Ortofon’s Test Record is designed to allow you to verify your HiFi system in the most natural audio surroundings at home. The Test Record contains special test signals developed for analyzing cartridge performance as well as its interaction with your tonearm and turntable.

Before testing your cartridge, please verify the HiFi system’s functionality. The left speaker should be connected to the left amplifier channel and vice versa; both speakers should work in phase and be optimally positioned in the room. The Test Record is designed to be played through your system with in-built RIAA equalization. Volume control is recommended to be set at a moderate signal level.

Please refer to your turntable and tonearm’s instructions for correct installation and alignment. Adjust the tonearm to be parallel to the record surface, set Vertical Tracking Force and antiskating according to the cartridge’s recommended technical data, and adjust stylus overhang.

Track Listing

The new 15-track fine pressing includes:

1. Frequency Sweep Left Channel (800 Hz – 50 kHz, Log. 28 sec. Linear cut*)
   (800 – 20000 Hz ±1.5 dB)

2. Frequency Sweep Right Channel (800 Hz – 50 kHz, Log. 28 sec. Linear cut*)
   (800 – 20000 Hz ±1.5 dB)

3. Frequency Sweep Left Channel (800 Hz – 50 kHz, Log. 28 sec. Linear cut*)
   (800 – 20000 Hz ±1.5 dB)

4. Frequency Sweep Right Channel (800 Hz – 50 kHz, Log. 28 sec. Linear cut*)
   (800 – 20000 Hz ±1.5 dB)

5. Reference Tone (1000 Hz, 5 cm/sec rms Left)

6. Reference Tone (1000 Hz, 5 cm/sec rms Right)

7. Reference Tone (1000 Hz, 5 cm/sec rms Left)

8. Reference Tone (1000 Hz, 5 cm/sec rms Right)

9. Tracking Ability, Lateral (50 μm peak)

10. Tracking Ability, Lateral (60 μm peak)

11. Tracking Ability, Lateral (70 μm peak)

12. Tracking Ability, Lateral (80 μm peak)

13. Tracking Ability, Lateral (90 μm peak)

14. Tracking Ability, Lateral (100 μm peak)

15. Square Wave Form (2.7 msec duty cycle 3:7)

* The record has a constant amplitude throughout the sweep without any RIAA correction.

How It Works

Watch the video where Leif Johannsen, Ortofon's Chief Officer of Acoustics and Research, explains how to set up and align your high-end cartridge correctly.

Track 1-4 Frequency Sweep - A tool for checking frequency response

There are several factors that can affect frequency response, including cable capacitance, cartridge loading, tracking force, and worn parts. Achieving a perfectly flat frequency response can be difficult. Small compromises in cartridge loading can lead to a better overall frequency response. The signal should be clean throughout the sweep.

Track 5-8 Reference Tone for Testing Channel Output

With this standard reference signal, it is possible to check the correctness of the connections of the left and right channels, channel balance, and the speed of the turntable.

Track 9-14 Tracking Ability Test (315 Hz lateral modulation)

These tracks contain a 315 Hz signal, recorded at increasing peak amplitudes of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 micrometers. Refer to your cartridge’s tracking ability value specified in the technical data sheet. Your cartridge should track the actual level without audible distortion. Inability to track can be heard as a departure from a pure tone or a sputtering and intermittent tone. To determine if it is one or both channels, the balance control can be utilized. If there is differing tracking ability in the left and right channels, it may be necessary to readjust the anti-skating correction of the tonearm. If both channels fail to track properly, increase the vertical tracking force until no further improvement of tracking force can be obtained.

Track 15 Square Wave Form (2.7 msec duty cycle 3:7)

When monitoring the output of your cartridge with an oscilloscope, you’ll see a square wave located precisely above each other if the connection from the cartridge is correct.

Download User Guide

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