Money for Nothing is an undeniable classic and a cornerstone of the Dire Straits sound. Sting’s instantly recognisable vocals and the iconic “I want my MTV” refrain make this track an immediate standout for us. Its exceptional production, driven by that legendary guitar riff and powerful, punchy drums, gives us a perfect reference point for testing how our speakers handle dynamics, clarity, and impact across the spectrum.
A true MJ classic. The track opens with a funky, instantly recognisable synth line and drives forward with a fantastic groove throughout. It’s perfect for testing how speakers handle tight bass control, midrange detail, and rhythmic precision. A true gem from the production powerhouse Quincy Jones, showcasing just how polished and timeless great pop production can be.
To us, the entire Spirit of Eden album is a masterpiece, but Eden stands out as something truly special. The track moves effortlessly between moments of near silence and sweeping, emotional crescendos, creating a beautifully immersive listening experience. Its quieter passages are perfect for testing how speakers resolve fine detail at low volumes, revealing texture, space, and subtle ambience without losing clarity. When the music swells, it challenges a system’s ability to remain composed and natural. A genuine Talk Talk classic, and a benchmark recording for evaluating nuance, dynamics, and musicality.
Billie Eilish dominates modern music for all the right reasons. She proves that raw talent, creativity, and time — paired with a simple DAW setup — can produce truly remarkable music. Blue is a beautifully crafted track that allows us to test the full sonic range of our speakers, from delicate details and intimate vocals to deeper low-end textures and atmospheric depth. A modern reference that showcases just how powerful minimal, well-executed production can be.
It wouldn’t be a hi-fi testing line-up without The Police. Sting’s unmistakable vocals, paired with their beautifully crafted rhythms, make their music ideal for critical listening. Every Breath You Take is a softer, more restrained track that allows us to evaluate midrange clarity, vocal presence, and the ability of our speakers to reproduce subtle detail and space. A timeless recording that rewards careful listening and reveals just how refined a system can sound.
This isn’t a complete list of every track we use, and it’s always evolving. Our testing playlist changes regularly, and we deliberately mix things up to make sure our speakers are challenged across a wide range of genres, production styles, and sonic characteristics. If there’s a song you think we’ve missed — or one you feel is a must-have for serious listening — we’d love to hear your suggestions.