Looking for test record containing white or pink noise

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#4
Have you used the CBS?

I have a few albums with pink noise, I got this CBS one because people said the pink noise track on the HiFi News Producer's cut isn't that accurate, but I think they fairly closely track one another.

I have a couple of others, too. I have a Telarc Omnidisc, but I haven't tried that one, yet.
 
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#5
I don't use the LP, but if you want to test phono preamps (rather than cartridges), just use a line level noise source,
and run it through an inverse RIAA network. Much more accurate and consistent than an LP source.
 
#6
Yep, reverse-RIAA would be a better way. But I wanted to test the entire chain including the cartridge. Those vintage JVC and (I think) Denon test albums that the magazines used are likely the way to go, to really know for sure. BUT, they're as rare as hen's teeth.
 
#9
The problem is for a lot of test records we don't actually know how white or pink the noise is. There was a discussion a few years back on here to try and calibrate all the std test records but it came to nothing. the CH precision test record is apparantly one of the best, but it only comes with a $$$$$$ preamp so you have to be lucky to get hold of a copy.
 
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#10
See if you can find an CBS STR140 disk. I have one, but I am not willing to part with it. Yes, some have accused these of not being accurate. But when you consider all the variables in cartridge set up, and factor in the quality of the RIAA networks in many preamps, it is fine. They are essential for properly setting up your cartridge. It is also nice to have a good alignment protractor. If your preamp allows you to match the cartridge impedance, be sure to do so. Failure to do so will play hell with the frequency response you end up with, although some "tin ears" will dispute this. I usually setup mine up using a two channel oscilloscope, one trace per channel. If you overlay the traces it is easy to see when things match up. Heck, I have worked in radio for decades, I still have memories of aligning reel to reel and cart machines as well as all the digital crap that followed, much of it now now obsolete. But the good stuff never dies.
 
#11
I'm not sure the STR-140 is especially accurate, I think there is a rising response above 10k and I think the noise "only" extends to 15k or so.

The problem is variance in these test records. A bright engineer at another forum called my attention to the article I post which compares some of the most highly regarded test records using the same gear (deck, arm, cartridge,stylus). So any variation here, is the variation in the test records.

cartridge_measurements_read-with-care_p1.png


cartridge_measurements_read-with-care_p2.png
 
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#12
Good article. Thanks for posting this. Due to the chronic shortage of qualified broadcast engineers. I actually get little time to pursue other interests lately. That includes my love of audio. But I have chosen to re-engage regardless, because there needs to be more to life than a seemingly endless string of repairs to forlorn transmitter sites!
 
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