Ortofon Test Vinyl Record

Ortofon Official Vinyl test record is specially cut with frequency sweeps and tests cartridge tracking ability. It 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 analysing 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 equalisation. Volume control is recommended to be set at a moderate signal level.

Frequency Sweep

Tracks 1-4 are a tool for checking frequency response. There are several factors which can affect frequency response, including cable capacitance, cartridge loading, tracking force and worn parts. Because of this, it can be difficult to achieve perfectly flat frequency response. Sometimes by making small compromises in the cartridge loading, a better overall frequency response can be achieved. Considering the above the signal must be clean throughout the sweep.

Reference Tone

Tracks 5-8 are for testing channel output. With this standard reference signal, it is possible to check the correctness of the left and right channel connections, channel balance and speed of the turntable.

Tracking Ability

Tracks 9 -14 test tracking ability (315Hz lateral modulation). These tracks contain a 315Hz signal, recorded at increasing pick amplitudes of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 micrometres. Your cartridge should be able to 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 utilised. In case of differing tracking ability in the left and right channels, it is probably necessary to readjust the anti-skating correction of the tonearm. If both channels fail to track properly, then vertical tracking force should be increased until no further improvement of tracking force can be obtained.

Square Wave Form

Track 15 is a 2.7m/sec duty cycle. When monitoring the output of your cartridge with an oscilloscope you’ll then see a square wave located precisely above each other if the connection from the cartridge is correct. After successful completion of the above test procedures, you can ensure that your cartridge is optimised. Still, the human ear is very sensitive to the difference in tone distortion; its level depends on the stylus condition and record wear.