Ortofon Test Record

Ortofon’s new 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.

The Tests

Each side of the record consists of 15 tracks which have been cut from 1-4 and 5-15:

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 velocity amplitude throughout the sweep.

Introduction

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 tonearm to be parallel to record surface, set Vertical Tracking Force and antiskating according to the cartridge’s recommended technical data, and adjust stylus overhang.

Azimuth adjustment or vertical alignment of the cartridge is very important for optimal channel separation.

The checking is easily done by lowering the cartridge onto a thin mirror placed on the record surface and examining whether the reflection lines up square with the cartridge, when viewed from the front. During this test the tonearm must still be parallel to the record surface. If not obtainable because of mirror thickness, remove record and work directly on the mat. To adjust, check the manual for the turntable or cartridge.