A List of Record Player Terms
The turntable became the basis of the record player and understanding the different parts of a record player can help you appreciate the magic of this analog sound system. Some have an automatic turntable tonearm moved by an anti skating feature that brings the needle to the center of the groove. Others will leave it up to you to steady your own arm to move the metallic one.
45 Adapter - The 45 adapter allows for 7 inch, 17cm, records that have the larger center to fit your turntable. There are single play and multiplayer adapters. Multiplayer adapters are usually specific to certain turntables.
Anti Skate - The anti skate mechanism is a vital component that prevents the tonearm from drifting towards the center of the record during playback. This drifting, if uncontrolled, can cause uneven wear on the vinyl and result in audio distortion.
Automatic Turntable - A turntable equipped with both the ability to automatically set the tonearm into the appropriate start position to play a record and the ability to automatically return the tonearm to its rest after it finishes playing a record. Requires the least amount of user input.
Auto / Reject - This button or lever will cycle a turntable, playing the next record on a record changer, repeating the same record on some automatic turntables, or returning the tonearm to its rest and shutting off the turntable on most automatic and semi automatic turntables.
Auto Repeat - Auto repeat will automatically repeat the record. Some turntables will continue to repeat nonstop and others will allow picking how many times it repeats.
Auto Return - When the stylus reaches the runout groove of a record, it lifts the tonearm and returns it to its resting position, which shuts down the turntable. On a record changer, if there is at least one record remaining in a stack, it will play the next record.
Belt Drive - Belt drive means that the turntable spins using a belt.
Cartridge - The turntable cartridge is the small device attached to the tonearm's end, housing the stylus. It converts the mechanical vibrations picked up by the stylus into electrical signals that are then amplified and transformed into sound.
Ceramic Cartridge - A type of cartridge that uses a ceramic element and functions the same way as a crystal cartridge but does not degrade over time.
Changer - An automatic turntable that can play more than one record and is equipped with a longer spindle to hold multiple records, typically between 6 to 8 records. Some even hold as many as 14 records.
Counterweight - The counterweight is a small, adjustable weight located at the back of the tonearm. It helps balance the tonearm and regulate the tracking force, which is the downward pressure applied by the stylus on the record's surface. Properly adjusted counterweights protect vinyl records from excessive wear and ensure optimal audio performance.
Crystal / X-tal Cartridge - A type of cartridge that uses a rochelle salt crystal element which, when attached to a rubber yoke, produces audio signals when in contact with the stylus. This type is notorious for losing audio output as it degrades over time and was common in entry level turntables until the late 1970s.
Cue - The cue will elevate the needle. This is useful when placing and removing the needle from the record.
Direct Drive - Direct drive means the turntable spins using gears instead of a belt.
Dust Cover - This covers the turntable to protect it. Some turntables don’t have a cover.
Ground - The ground is used for setting the turntable and the amplifier at the same ground potential.
Line - Some turntables have a switch for setting the turntable to line or phono. On the line setting, you can use a line connection. Any red and white analog connection will work. You just can’t connect it to a phono connection.
Linear Tracking - Linear tracking means that the needle tracks in a straight line. These systems are often more effective for getting the needle in the center of the groove.
Manual Turntable - A turntable that does not have any automatic functions. Requires the user to manually set down the tonearm at the start of a record and to manually return the tonearm to its rest when it’s finished playing.
Motor - The motor powers the turntable platter, providing the necessary torque to spin the record at the correct speed. There are two types of turntable motors, direct drive and belt drive.
Moving Magnet - A type of cartridge that uses a small permanent magnet on the stylus assembly, which produces audio signals when the stylus moves between two coils. This is the most common type of cartridge available.
Moving Iron - A type of cartridge that uses a hollow, temporary iron magnet as opposed to a permanent magnet on the stylus assembly.
Moving Coil - A type of cartridge that is the inverse of a moving magnet cartridge. The coil is attached to the stylus as opposed to a small magnet.
Outputs and Inputs - Outputs and inputs refer to the external connection points on a vinyl record player that enable you to connect it to other audio devices, such as speakers, amplifiers, or headphones.
Phono - This is the type of connection that most turntables will require to operate. It is usually accompanied by a ground screw. If you don’t ground it, you will often get bad buzzing or hissing. Plus, if you connect this to a line connection instead of a phono connection, it will sound terrible.
Phono Preamp - A phono preamp will convert the audio from phono to line.
Pitch Control - Pitch control will adjust the playback speed. Most turntables that have this feature are adjustable up to + or - 5%.
Platter - The platter is the spinning surface on which the vinyl record rests during playback. A high quality turntable platter helps maintain consistent speed and reduces vibrations, resulting in a clearer and more accurate sound.
Plinth - The plinth, also known as the base or chassis, is the foundation of any vinyl record player. It supports all other components and plays a crucial role in minimizing vibrations, ensuring a smooth and stable playback experience.
Preamp - The phono preamp, or the preamplifier, is an essential electronic component that boosts the low level electrical signals generated by the cartridge to a level that can be amplified by a speaker system. Some turntables have built in preamps, while others require an external device.
Record - A record is a disc made out of a material called polyvinyl chloride. Depending on the size of the disc and speed it’s mastered for, it may contain between a single track per side to multiple tracks per side.
Record Player - A record player is the turntable along with the speakers and the amp.
Runoff Groove - The end of a record’s grooves, after the last song, is called the runoff groove. On automatic and semi automatic turntables, this will trigger the auto return function.
Semi Automatic Turntable - A turntable that is equipped with the ability to automatically return the tonearm to its rest after it finishes playing a record. Requires the user to manually set down the tonearm at the start of the record.
Speed Selector - The speed selector allows you to choose the appropriate rotation speed for your vinyl record, typically 33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM, rotations per minute. Ensuring the correct speed is essential for accurate pitch and tempo during playback.
Strobe Light - This is used for setting the correct pitch.
Stylus or Needle - The stylus, or needle, is the small, pointed component that traces the grooves of a vinyl record, translating the physical patterns into electrical signals that ultimately produce sound. A high quality turntable stylus ensures precise tracking and minimizes wear on your records.
Track Selection - Common in linear tracking turntables and turntables equipped with an optical sensor, this allows you to select a track on a record.
Tonearm - The tonearm is the elongated component that holds the stylus and cartridge, enabling them to follow the record's grooves. Its primary function is to maintain consistent pressure and angle between the stylus and the record.
Turntable - A turntable will just spin the record, but it won’t have speakers or an amp. A turntable is just one individual component that is part of a record player.
Vinyl Player - While technically correct, the appropriate term is turntable or record player, depending on whether it has a built in amplifier and speakers or not.
Weight - The weight is used for adjusting the needle's tracking force.
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