Hi-Fi News Test Record
A set-up 'Bible' designed to check cartridge tracking, arm / cartridge resonance matching, azimuth, alignment, channel output balance and much more.
"An essential part of any record collection"
tnt-audio.com
It's a doozie: detailed notes, a set-up 'Bible' courtesy of John Crabbe, locked grooves between tests, pristine virgin vinyl pressings and - best of all - audible and visible cues rather than a need for test gear. Side one contains nine tracks for L/R channel identification, phase, channel balance (-20dB pink noise L+R), the same again for the left channel only and the right channel only and four different tracks for setting bias, increasing in 2dB steps. All these tests require are your ears, but the instructions will guide you through every step.
Side Two features seven tracks which cover tracking ability, cartridge/arm resonance and cartridge alignment. Tracking ability is assessed through three sections, all using a 300Hz signal (L+R, +15dB). The three tracks are positioned as the first, middle and last tracks so you can gauge performance across the whole arc of travel. (Or line of travel, if you're the lucky owner of a tangential arm...) The two cartridge/arm resonance tests consist of test sweeps with pilot tones, and you'll actually see the arm misbehaving if there's any horrible mismatch in your set-up. The cartridge alignment test allows you to adjust the azimuth for minimum output, through a 300Hz vertical L-R signal at +6dB. Lastly, there's a track to show residual noise, consisting of unmodulated grooves. And this one will prove to be a real party trick if you use an idler-drive deck and none of your friends are willing to believe it's a quiet runner...
Forget your worn copies of HFS75, those test LPs you're too scared to take out of their sleeves, even though you know you need to run a set-up check. Now you can have a fresh test record to ensure that your analogue front end is working at its best. The good news? We're going to stock the Hi-fi News Test Record 'in print' for as long as there's a demand. Enjoy!
Please Note - Due to the risk of warping in shipping we are unable to accept responsibility if this item arrives warped and will not exchange or refund if this is the case. Although we take great care in packing, there are some things outside our control like the temperatures encountered during shipment etc.