Product Review

The Perfect Tool to Help You Dial in Your Analog Rig  This is the one record no analog system should be without. Featuring two full sides of excellent tools, the HiFi News Test LP is the best investment you can make. With tracks for testing everything from channel balance to azimuth, the HiFi News Test LP offers simple to use and comprehensive tests to allow everyone from analog newbies to record collectors get the most out of their turntables. SIDE ONE Track 1 : Channel Identification: Voice on Left channel then on Right channel Reversing left and right channels is one of the most common mistakes in an analog rig. If the channels are reversed, imaging, depth and dynamic range suffer. This track ensures the most basic test for a high performance system is covered. Track 2 : Phasing: Voice alternately "in phase" and "out of phase" Reversing the cartridge leads is the second most common mistake made in an analog rig. Miswiring the phase at the cartridge destroys imaging, space, depth, bass extension and overall system gain. This track offers easily audible cues to highlight phase inaccuracies. Tracks 3, 4, 5 : Channel Balance: -20db pink noise tests These three tracks provide mid-range weighted random noise to ensure tonal balance is set correctly. When listening, neither the left nor the right speaker should be louder. Track 3 is pink noise in both channels, Track 4 is Left only and Track 5 is Right Only. Check these tracks before moving on to the Bias tracks. ( NOTE : Test Cut 4 and 5 for use with the Fozgometer Azimuth Device) Tracks 6, 7, 8 : Bias setting: 300Hz tone, both channels at +12dB, +14dB, +16dB, respectively These tracks are for setting anti-skate. If the 300Hz test tone is heard distorting or buzzing on either channel, then the anti-skate function needs to be adjusted. Each successive track is more diffi