Anatomy of a Turntable: A Beginner's Glossary
Platter, tonearm, cartridge, stylus — here's the jargon, in plain English.
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Platter and drive
The platter is the spinning disc your record sits on. 'Belt drive' (a rubber belt turns the platter) is common for its low noise; 'direct drive' spins the platter directly and is favoured by DJs.
Tonearm, cartridge, stylus
The tonearm holds the cartridge, which houses the stylus (needle) that reads the groove. The cartridge and stylus are the parts most worth upgrading.
Preamp and counterweight
The phono preamp boosts and corrects the signal; the counterweight at the back of the tonearm sets how hard the stylus presses — too heavy wears records, too light skips.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main parts of a turntable?
The platter (which spins the record), the tonearm (which holds the cartridge), the cartridge and stylus (which read the groove), the motor and drive (belt or direct), and usually a plinth and feet that isolate vibration.
What's the difference between belt-drive and direct-drive?
Belt-drive decks isolate motor vibration well and are common in home hi-fi; direct-drive decks have the platter driven directly by the motor, giving strong, consistent torque favoured by DJs. Both can sound excellent for listening.