About Turntables

What is the difference between a turntable and a record player?

The terms turntable and record player are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different setups for playing records.

Turntable: A turntable is the part of a record-playing setup that spins the vinyl, including components like the platter, tonearm, and cartridge. However, a turntable by itself doesn’t amplify sound; it usually needs to be connected to external components, such as a phono preamp, amplifier, and speakers, to produce audio. Turntables are preferred in setups where customization and high-quality sound are priorities.

Record Player: A record player is an all-in-one device that includes the turntable as well as built-in amplification and speakers. Since it’s self-contained, it doesn’t require extra equipment to play records. Many modern record players, however, are made with lower-quality components and speakers, which can impact sound quality and record longevity, making them less suitable for audiophile setups.

In short, a turntable is typically part of a larger audio system, while a record player is a standalone unit that’s ready to play records right out of the box.

Turntables generally share the same core components.

Platter: The platter is the rotating part where the vinyl record sits, usually covered with a mat to protect the record and keep it in place.

Tonearm: The tonearm is the straight or slightly curved arm that holds the cartridge and stylus. As the record plays, the tonearm guides the stylus across the grooves.

Cartridge and Stylus (Needle): The cartridge, attached to the end of the tonearm, houses the stylus (or needle). The stylus sits in the record’s grooves and picks up vibrations, which are then converted into sound.

Motor and Drive System: The motor and drive system spin the platter. Modern turntables use either a belt-drive system (a rubber belt connects the motor to the platter) or a direct-drive system (the motor is directly connected to the platter).

Plinth (Base): The plinth is the turntable's base, providing a flat, stable surface that helps reduce vibrations and keep the setup secure.

Turntable controls are relatively simple.

Power Switch: The power switch turns the turntable on and off. On some models the power switch might be integrated with the speed selector.

Speed Selector: The speed selector lets you choose the correct rotation speed for the record, typically 33 1/3 RPM for albums and 45 RPM for singles. Some turntables also support 78 RPM for older, vintage records.

Tonearm Lift (Cueing Lever): The cueing lever raises and lowers the tonearm gently, allowing you to place the stylus at the start of the record or lift it off without scratching. This control provides a smooth, controlled drop for the stylus, minimizing risk to both the record and the needle.

Start/Stop Button (Optional): Some turntables, especially direct-drive models, include a start/stop button to engage or disengage the platter’s rotation without affecting other settings.

Some turntables have automated features.

These features simplify record playback by automating certain steps, such as moving the tonearm or starting and stopping the platter.

Fully Automatic: In fully automatic turntables, pressing a single button starts the entire process. The tonearm automatically lifts, moves to the edge of the record, and lowers the stylus onto the grooves. When the record finishes, the tonearm lifts back up, returns to its rest, and the platter stops spinning. This setup minimizes handling and is convenient for quick, hands-free playback.

Semi-Automatic: Semi-automatic turntables require the user to place the tonearm on the record manually, but when the record ends, the turntable lifts the tonearm and stops the platter automatically. This design provides some convenience while still allowing for manual placement of the stylus.

Manual: Manual turntables don’t have automated features, requiring the user to start and stop the record, lift and lower the tonearm, and place the stylus on the record. While less convenient, manual turntables offer more control and are preferred by many audiophiles for a hands-on listening experience.

Although automated features make turntables more user-friendly, some listeners avoid them, as the added mechanics can introduce extra points of failure and, in some cases, noise that may interfere with sound quality.

Better turntables offer a variety of adjustments.

Vertical Tracking Force (VTF): Vertical tracking force is the amount of downward pressure applied by the stylus on the record. Adjusting VTF is important because too much force can cause excessive wear on both the stylus and the record, while too little force can lead to tracking issues and distorted sound. VTF is typically adjusted using the counterweight on the back of the tonearm, and setting it correctly ensures smooth, accurate tracking through the grooves.

Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA): The vertical tracking angle refers to the angle at which the stylus sits in the groove of the record. Proper VTA alignment improves sound clarity and reduces wear on both the record and the stylus. VTA is generally adjusted by raising or lowering the tonearm height, allowing the stylus to sit precisely in the grooves.

Anti-Skate: Anti-skate adjustment counteracts the inward pull that draws the tonearm toward the centre of the record as it plays. If left unadjusted, this force can cause uneven wear on the stylus and record, as well as unbalanced sound. Setting the anti-skate properly keeps the tonearm steady in the groove, promoting even tracking and sound balance.

Pitch Control (or Pitch Adjustment): Pitch control allows for slight adjustments to the platter’s rotation speed, typically within a small range (e.g., ±8%). This adjustment is particularly useful for DJs or for correcting minor speed variations, helping maintain consistent pitch and tempo during playback. Proper pitch adjustment ensures the record plays at the intended speed, preserving the accuracy of the audio.

These adjustments each contribute to high-quality playback by ensuring the stylus tracks accurately, sound remains balanced, and playback speed is precise.

The cartridge and stylus are the heart of a turntable.

Together, they read the grooves on the record and produce an electrical signal that forms the basis of the sound we hear from vinyl.

Cartridge: The cartridge is a small housing at the end of the tonearm that holds the stylus and generates an electrical signal. Inside the cartridge are tiny magnets and coils (in moving magnet or moving coil cartridges) that react to the movements of the stylus. As the stylus vibrates, these magnets and coils generate an electrical signal that matches the pattern of the grooves. This signal then travels through the turntable’s wiring to the amplifier, where it’s converted into sound.

Stylus (Needle): The stylus, often referred to as the needle, is the small, pointed tip that sits in the record’s grooves and traces their path as the record spins. As it moves along the grooves, the stylus vibrates according to the variations in the groove walls, capturing the musical information encoded in the record. Styluses are typically made from diamond or other durable materials to withstand repeated use. Many turntable cartridges allow the stylus to be replaced independently when it wears down, making maintenance more affordable and extending the life of the cartridge.

There are different kinds of cartridges.

Each has its own approach to converting record grooves into sound. Here’s an overview of the most common types:

Moving Magnet (MM) Cartridges: In MM cartridges, the stylus vibrates a small magnet between fixed coils, creating the electrical signal that produces sound. Known for their durability and reliability, MM cartridges are popular among beginners and enthusiasts alike. The stylus is usually replaceable, which makes maintenance more affordable, and they deliver excellent sound quality compatible with most turntables.

Moving Coil (MC) Cartridges: MC cartridges work by vibrating a small coil between fixed magnets, which creates a highly detailed and nuanced audio signal. Known for their high fidelity, MC cartridges are favored by audiophiles but are generally more expensive and require a special preamp due to their lower output. Since the stylus usually isn’t replaceable, the whole cartridge must be replaced once it wears out.

High Output Moving Coil (HOMC) Cartridges: HOMC cartridges are a variation of moving coil cartridges, designed to increase output levels so they can be used with regular MM phono stages. They offer an accessible way to enjoy the improved sound quality of a moving coil cartridge without needing a dedicated preamp.

Ceramic Cartridges: Ceramic cartridges generate an electrical signal based on pressure changes rather than magnetic fields, making them different from MM and MC cartridges. Inexpensive and durable, ceramic cartridges are often found on vintage and budget turntables but lack the sound quality of MM and MC types, making them uncommon in modern hi-fi systems.

For most starting out, Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges are an excellent choice for their sound quality, durability, and ease of use, while Moving Coil (MC) cartridges offer an upgrade for those looking to explore high-end audio.