In article , Arny
Krueger


I set levels using a trackability test track. If the cartridge is
mistracking, tain't no need for that much more headroom in the preamp!

That might need to be interpreted with some care, however. The level which
causes mistracking may vary with frequency, distance from the LP center of
rotation, and may also be different for vertical or horizontal
displacements. Most of the domestic test LPs seem to use test bands with
frequencies of 300 - 400 Hz which isn't necessarily a good guide to signals
with significant content at other frequencies.

Alas, since in recent years both manufacturers of cartridges and magazine
reviews seem to have abandoned analysing the tracking ability of a
cartridge in much detail it is difficult to say more with any precision.
Shure still seem to publish tracking data at 1kHz and 10kHz, but most other
makers seem to give no info on such details. IIRC Shure also tended to use
a 45rpm disc for their own HF tracking tests, which would give better
results than 33rpm.

Slainte,

Jim

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