Solomon Sessions Vol. 1 | The Essential Speaker Setup Playlist

There’s nothing quite like the moment your new speakers come to life — that first track that makes you stop, smile, and say “wow.”

To help you get there, I’ve curated a special playlist that not only sounds incredible but also helps you fine-tune your system for the best possible performance. Whether you’re streaming on Qobuz, TIDAL, or Spotify, these tracks are designed to reveal exactly what your speakers — and your room — can do.

The goal? To help you rediscover the joy of listening — and maybe discover a few new favorites along the way.

We’d love to hear what tracks stand out on your system, too. Share your favorites or suggestions for future volumes — this series is meant to be interactive and evolving, just like your listening journey.

The Speaker Setup Guide

Below are seven simple steps to get your system dialed in. You can follow along with the playlist — each track serves a purpose in refining your soundstage, clarity, and overall balance.

• 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
• Jump to playlists

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.

Final Notes

By following these steps, you’ll optimize your speakers for the best possible sound performance in your space. Follow these steps, trust your ears, and enjoy the process. A well-set-up system rewards you every time you press play.

Give it a spin, take your time dialing in your system, and let me know what you hear. What track gave you goosebumps? What surprised you most? I’d love to know.

The Essential Speaker Setup Playlists

Listen on Qobuz

Listen on Tidal

Listen on Spotify

Give it a listen and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear what stood out on your system or any tracks you’d add.

Enjoy the music,

David Solomon
Sharing Music | World Wide Stereo