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Recommended Test Records

Setting up rig after it being in storage for about 10 years.
Just bought a SoundSmith Sussurro MKII cartridge, so I want to set everything up as best I can.
Recently purchased the SmartTractor, but may not be compatible with Fidelity Research FR64s tonearm?

Here are the test records I have from previous:
Analogue Productions ’Utlimate Test LP’ (AAPT 1)

Ortofon Pick up test record direct cut (0001)

Opus 3 ’Test Record 1 Depth of Image’ (Opus 3 79-00)
Bolivar Speaker Works, Bolivar Blues band, ’Testing 1...2...3...’ (04 007 00)

Would appreciate suggestions for other or better test records and comments on what I have already.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Rick
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrich121
8 responses Add your response
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Only with Hi-Fi Test LP you can measure the actual resonance of your tonearm/cartridge combination. This is a great test LP with nice protractor! 

With Cardas LP you can ultrasonically clean the stylus, this is amazing feature. Also cartridge burn-in loops is nice to have too. 

If you have Dr. Feickert protractor you don't really need any other protractors at all, there are all on Feickert for any tonearm with 3 different alignment methods, and build quality is superb for its price. 
johnss
570 posts
 
in addition to above, would suggest a NAB test disc. will tell you if you are even close to flat freq response.
rich121's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rich121 OP
187 posts
 
"If you are really serious about setting to the best up then you owe it to check out the Analog Magik disc set, there was one listed on AudioGon
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis98427-analog-magik-cartridge-alignment-software-tweaks

I have it and it is a pleasure to use"


I have been following this for about a year and not yet convinced.
From what I have read, especially the thread on the 'whatsbest' forum, this is not so much an accurate or consistant tool ... and at it's cost, I will wait until I see better reviews.
rich121's avatar
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rich121 OP
187 posts
 
" Why wouldn’t the smartractor be compatible with FR? "

hello lewm,

I don’t know if the SmarTractor will not work, I put in the question mark, as in an older post by Syntax, he stated that the FR64s can only be properly set-up using the Dennison, which was a 2014 post... I haven’t seen a reply from him yet.
tirebiter
16 posts
 
+1 ... Analog Magik took the guesswork out of the equation...
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
If you are really serious about setting to the best up then you owe it to check out the Analog Magik disc set, there was one listed on AudioGon
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis98427-analog-magik-cartridge-alignment-software-tweaks

I have it and it is a pleasure to use


lewm
13,030 posts
 
Why wouldn’t the smartractor be compatible with FR? 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Dr.Feickert protractor
Hi-Fi News TEST LP with free protractor inside
Cardas Frequency Sweep LP

this is all you need
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