Eva’s voice should appear as a single pinpoint image in the center as if she’s sitting between your speakers.
If the mid-range sounds muffled, the mid-bass is likely louder than the mid-range. Try pulling your speakers slightly forward into the room. Start with small steps. If you have a rear-ported speaker, you can try using foam rubber in the hole to minimize mid-bass interference.
Step 5: Midrange Presence
Track 7: Billy Raffoul - "Acoustic"
This track highlights the texture and emotion in a human voice. Vocals should be clear and sound intimate, centered, and lifelike — with just a hint of edge that brings them forward in the mix.
Mid-range is the most important frequency range, ensuring clarity and natural tonality.
Step 6: Mid-Bass Definition
Track 8: Sam Cooke - "Lost and Lookin’"
The bass line should be constant, sitting just below Sam’s voice without masking the mid-range.
If the bass overlaps the vocals, try moving the speakers further into the room. This can also help improve depth perception. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
Step 7: Deep Bass Performance
Track 9: Francis Thirteen - "Queen Mary"
⚠️Caution: Keep your system at a low volume for this test. Deep bass requires full-range speakers or a subwoofer. Without proper power handling, you risk damaging your speakers or amplifier.
This track is excellent for testing separation, speed, imaging, height, and deep bass.
Around the 25-second mark, deep bass notes should pressurize the room. The bass should be engulfing, but the vocals should remain distinct and clear.
The Ultimate Speaker Setup Playlists
🎧 Listen on Qobuz
🎧 Listen on Tidal
🎧 Listen on Spotify
Hit play, sit back, and see what you hear. Which track gave you chills? What moment surprised you most? I can’t wait to hear what you discover.
Enjoy the music,
David Solomon
Sharing Music | Gramophone