Break-in and alignment test LP's

[elwood127]

Hey all, I just read up on the "HIFI NEWS TEST RECORD" and the "CARDAS FREQUENCY SWEEP AND BREAK-IN RECORD". Sounds like a very good way to dial in a cartridge. Wondering what your thoughts are on the subject.

 

[Machineghost]

Yes it is but my feelings are that a test record are only fully useful when you have a dual-channel oscilloscope to hook up to your system to "see" what your analogue front-end is doing.

I use the Cardas Freq Sweep Record and a Deutsche Grammophon Hi-FI der Praktikum record.

 

[hakaplan]

The resonance tones on the HFN are faulty, so be aware that you won't be able to do the resonance test.

 

[JJJimmy]

Hmmm...I didn't know anything was "faulty" on the HFN Analogue Test Record. I've used mine to set up two tables, that to my ears are perfect. On my main system Dual CS-5000/Ortofon Super OM-30, the only track that gives me issue is Band 9 on Side 1 (the Torture Track).

The cartridge alignment disk that comes with it is a huge bonus, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

 

[markd51]

One cannot rely on any test record to set up a cartridge, as far as alignment goes.

Yes, a record, almost any will help you hear problems, but if you hear any, then suspect something not set up properly, such as overhang, proper null points, anti-skate, azimuth, VTA, and VTF.

The records can help, they are a valuable tool. If you cannot determine where your mistakes are, then the records become useless, if you don't know what to look for, or can determine what the errors are (Sibilance, mistracking, poor sound, lack of highs, or lows, etc).

LPs like the Cardas Sweep+Burn, Hi Fi News, Shure, etc, will help with many confirmational checks, knowing you have your Cartridge wired properly, that you're in phase, and can run-check many other tests.

But these aren't the only reliable, good tools one should have.

Read, read, read, and study. The more you learn, and know, the better to your advantage. Mark

 

[hakaplan]

Hmmm...I didn't know anything was "faulty" on the HFN Analogue Test Record. I've used mine to set up two tables, that to my ears are perfect. On my main system Dual CS-5000/Ortofon Super OM-30, the only track that gives me issue is Band 9 on Side 1 (the Torture Track).

The cartridge alignment disk that comes with it is a huge bonus, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

I'm only talking about the resonance test, which is not used for set up, but rather to test whether a cartridge/stylus is a good compliance match for the tonearm. Two individuals at the analogasylum message board independently tested the tones and found then to be inaccurate, both on the original and the recently released record. I'm just reporting facts. I'm certainly not stopping anyone from using it if he so chooses.

 

[zenith2134]

I just use 60 minutes of pink noise to....oh wait we're talking analog....

Yeah my stereo review test LP doesn't seem to be the last word in accuracy but it helps with basic phasing and frequency response stuff when getting a new cart.