Test Track Attack #2

Track: Shiver

Artist: Fever Ray

Album: Radical Romantics

This is a bit of a show-off track. What it will do is break a weak system if you turn it up. So, back to the MOON ACE all-in-one and the Audiovector QR5-SE loudspeakers I used in last week's track test, and we are flying. This setup is top to tail with Nordost Leif 3 series cables, selected for their fresh presentation.

Fever Ray productions always bring dynamic bounce into the mix, with small bursts of upper highs and those haunting vocals. Add to that the fantastic bass drops and you have a track that, if your system is fit for purpose, will impress your non-audio-educated friends.

If, however, you have knitted together components of audiophilic fragility, then you may be spending tomorrow fitting new drivers and shopping for valves!

Sometimes you just need to blow those cobwebs away, but it’s more fun - and definitely more rewarding - if you do it with a track that also packs groove and engagement into its display of artifice.

Having started here, you may now want to dial it back a bit, as your driver coils will be getting a little warm!