Gift Ideas for Vinyl Lovers 12 Items

Ortofon’s new Test Record is designed to allow you to verify your HiFi system in the most natural audio surroundings at home. The Test Record contains special test signals developed for analyzing cartridge performance as well as its interaction with your tonearm and turntable.

Before testing your cartridge, please verify the HiFi system’s functionality. The left speaker should be connected to the left amplifier channel and vice versa; both speakers should work in phase and be optimally positioned in the room.
The Test Record is designed to be played through your system with in-built RIAA equalization. Volume control is recommended to be set at a moderate signal level.

Please refer to your turntable and tonearm’s instructions for correct installation and alignment, adjust tonearm to be parallel to record surface, set Vertical Tracking Force and antiskating according to the cartridge’s recommended technical data, and adjust stylus overhang.

The new 15-track fine pressing

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 ?m peak
10. Tracking ability, lateral 60 ?m peak
11. Tracking ability, lateral 70 ?m peak
12. Tracking ability, lateral 80 ?m peak
13. Tracking ability, lateral 90 ?m peak
14. Tracking ability, lateral 100 ?m 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 utilized. 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 optimized. 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 minimize 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 antistatic brush or cloth before every use.
• Please remember to remove dust from the diamond tip before and after playback of each record
• I 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 equalizers may generate some tone distortion, which cannot be referred to the cartridge.

User Guide: https://www.ortofon.com/media/148619/ortofon-test-record-user-guide.pdf

760 g layer weight to stabilize vinyl records.
Ø 70mm

The number 1 turntable weight used by Dj's in the world!

MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights are carefully designed to reduce a turntable’s noise floor and thus improve the musical soundstage. Users enjoy improved bass response, tighter mids and controlled highs as the turntable weight reduces unwanted resonance when placed via the spindle on top of a record. MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights weigh just over 400 grams (+/- 14oz), light enough to not cause damage to a turntable’s bearing system, but heavy enough to give sonic improvement.

MasterSounds x HHV weights have been tested on a large variety of non-suspended belt drive and direct drive turntables with great success. Pressing plants try to achieve quality control on every record made, however there are intrinsic issues such as dished and warped records. MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights help to combat this too. DJs love this; as it aids cueing a problematic a record prior to mixing and eliminates needle skip.

It was developed an anti-slip base for MasterSounds x HHV weights, and thus each turntable weight has been designed to grip the record, which is fantastic for DJ’ing as it really stabilises records in the mix. Use MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights for a couple of weeks then remove to realise what a difference they make!

• Satin black with HHV graphic
• Hand-brushed finish
• Premium quality turntable weights developed for club and home use
• Hand made in quality aluminium, limited "edition" numbers
• Simply pop a record on your turntable and place the turntable weight over the spindle to enjoy a wider, deeper sound stage with extended bass and improved sound throughout the frequency spectrum
• Stabilises your record when playing in a club, bar or at home
• Less needle skip
• Rubber anti-slip base
• Supplied in velvet style pouch for transport
• 80mm diameter X 41mm high

The number 1 turntable weight used by Dj's in the world!

MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights are carefully designed to reduce a turntable’s noise floor and thus improve the musical soundstage. Users enjoy improved bass response, tighter mids and controlled highs as the turntable weight reduces unwanted resonance when placed via the spindle on top of a record. MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights weigh just over 400 grams (+/- 14oz), light enough to not cause damage to a turntable’s bearing system, but heavy enough to give sonic improvement.

MasterSounds x HHV weights have been tested on a large variety of non-suspended belt drive and direct drive turntables with great success. Pressing plants try to achieve quality control on every record made, however there are intrinsic issues such as dished and warped records. MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights help to combat this too. DJs love this; as it aids cueing a problematic a record prior to mixing and eliminates needle skip.

It was developed an anti-slip base for MasterSounds x HHV weights, and thus each turntable weight has been designed to grip the record, which is fantastic for DJ’ing as it really stabilises records in the mix. Use MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights for a couple of weeks then remove to realise what a difference they make!

• Satin black with black HHV graphic
• Hand-brushed finish
• Premium quality turntable weights developed for club and home use
• Hand made in quality aluminium, limited "edition" numbers
• Simply pop a record on your turntable and place the turntable weight over the spindle to enjoy a wider, deeper sound stage with extended bass and improved sound throughout the frequency spectrum
• Stabilises your record when playing in a club, bar or at home
• Less needle skip
• Rubber anti-slip base
• Supplied in velvet style pouch for transport
• 80mm diameter X 41mm high
• ca. 400g

AT618a
Disc Stabiliser

• Holds record firmly in place stabilising the record
• Thick rubber construction
• 600g

rtofon DS-3 - a high precision digital stylus pressure gauge
DS-3 is a new lightweight compact digital stylus pressure gauge model. The DS-3 is a miniature ultra precision non-magnetic instrument that tunes your tonearm to the highest possible degree. The DS-3 scale is factory pre-calibrated for high accuracy measurements with the tolerance of +/-0.01 g.

How to use the DS-3
• Turn on the device by pressing ON button. The display will show 0000.
• Press the UNIT button to select the measurement unit. The default setting is gram/g.
• Place the stylus on the measurement plate on the right side of the device. Display will start blinking. It will stop blinking when the measurement is completed. The value displayed on the screen is the stylus pressure.
• The display screen will automatically dim to saving mode after 5 seconds of inactivity and turn off after 60 seconds of inactivity.
• When a battery runs out, a LO indicator will flash on the screen. Then replace both batteries.
• PCS button balances count by calculating the average weight of one piece-weight called a unit weight, then applying it to the total weight of what you are trying to count. Firstly, weigh one PC, then weigh the bundle, then push the PCS button and on the display you’ll get a number of PCS.

Technical data and precautions
Sensitivity - 0.01g
Operational weight range - 0.1g to 200g
Battery - 2 × AAA
Size - (L) 120mm × (W) 60mm × (H) 17mm
Weight - 70g
LCD screen with back lighting
Auto off function
Protect the device against high temperatures, dust and humidity
Carefully lower the measurement object on the measurement plate
Operating temperature range +10⁰ - +30⁰C
Do not place objects weighting more than 200 g on the measurement plate
Do not place the device on an uneven surface, it may result in not accurate measurements

The number 1 turntable weight used by Dj's in the world!

MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights are carefully designed to reduce a turntable’s noise floor and thus improve the musical soundstage. Users enjoy improved bass response, tighter mids and controlled highs as the turntable weight reduces unwanted resonance when placed via the spindle on top of a record. MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights weigh just over 400 grams (+/- 14oz), light enough to not cause damage to a turntable’s bearing system, but heavy enough to give sonic improvement.

MasterSounds x HHV weights have been tested on a large variety of non-suspended belt drive and direct drive turntables with great success. Pressing plants try to achieve quality control on every record made, however there are intrinsic issues such as dished and warped records. MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights help to combat this too. DJs love this; as it aids cueing a problematic a record prior to mixing and eliminates needle skip.

It was developed an anti-slip base for MasterSounds x HHV weights, and thus each turntable weight has been designed to grip the record, which is fantastic for DJ’ing as it really stabilises records in the mix. Use MasterSounds x HHV turntable weights for a couple of weeks then remove to realise what a difference they make!

• Satin Titanium with white HHV graphic
• Hand-brushed finish
• Premium quality turntable weights developed for club and home use
• Hand made in quality aluminium, limited "edition" numbers
• Simply pop a record on your turntable and place the turntable weight over the spindle to enjoy a wider, deeper sound stage with extended bass and improved sound throughout the frequency spectrum
• Stabilises your record when playing in a club, bar or at home
• Less needle skip
• Rubber anti-slip base
• Supplied in velvet style pouch for transport
• 80mm diameter X 41mm high
• ca. 400g

Moving Coil & Moving Magnet Phono Preamp

Squeeze every inch of detail from your record collection with our highest quality moving magnet and moving coil phono stage, with integrated headphone amp; the Duo Phono Preamplifier.

Vinyl as it's Supposed to Sound
Whether you’re dusting off your record collection or embracing analogue through the vinyl revival, there’s a unique experience to be had from the moment you drop the needle on your favourite album. To preserve the unique warmth of the vinyl sound, the Duo phono preamplifier has been carefully designed with a state-of-the-art switch mode power supply and a new surface mounted circuit board layout to reduce unwanted noise.

Why Choose a Dedicated Phono Preamplifier?
Due to the low-level signals created by a turntable, not all hi-fi amplifiers will let you connect directly to a record player. The phono preamplifier boosts this signal to something a power amplifier can work with. The challenge at this stage though is that noise can easily be added.
This is why we’ve designed the Duo around exceptional components that deliver the warm and detailed sound that’s synonymous with vinyl, all without distorting the signal from your moving magnet cartridge turntable. The switch mode power supply improves performance by switching outside of audible frequency to drastically reduce hum and new circuit board layout uses surface-mount components to reduce noise.

Vinyl. Just for You
Enjoy the warmth of vinyl privately thanks to Duo’s integrated headphone output. Uniquely, we integrated a 6.35mm headphone jack directly into the phono stage, so you can still enjoy your records when there’s no option to play out loud.
The integrated headphone output also means no need to turn on your amplifier just to power your headphones, resulting in a more eco-friendly listening experience.

Attention to Detail
If some records in your collection are a little worse for wear, the subsonic filter will help to eliminate low frequency rumbles that can be caused by imperfections within your vinyl. Combine this with the balance control for handling potential cartridge imbalances in your record player (that can cause a difference between the left and right channels) and the result is a detailed experience with accurate soundstage.

Eco Friendly
The Duo phono preamplifier is green at heart with less than half a watt standby power consumption and auto power down feature if the unit isn’t used after a 20 minute period. This in turn gives the unit the same worldwide voltage for compatibility wherever you are in the world.

Technical specifications:
• MAX POWER CONSUMPTION: 10W
• CARTRIDGE SUPPORT: Moving Magnet | Moving Coil
• GAIN @ 1KHZ: MM: 39dB | MC: 60dB
• NOMINAL OUTPUT: 300mV
• SENSITIVITY FOR NOMINAL OUTPUT: MM: 3.35mV | MC: 305uV
• EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE (A-WEIGHTED): MM: ~0.09uV | MC: ~0.08uV
• RIAA CURVE ACCURACY: +/- 0.3dB 30Hz-50Hz
• SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO GROUNDED INPUTS REF. 1V OUTPUT (20HZ-20KHZ BW): MM: >90dB | MC: >70dB
• THD+N 1KHZ (20-20KHZ BW): MM: <0.0025% | MC: <0.20%
• INPUT IMPEDANCE: MM: 47k Ohms | MC: 100 Ohms
• INPUT CAPACITANCE: 100pF
• OVERLOAD MARGIN: >30dB
• CROSSTALK @ 10KHZ: MM: >85dB | MC: 75dB
• DIMENSIONS (H X W X D): 48 x 215 x 159 mm (1.9 x 8.5 x 6.2")
• WEIGHT: 0.95kg (2.1lbs)
• WHATS IN THE BOX?: Alva Duo Moving Coil & Moving Magnet Phono Preamp, User Manual, Safety Guide, Mains Lead

Moving Magnet Phono Preamplifier

Enjoy every last detail from your vinyl collection with our highest quality moving magnet phono stage, the Solo Phono Preamplifier.

Vinyl as it's Supposed to Sound
Whether you’re dusting off your record collection or embracing analogue through the vinyl revival, there’s a unique experience to be had from the moment you drop the needle on your favourite album. To preserve the unique warmth of the vinyl sound, the Solo phono preamplifier has been carefully designed with a state-of-the-art switch mode power supply and a new surface mounted circuit board layout to reduce unwanted noise.

Why Choose a Dedicated Phono Stage?
Due to the low-level signals created by a turntable, not all hi-fi amplifiers will let you connect directly to a record player. The phono preamplifier boosts this signal to something a power amplifier can work with. The challenge at this stage though is that noise can easily be added.
This is why we’ve designed the Solo around exceptional components that deliver the warm and detailed sound that’s synonymous with vinyl, all without distorting the signal from your moving magnet cartridge. The switch mode power supply improves performance by switching outside of audible frequency to drastically reduce hum and new circuit board layout uses surface-mount components to reduce noise.

Attention to Detail
If some records in your collection are a little worse for wear, the subsonic filter will help to eliminate low frequency rumbles that can be caused by imperfections within your vinyl. Combine this with the balance control for handling potential cartridge imbalances in your record player (that can cause a difference between the left and right channels) and the result is a detailed experience with accurate soundstage.

Eco Friendly
The Solo phono preamplifier is green at heart with less than half a watt standby power consumption and auto power down feature if the unit isn’t used after a 20 minute period. This in turn gives the unit the same worldwide voltage for compatibility wherever you are in the world.

Technical specifications:
• MAX POWER CONSUMPTION: 10W
• GAIN @ 1KHZ: 39dB
• NOMINAL OUTPUT: 300mV
• SENSITIVITY FOR NOMINAL OUTPUT: 3.35mV
• EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE (A-WEIGHTED): ~0.09uV
• RIAA CURVE ACCURACY: +/- 0.65dB 30Hz-20kHz
• SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO GROUNDED INPUTS REF. 1V OUTPUT (20HZ-20KHZ BW): >90dB
• THD+N 1KHZ (20-20KHZ BW): <0.0025%
• INPUT IMPEDANCE: 47k Ohm
• INPUT CAPACITANCE: 100pF
• OVERLOAD MARGIN: >30dB
• CROSSTALK @10KHZ: >85dB
• DIMENSIONS (H X W X D): 48x176x132 (1.9x6.9x5.2”)
• WEIGHT: 0.68kg/1.5lbs
• WHATS IN THE BOX: Alva Solo Moving Magnet Phono Preamplifier, User Manual, Safety Guide, Mains lead

Integrated Stereo Amplifier with (Built-in) Phono-Stage

• 35 Watts Power per Channel – for detailed performance at all volumes, ideal for smaller/medium sized rooms
• Built-In Phono Stage – to plug & play a vinyl turntable
• Slim Timeless Design – classic hi-fi size, with Lunar Grey aluminium trim
• Tone Controls – fine-tune sound to compensate for room dynamics
• Digital Display – white LED, clearly shows; source, volume & menus
• Headphone Socket – full size socket for high-quality after-hours listening
• Front Aux Input – 3.5mm socket to easily connect compatible devices

Sound Comes First
Our AXA35 integrated amp offers 35 watts per channel and has a built-in moving magnet phono stage – perfect for vinyl enthusiasts. A white LED dot matrix display confirms listening source, and separate tone controls mean you can adjust the sound to suit your taste. There’s a large ¼” (6.35mm) headphone socket too, ideal for high-quality listening without disturbing those who might not share your great taste in music.

Your Journey into Sound
AXA35 is the ideal amp to begin listening to music and really appreciating it – hearing detail in familiar tunes you’ve previously missed. That’s down to the toroidal transformer it uses, a tech found higher up our range. Choose a pair of speakers to suit your taste, perhaps they’ve been in the family for years or maybe something from our SX Series.

Release the Wheels of Steel
The built-in phono stage is the ace up AXA35’s sleeve. It means that you can plug a turntable straight in without any extra kit. Moving magnet (MM) compatibility means AXA35 works with a wide variety of turntables – including that vintage one you’ve had your eye on. Soon you’ll be playing the records you’ve been saving for, and planning what to buy next.

Setting the Tone
With separate bass and treble controls, you can fine-tune AXA35’s sound to suit your taste, speakers and room dynamics. The volume level is shown on the LED dot matrix display, and with 35 watts per channel you’ll have plenty of kick for smaller to medium sized rooms.

Wired for Sound
AXA35 is a well-connected amp, with no less than 4 pairs of RCA inputs, plus a pair of phono sockets for a turntable and a pair of recording outputs. There’s a rear USB socket for technical upgrades. Hi-fi quality speaker binding posts (connectors), compatible for banana plugs, mean that thick cable connects securely for an authentic sound.

Designed for Life
As with the rest of AX Series, AXA35 shares our house-style of Lunar Grey minimalist fascia, black steel cabinet and ‘floating’ base. This timeless look enables an upgrade path through our range. A slim build, in the classic 430mm hi-fi width, also means that AXA35 can easily slot, and breathe new life, into a much-loved system.

Technical specifications:
• POWER OUTPUT: 35 Watts (into 8 Ohms)
• THD (UNWEIGHTED): <0.01% @ 1kHz, 80% of rated power <0.15% 20Hz - 20kHz, 80% of rated power
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE (-3DB): 5Hz - 50kHz
• S/N RATIO (REF 1W): >82dB (unweighted)
• INPUT IMPEDANCES: 47k ohms
• POWER AMP DAMPING FACTOR: > 50
• MAX. POWER CONSUMPTION: 260W
• BASS/TREBLE CONTROLS: Shelving, ultimate boost/cut +/- 10dB @ 100Hz and 10kHz
• STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION: <0.5W
• INPUTS: 4x RCA, 1x Phono, 1 x 3.5mm Aux input (front panel)
• OUTPUTS: Speakers, Rec Out, USB 5V power
• DIMENSIONS (HXWXD): 83 x 430 x 335mm (3.3 x 16.9 x 13.2”)
• WEIGHT: 5.6kg (12.3lbs)
• IN THE BOX: AXA35 Integrated Amplifier, Power Cable, Remote Control, 2 x AAA Batteries