Anatomy of a Turntable: A Beginner's Glossary
Platter, tonearm, cartridge, stylus, belt drive and direct drive — every turntable term explained in plain English for new and experienced listeners alike.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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