A well sorted test record is invaluable when it comes to optimising record replay and there are two on the market; the Hi-Fi News Test Record, and the Analogue Audio Association Test Record, or Klangtest as it is called in its native Germany!

By sheer chance these two discs actually complement each other, the HFN/RR one majoring on tracking performance, the AAA version helping with azimuth and imaging, as well as a few musical excerpts. At around £14.50 each, anyone who sets up turntables for their own or other peoples use should have both.

AAA Strobe Disc
If you have a variable speed turntable, then you need a strobe disc to set it up. The best I've come across is the Analogue Audio Association disc from Germany This gives you 50 and 60 Hz bands, as well as a tracking arc compatible with Linn mount tonearms, and a tangential line for parallel trackers, all printed on a 12" mirrored surface. It's definitely on the heavy side, so not ideal for Pinks and the like, and at £65 it's expensive, but it's the last strobe disc you'll ever buy

Loricraft Strobe Lamp
Bear in mind that any strobe disc is only as good as the light doing the illuminating. Ideally this should be independent of the mains, and the nicest I've come across is made by Loricraft, at a price of £40. Battery powered and incredibly accurate, it is a model of functional simplicity And if you ask them really nicely they might even dig out a 60 Hz version, which will make it even more precise.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Supplier
Hi-Fi News Test Record
Suppied by HFN/RR Accessories Club
Tel: (44)(0)1234-741152
Fax: (44)(0)1234-742028
Net: www.hi-fi-accessories-club.mcmail.com

AAA Strobe Disc
Supplied by Vinyl Demand
Tel: (44)(0)1579-363603
Fax: (44)(0)1579-363604

Strobe Lamp
Supplied by Loricraft
Tel. (44)(0)1672-511401

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