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Which test record is the best?

M

mykenytemare

Active Member
Did a search and didn't come up with anything other than the HiFi News test record, but found tons of test records (CBS, RCA) online.

Anyone favor one release over another?

I am finally going to devote a day to setting up the turntable properly and cleaning everything up and want to get an audiophile test record to make sure everything is good....plus it would be neat to have one in my collection!
 
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I have a Shure Audio Obstacle Course, and something like Sessions which is more of a JBL speaker test or something.
 
Ortofon Phono Cartridge Test Disc. Of course I couldn't get a straight reply to my post about it here recently ....
 
I've got the yellow & black version of the Shure Audio Obstacle Course as well and it's great for making sure things are setup correct/in phase/tracking correctly, etc. I also have an NAB test record that my Dad loaned me, but I have no idea how to use it. It's got all sorts of test tones and stuff on it and I think you'd have to use a series of mic's + test gear to truly use it for it's intended purpose ????

Mike
 
Do a search in this forum for test record. There are a number that get recommended regularly.
 
I would say the best available currently is the Cardas Sweep, and Burn LP. Will especially be beneficial if you use MC Cartridges. Mark
 
I'll third the recommendation for the Shure Audio Obstacle Course.

And there are a number of versions of the Enoch Light Project test record that are all very good, I have the Popular Science magazine issue. The other common version of the same disk is the Command Records version.
 
Be aware that the tones used for the Resonance Test on the HiFi News record are inaccurate. The tones on the Shure Era IV record are accurate.
 
hakaplan said:
Be aware that the tones used for the Resonance Test on the HiFi News record are inaccurate. The tones on the Shure Era IV record are accurate.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm..are the frequencies mis-labeled (e.g. 1Khz is actually 1.33Khz) or otherwise?? A good test record (and maybe CD) will be a priority soon.
 
hakaplan said:
Be aware that the tones used for the Resonance Test on the HiFi News record are inaccurate. The tones on the Shure Era IV record are accurate.
Click to expand...

Hello Howard,
I remember you mentioning this before about the HiFi News LP. I understand they did a second pressing, and wonder if these shortcomings had been addressed? Mark
 
keep your eyes open /search for : Die dhfi Schallplatte 2
Hörtest- und Messplatte

German disc so the "ss" in Messplatte look like a B on the cover.
Mine is german tekst only on the cover so this might be a problem .
Hope this helps ,
enjoy F.
 
brucered said:
is this one, appears to be era IV
http://www.audiophileusa.com/item.cfm?record=18922&c=1&kw=Test - LP

here's era III
http://www.audiophileusa.com/item.cfm?record=29746&c=1&kw=Test - LP

here's the original TTR 101 (i would assume era I)
http://www.easyontheeye.net/albums/demo/shure.htm

where's era II.

here's an interesting site showing some others.
http://www.easyontheeye.net/albums/demo/index.htm

so is the TTR 101 the best of the shure one's to get?
Click to expand...

For what I was trying to accomplish in setting up my deck, the first generation TTR 101 did what I needed, and haven't had need for the others. Not sure if the content is the same between era's, but for testing phase, tracking ability/weight and correct anti-skating settings the TTR 101 was perfect for my application.

Mike
 
I rely on the CBS Laboratories test records and the NAB Test LP, those do what I need. But really are much more for engineers with test equipment. The Shure Era III test record is very excellent as is the Era IV LP and the ones I recommend for non engineers and less technically trained users. This is easy to use for audiophiles, relevant to most everyone's needs and can give you an honest idea of what level of performance your tonearm and cartridge are performing to.
 
I bought the 2 LP Telarc test set waaay back in the 80's.

It has a very detailed manual that steps you through every aspect of cartridge set up with test tracks.

And it has the infamous 1812 Overture cannon torture test with ever increasing groove velocity - get ready to watch your cartridge bounce out of the groove if it isn't set up right.

I don't know of a cartridge that can make it through that test track.

370225461381.jpg
 
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