Test Record

[pk5555]

This might have been talked about before but I wanted to bring it back up.
Do you use a Test Record for setting up your TT?
Do you use a Record that is specificly designed for Testing?
Have you tried different Test Records?
What record do you like best?
What are the benifits?

The reson for my questions is I don't have a Test Record and would like to have my TT setup the best it can be.
Thanks for your inport.

 

[softmachine]

They help to make sure the cartridge is properly aligned and that your phono input(s) is working properly. They also check speaker signals and audible frequencies. I have two Shure audio obstacle courses, very useful for making sure everything is set up ok.

 

[James7506]

I have both the Shure Era IV and the Hi-Fi News test records. The Shure plays instrumentals in five bands of increasing amplitude and you listen to the qualities of the instruments for mistracking. The HFN is more straightforward using tones in increasing amplitude and has pink noise. Both records have the phasing, balance, level and resonance tests but the HFN is off by +30Hz on its 1kHz tones. I use both but if the Shure included pink noise my HFN would be sold. The Shure was a third of the price of the HFN, which I bought new.

 

[SaSi]

I purchased an Ortofon test record quite a few years ago. It has tests on one side and some reference music tracks on the other side.

Has helped me properly set up carts, in terms of orientation and tracking force, with several TTs, mine and for friends. It also includes resonance test tracks (vertical and lateral).

After reading this thread, I pulled it out of the shelf and tested my new B791 with an Ortofon MC20 MkII.

In a previous discussion it was stated that the low mass of the Linatrack arm shouldn't track well with the MC cart. Actually, it resonates very well controlled at about 12-13Hz, both laterally and vertically.

It also reproduces the reference tracks in a way I can't remember hearing before.

A very expensive purchase at that time (~1978) and a very good investment as I see it now.

 

[meggy]

I just grabbed the latest thread on this topic to see if anyone has used the
ULTIMATE ANALOG TEST LP/ANALOGUE PRODUCTIONS TEST LP ?

I've got a credit over at Music Direct and that's all they've got in a test LP.
Looks OK. Here's the specs: http://www.musicdirect.com/product/77039

Thanks

 

[Windwalker]

Keep hoping I'll see one on that site or thrift

Boogers are costly

 

[pk5555]

I won an auction on the Bay for a Shure Trackablity Test Record last night. When it comes in I'll be giving it a spin and might be back for more advise.
Thank You for all your inports.

 

[Rotoplooker]

Happy tracking!

I won an auction on the Bay for a Shure Trackablity Test RecordQUOTE]

PK5555: I got one of those free from Shure when I purchased my brand new(at the time) V15 typeV, back in the early 80's. You had to mail in the upc to get them to mail it to you.

 

[Bogframe]

And all these years I've just been using my copy of Tomita's Kosmos!