The Ultimate Audiophile Reference Test Disc

This test CD, the "Ultimate Audiophile Reference Test Disc", is a Malaysian production by COI Records. The package consists of  2 CDs and an extensively written 20+ page booklet. 

Let's cut to the chase - I found this CD to be of very good value. In addition to the technical aspects of an audiophile test CD, you also get music tracks and HiFi knowledge write-ups. You can find it on Lazada for RM79.90/pc - https://s.lazada.com.my/s.4t9Pt or better still get it from this coming weekend's KLIAV Show 2022 (28/10 - 30/10) at a special price of RM59.90/pc.

The accompanying Guide Book starts off with a list of definitions - on what "HiFi" means, on HiFi terminologies that we audiophiles use to describe aspects of sound performance, and the writer's take on good sound from a HiFi system. There is also good information on how to set up of a system, including speaker positioning and finding the listening sweet spot. It also has an extensive section on room acoustics, which will be very useful for any audiophile who is looking for a primer in this critical area for good sound performance in a listening toom. 

CD 1 is labelled as "Technical" and consists of 99 tracks (click on the track listing to read a higher definition version). You can find further explanations of the content and the purpose of the tracks in the Guide Book. I believe many will find the burn-in track to be useful whenever new equipment or cable is inserted into our system. Another good use I found during my test sessions was the bass tone tracks (20Hz-200Hz, tracks 2 to 13), which could be used to gauge, by ear, the evenness of the bass region in my listening room. 

CD2 is labelled as "Showcase" (click on the track listing to read a higher definition version). It starts off with 8 tracks of various music. Don't expect some simple audiophile-approved music among them like a slow female vocal solo with sparse instrument backing. Rather, almost all of the tracks display wide dynamic range,  fast attack and tonal complexity. If you liked a good challenge, play these tracks and see whether your system would pass muster or not. The CD goes on to provide multiple tracks for you to gauge various aspects of your system's performance, such as soundstage width/depth/height as according to the Guide Book. The last section of the CD showcases recordings of various instrument allowing the listener to learn about the timbre of these instruments. 

All in all, an audiophile will find much use for the CDs and the Guide Book. Recommended.