I must admit, I was not a huge fan of the ML stereo (except for the bass) until I found it's sweet spot (above 40 on the VOL). Now that I have, I've been looking for some good music to burn and play. I have a $50 itunes gift card and am looking for some suggestions. Some songs definitely play to the ML's strengths ... ie: crisp highs and stunning lows.

I'll start... Blues Traveler 'Regarding Steven'

I encourage you to check it out on itunes.. try it out at about 45 on the VOL ****... you'll be blown away.

Any other suggestions.. favorites ... I've got $50 to burn

 

i was under the impression mp3 (downloads) wont quite do the trick....

 

It's not exactally DVD-A quality... but itunes specifically seems to keep the compression to a minimum. The CD's I've burned form itunes downloads have been as good as any store bought CD as far as sound quality.

 

Listen to your ML at 40 now.... you won't be hearing much of anything (with any clarity or precision) when you're 60! Long term damage to human hearing is cumulative- you know this is true!

I think going for the DVD- V & A's at somewhat lower volume levels offers a very enjoyable experience. Surround sound in dolby digital or DTS...it's what the ML was designed for.

My current line-up:
1) DVD-V "Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis" in Dolby Digital 5.1
2) DVD-V "Pulse/Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon" in Dolby Digital 5.1
3) DVD-V "Sting- Brand New Day" in DTS 5.1
4) CD- Various MP3 tunes
5) DVD-V "Chicago/Earth Wind & Fire concert" in DTS 5.1
6) DVD-A "Allman Bros- Live at the Filmore East" in Dolby Digital 5.1

I never listen above Vol. 32, but I am really sensitive to loud music and noises in general. I don't go to rock concerts much anymore and I had to stop playing in my buddy band because my friends are idiots and love to make their ears ring.

All that being said.... you should do what you want to do and listen to what turns you on. The Pulse DVD IS AWESOME though!

 

wow you guys really blast your music, i keep mine at 12

 

wow man, i can't imagine how you can listen to music at 40 @_@ i am usually at 15, or 20 on freeway. 25 i already feel "ear sore"

 

no wonder people complain about "rattles" on their 3gs

 

damn i must be going deaf hmmmmmmmmmm

lol mines normally between 35-45

 

I was thinking the same thing. Those aren't rattles, it's harmonic resonance Maybe vol 20 for me on certain days.

Suggestions for your music list: stairway to heaven, r-e-s-p-e-c-t, good vibrations (appropo) and anything by Marvin Gaye

 

Mine's usually between 20-30, sometimes 30-35.

I like the Top Gear CD's.

 

Typically, the volume for me is 20-25 depending on what I am listening to. On some songs, I turn it up to 35-40. I've gone as high as 50 on occasion, especially if I am listening to old Metallica

Going back to the original question as to song selection. I'm currently listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan. I would recommend getting "Little Wing" "Riviera Paradise," and "Tin Pan Alley" just to name a few.

 

Ive always found itunes burned CDs to be of good quality, but the quality is lost somewhat when you play it directly off the ipod through the AUX input. There is definitely a compression that occurs in transferring it to the ipod.
As for song recommendations, I cant really make any as it doesnt seem like you would appreciate my type of music (mostly house and hip hop).
But I generally play my music in the 25-40 range. ML sounds great to me, especially at 100 mph.

 

I was in the Navy for 8yrs and spent a good portion of my time on Aircraft Carriers.. on the flight decks.. ML at 40 doesn't seem 'too loud'... so I'm assuming too many F/A-18's have ruined my hearing already.

A lot of music sounds good on the ML, but I've noticed that 'certain songs' really stand out. I'm already looking up some of the recommendations you've all given. Thanks. I can't download DVD-A or DTS music from itunes, so I may have to just spring for the Pink Floyd DVD-A.. I've heard A LOT of people say it's amazing.

 

I am at 25-40 depending on the source.
I'd like to recommend the DVD-A "Gaucho" by Steely Dan in 5.1 surround.

 

40!! That's way too loud for me and I went to a lot of rock concerts in my 20s. (I'm sure even that isn't as loud as a fighter jet though!!) Usually it's at 15-25 on radio, have to turn it up a bit for the AUX iPod so sometimes hits 30 or so.

"Animals" by Nickelback sounds good.