Hi-Fi News & Record Review - Test Record

Hi-Fi News & Record Review - Test Record

LP released in 1996

I'm not going to lay out some sob story about how or why there has not been an update in almost two months. I'm not going to make an apology that I have not posted in a while. I know I have let my 60-something devoted fans down. I feel terrible that I have not provided anything that could be life-changing or just downright amusing, but there was not much I could do about it.

I'll be brief in explaining what's been going on behind the scenes. I went from a part-time job to a full-time job around the end of September. That was also the time I was getting ready for the next post here. So, I now have a full-time job in my field with somewhat decent pay and benefits plus I now contribute to society even more in the form of more withholding taxes. Also I happen to still be enrolled in the Master's of Library and Information Science (LIS) program in grad school. In case you're wondering, I should be finished next year in December. I need something to fall back on just in case the self-help/life improvement gig doesn't work out. Librarianship doesn't pay enough to buy a mansion in Hawaii and a jet helicopter, but there are a lot worse jobs out there. I've tried to adjust to the new job schedule and school. Now I think I've done just that, I'll be able to help you work on you through my postings on a regular basis.

I thought I would make my somewhat grand return with another LP designed to test your records and your turntable from an operation called Hi-Fi News & Record Review (now just called Hi-Fi News). I needed to test my turntable anyway, so I thought I would record this LP while I'm at it. This LP is all about the tones, signals, and the pink noise. What I like about this LP is that there is no middle-of-the-road music tacked on or any music for that matter.

Here is what a chap named Len Gregory, "The Cartridge Man" has to say about this record:
All the test tracks on this disc have been carefully chosen to help you set up your cartridge and arm combination to work optimally. It is assumed that you have already followed the manufacturer's recommendation as regards setting-up their particular unit, and that the platter is perfectly level. When you have a cartridge for which the manufacturer gives a range of tracking weights (for example, between 1.5 and 2.5 grams), it is recommended that you begin the tests at the manufacturer's suggested maximum weight. You can then decide whether you want to reduce the tracking weight or not, according to the cartridge's capability during the first run.

The back cover also provides record handling tips which are obvious but still helpful:

• Always handle records with great care.
• Avoid touching the playing surfaces.
• Keep your records clean - if they need cleaning, then find a dealer with a record-cleaning machine (or buy one).
• Make sure your turntable mat is kept clean.
• Keep your stylus clean too - remember, dust and dirt shorten both the life of your records and your stylus.
• The opening of the inner record sleeve should always lie inside the outer sleeve if you are to avoid dust contamination.
• Store records upright at an even temperature.
• Make sure that you keep your records away from heat sources.

One more thing: if you happen to live in the United States of America, be sure to exercise your right to vote tomorrow.

Tracklisting:  (link coming back soon)

Side 1

1. Channel Identification {0:28}

2. Phasing {0:26}

3. Channel Balance {1:04}

4. Pink Noise -20dB, L Channel {0:27}

5. Pink Noise -20dB, R Channel {0:29}

6. Bias Setting (300 Hz Tone L+R at +12dB) {0:19}

7. Bias Setting (300 Hz Tone L+R at +14dB) {0:17}

8. Bias Setting (300 Hz Tone L+R at +16dB) {0:18}

9. Bias Setting (300 Hz Tone L+R at +18dB) {0:18}

Side 2

1. Tracking Ability 1 (300Hz L+R at +15dB) {0:21}

2. Cartridge/Arm Lateral Resonance Test {1:22}

3. Cartridge/Arm Vertical Resonance Test {0:44}

4. Tracking Ability 2 (300Hz L+R at +15dB) {0:14}

5. Cartridge Alignment (Azimuth) Test: 300Hz Vertical {0:21}

6. Residual System Noise (Unmodulated Grooves) {0:20}

7. Tracking Ability 3 (300Hz L+R at +15dB) {0:21}