Ortofon Test Record

Item code: ORTALPTESTRECORD1A

4.5 2 reviews ✓ Verified
The Ortofon Test Record is equipped with special test signals that have been specifically developed for analysing cartridge performance and its interaction with your tonearm and turntable. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your system's c…
£40.00
£33.33
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Qty:

SPEAKER CABLES:

A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.

OTHER CABLES:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.

NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.

£33.33 ex. VAT
Available — built to order, dispatches in 24 hours
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24  ·  DPD Next Day from £8.95  ·  DPD Saturday from £12.95
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Our promise: 30-day returns · Free burn-in · Built in our UK workshop · 12 Months warranty · Expert support on every order

Ortofon Test Record

 

The Ortofon Test Record is equipped with special test signals that have been specifically developed for analysing cartridge performance and its interaction with your tonearm and turntable. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your system's capabilities. But before testing your cartridge, it is essential to ensure the functionality of your HiFi system, and the Test Record provides instructions for this as well.

One of the key features of the Test Record is its built-in RIAA equalization, allowing for seamless integration with your system. It is recommended to set the volume control at a moderate level, ensuring accurate and reliable results. Additionally, the Test Record provides instructions for the correct installation and alignment of your turntable and tonearm, ensuring optimum performance.

The Test Record also takes into consideration the technical data of your cartridge, providing instructions for setting the Vertical Tracking Force and anti-skating. This level of precision allows for a more thorough evaluation of your system's performance.

 

Track Listing

 

Each side of the record consists of 15 tracks which have been cut from 1-4 and 5-15:

  1. Frequency Sweep Left Channel 800 Hz – 50 kHz. Log. 28 sec. Linear cut* (800 – 20000 Hz ±1,5 dB)
  2. Frequency Sweep Right Channel 800 Hz – 50 kHz. Log. 28 sec. Linear cut* (800 – 20000 Hz ±1,5 dB)
  3. Frequency Sweep Left Channel 800 Hz – 50 kHz. Log. 28 sec. Linear cut* (800 – 20000 Hz ±1,5 dB)
  4. Frequency Sweep Right Channel 800 Hz – 50 kHz. Log. 28 sec. Linear cut* (800 – 20000 Hz ±1,5 dB)
  5. Reference tone 1000 Hz 5 cm/sec rms Left
  6. Reference tone 1000 Hz 5 cm/sec rms Right
  7. Reference tone 1000 Hz 5 cm/sec rms Left
  8. Reference tone 1000 Hz 5 cm/sec rms Right
  9. Tracking ability, lateral 50 μm peak
  10. Tracking ability, lateral 60 μm peak
  11. Tracking ability, lateral 70 μm peak
  12. Tracking ability, lateral 80 μm peak
  13. Tracking ability, lateral 90 μm peak
  14. Tracking ability, lateral 100 μm peak
  15. Square Wave Form 2.7 msec duty cycle 3:7

* The record has a constant velocity amplitude throughout the sweep.

 

1-4 Frequency sweep – 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.

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

9 -14 Tracking ability test, 315 Hz lateral modulation:
These tracks contain a 315 Hz signal, recorded at increasing pick amplitudes of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 micrometers. Please refer to your cartridge’s tracking ability value specified in the technical data sheet. 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.

15. Square Wave Form 2.7 msec duty cycle 3:7:
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 difference in tone distortion; its level depends on the stylus condition and record wear.

To maintain optimal sound reproduction and to minimise wear on your records as well as on your stylus, we recommend the following procedure before and after each playback:

  • Remove dust carefully from record surfaces by using a fine anti-static brush or cloth before every use.
  • Please remember to remove dust from the diamond tip before and after playback of each record.
  • In order to keep electrical contacts clean and to lubricate the knurled nut on the tonearm, Ortofon recommends occasionally a light spray of contact cleaner like DeoxIT ®Gold G-Series into the tonearm socket.

 

It should be noted that some phono equalisers may generate some tone distortion, which cannot be referred to the cartridge.

 

About Ortofon

Ortofon is one of the world leader's in the development and manufacturing of turntable cartridges. The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Ortofon has been accumulating since 1918 with their first moving coil cartridge manufactured in 1948.

Today, Ortofon offers a wide range of cartridges for both DJ's and Hi-Fi audiophiles. Their offering includes moving magnets, moving coils, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78RPM cartridges.

Throughout their range of cartridges, Ortofon maintains a set profile with each cartridge profile containing an individual sonic expression. All of Ortofon's range of cartridges includes a Red, Blue, Bronze and Black model.

First, in the range, are the Red cartridges which deliver open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. Next, the Blue Cartridges offer greater dynamic soundstages with improved detail and resolution. Following on, the Bronze cartridges improve the details in a way that pays respects to all elements of the track. Lastly, the Black cartridges are the best at everything. They are true to the groove with resolution and accurate insight into each recording.

Ortofon have made their cartridges suitable for the majority of turntables on the market at the moment. With a wide range of available models, there is an Ortofon cartridge to suit everyone.

 

About Ortofon

Danish cartridge maker with models for hi-fi and DJ use, from moving magnet to moving coil and mono.

Ortofon is a Danish company that develops, manufactures and markets phono cartridges. The catalogue covers moving magnet and moving coil designs, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78rpm cartridges, for both hi-fi and DJ use. Series names include OM, 2M, Concorde, Exclusive, MC Cadenza, MC X, MC Quintet, VNL and SPU.

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Colour names in the core ranges, numbers and names elsewhere

Ortofon's core ranges, 2M, MC Cadenza and MC Quintet, use colours to mark the steps, such as Red, Blue, Bronze and Black. Ortofon describes Red as open and dynamic with a touch of warmth, and Blue as adding detail and resolution. Other ranges use numbers, like MC X, or names, like Vertex and Verismo in the Exclusive series.

Moving magnet, moving coil and mono

Ortofon builds both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, so it covers the two main ways of generating a signal from a groove. It also makes mono and 78rpm cartridges for older records, and plug-and-play headshells, which arrive with the cartridge already mounted.

A series to suit most turntables

The catalogue is organised in series rather than a single line, and Ortofon says its cartridges suit the majority of turntables now on the market. You still need to check compatibility with your tonearm before buying, because a cartridge's weight and compliance have to suit it.

Why we stock Ortofon

Ortofon are the cartridge name most vinyl listeners already trust, and they cover the full span from a first serious upgrade to the high end. That range is why we carry them. Whether you are replacing a worn stylus or rebuilding a front end properly, you can be sent to one brand and be right.

Shop all Ortofon →

We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.

Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.

 

Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.

 

All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.

 

 

Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:

  • Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
  • Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
  • Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
  • You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
  • We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
  • FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.

 

UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS

Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*

Weight Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE)
0g - 1000g £3.95
1000g - 1400g £4.95
1400g - 1800g £5.95
1800g - 2000g £6.95
2000g - 3000g £8.95


* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.

Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.

 

Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day

We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.

 

Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.

 

For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.

 

Channel Islands & Northern Ireland

We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.

 

European Countries

Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

 

Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe

Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
  • Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

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Ortofon Test Record

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4.5
2 reviews
5★
1 (50%)
4★
1 (50%)
3★
0 (0%)
2★
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1★
0 (0%)
Stephen ✓ Verified Purchase
Helpful in checking your turntable set up 6 December 2025
Straightforward to use at home for most of the tests.
Richard ✓ Verified Purchase
Great test and setup record 23 November 2025
Great record for checking/adjusting anti-skate settings.

The result dramatically improved the sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Write Your Own Review

Ortofon Test Record

We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.

Please do:

  • - Write 50-300 words for the product
  • - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
  • - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
  • - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
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