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stereo test records and TT setup

melofelo

melofelo

Addicted Member
i've just scored a circa 1974 'hi-sound stereo test record' in mint unplayed condition...looks as if it just came off the cutting press machine...

before subjecting my humble at95e cartridge to the torture grooves :D
..i wondered if anyone else has experience with stereo test records and whether they found them an effective tuning tool ?
 
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I use the Hi-FI News test record and find it invaluable in setting up my TT. It really helped to dial in and verify cartridge alignment, anti-skate, etc. I would recommend a test record for anyone owning a TT. :thmbsp:
 
Most definetly, I have a couple different test records. One of them is always used whenever I switch or change cartridges in my tables.:smoke:
 
I've got one of the older Shure "Audio Obstacle Course" records, which is very useful. I'm also awaiting delivery of a Telarc Omnidisc test record, which should be interesting to play with.
 
I have one of those old Shure LPs too. Helped a lot with tracking force and antiskating adjustments. :yes:
tom
 
Another vote for the Shure record. As I recall one side has the tests for tracking, anti-skating, etc. and the other side has music (Sergio Mendes, etc.) to test the cartridge. It was included with the purchase of the V-15 Type III back in 1978.
 
Questions like this make me check what I have collected over the years. I had almost forgotten I have these. I do use the Shure whenever I'm changing or adjusting a cartridge.

Shure Era IV Trackability Test Record TTR115
Stereo Review Stereo Test Record Model SR12
Stereo Review Binaural Demonstration Record
Sessions by JBL

I also have an LP of test tones that came with an ADC Equalizer I used to own. My Rat Shack SPL meter actually has an ADC label on it. :smoke:
 
I find eBay has these records in number, and cheaply. You can buy one new from the likes of Stereophile, but you'll pay through the nose I think.
 
I'd been thing about it for a while. You convinced me, I looked them over and picked the 1967 Popular Science disk. I liked their mag a lot in 1967.

Thanks guys.
 
I picked up some brand new sealed cbs test records from an electrical enigeer who is retiring to California. Any interest before i put them on ebay? I also have an open quad disc test record.
 
Is it a good idea to work your cartridge up to the test?

I mean, should I warm it up a bit with say, some gentle classical music, move things up a notch with some '80s disco then really work it hard with like, the 1812 Overture?

Don't want it to strain itself by going "cold" straight into the rigours of the test...

/tongue in cheek mode !OFF ;)
 
Is it a good idea to work your cartridge up to the test?

..good question :scratch2:
...i read somewhere that it takes about 20 second for a stylus assembly to get up to working temperature playing music...dunno how true it is.. :scratch2:
 
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Tonedeaf said:
I use the Hi-FI News test record and find it invaluable in setting up my TT. It really helped to dial in and verify cartridge alignment, anti-skate, etc. I would recommend a test record for anyone owning a TT. :thmbsp:
Click to expand...
Beware the antiskate tests on that record, if you are using the torture tracks, as it will cause you to use entirely too much antiskate. the torture tracks are on the in side tracks, which command more antiskate by nature, and are so severe that rarely will anything be encountered in actual listening. I find just a slight amount of antiskate is usually more than adequate. On the otherside of the album, there are three similar tracks, one at the beginning, one in the middle, and the third at the end. those tracks are more useful, but again can lead to too much antiskate. this is definately an area where your own ears are a far better judge. Otherwise, I find the HIFI test record useful, especially the resonance tests for cartridge/tonearm. YMMV.

Russellc
 
Beware the antiskate tests on that record, if you are using the torture tracks, as it will cause you to use entirely too much antiskate. the torture tracks are on the in side tracks, which command more antiskate by nature, and are so severe that rarely will anything be encountered in actual listening. I find just a slight amount of antiskate is usually more than adequate. On the otherside of the album, there are three similar tracks, one at the beginning, one in the middle, and the third at the end. those tracks are more useful, but again can lead to too much antiskate. this is definately an area where your own ears are a far better judge. Otherwise, I find the HIFI test record useful, especially the resonance tests for cartridge/tonearm. YMMV.


i've yet to try the test disc..but your antiskate comment makes good sense... :thmbsp:
hoping some of the huge decibel swings wont overload my phono stage either when i get round to trying it...
a 300hz modulation tone at +18db sounds kinda vicious ! :scratch2:
 
melofelo said:
Beware the antiskate tests on that record, if you are using the torture tracks, as it will cause you to use entirely too much antiskate. the torture tracks are on the in side tracks, which command more antiskate by nature, and are so severe that rarely will anything be encountered in actual listening. I find just a slight amount of antiskate is usually more than adequate. On the otherside of the album, there are three similar tracks, one at the beginning, one in the middle, and the third at the end. those tracks are more useful, but again can lead to too much antiskate. this is definately an area where your own ears are a far better judge. Otherwise, I find the HIFI test record useful, especially the resonance tests for cartridge/tonearm. YMMV.


i've yet to try the test disc..but your antiskate comment makes good sense... :thmbsp:
hoping some of the huge decibel swings wont overload my phono stage either when i get round to trying it...
a 300hz modulation tone at +18db sounds kinda vicious ! :scratch2:
Click to expand...


They are very intense, staring at that portion of the album, it even LOOKS intense. The grooves are extreme, really over the top.

russellc
 
it seems that each track test ends with a closed groove (phew !) according to the info on the back cover...i think i'll skip the extreme tracks until i dig out my old akai amp from the cupboard...
i'm not too keen to overload the input of either my nad pp1 or my sansui au-719... :no:
 
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