Ripping MP3s at 320 is in no way a substitute for for the original CD. If you are interested in SQ, MP3s are not part of the equation. No lossy compression codec is for that matter.

 

Magic Flute in Vancouver on 4th.

 

for output:
the crystal method: vegas
geto boys: the resurrection
deepwater black ost (if anyone has/can find this cd I'll pay heavy for it)

for sq I usually used a computer with a 24 bit capably sound card fed directly into the preamps and listened to some 24 bit scd's or dts stuff. no, really, I hate the eagles but they sound ****ing amazing in 24 bit with your eyes closed. as for tuning a system I've always pressed vocals, saxaphone, and piano were the easiest tuning references. The only problem is all the "studio magic" that is added to some material, making any album a hard choice. I say go with something that hits all the mid to high ranges that you're used to listening to on quality equipment ESPECIALLY headphones. You should be able to spot beta notes and resonance easily after hearing any vocals a thousand times on your ipod.

for testing transient response:
the crystal method: vapor trail
most tool cd's

guess I have a lot of favorites

 

I like Edgar Winter "Frankenstein".
For jazz I prefer David Sanborn "Bang Bang". Great horns.
If you like jazz and bass together listen to Stanley Clarke.