STACK #225 July 2023

FEATURE TECH

The turntable

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1. The stylus Also known as the needle, the stylus follows the grooves on the record, translating the vibrations at frequencies that become sound through amplification. A good quality stylus will minimise the damage to a record while in use. 2. The cartridge The cartridge houses the stylus, and its job is to convert the information picked up by the stylus into electrical signals. 3. The tonearm The tonearm holds the cartridge and stylus in place and is used to apply the stylus to the record. Tonearms are usually manually operated, although some All the parts

Some players will have a 78rpm option for old 10-inch format records. 9. The preamp A preamp’s job is to amplify the signal from the turntable so it can be heard through the speakers. Many turntables have a built-in preamp, so they can connect directly to powered speakers without needing an amp. 10. The connectivity For wired options, RCA leads (often supplied in the box) can connect an external amp or powered speakers. To connect wirelessly, the turntable will need built-in Bluetooth connectivity. If you want to ‘rip’ your vinyl collection to digital files, you’ll need a turntable with a USB port.

entry-level turntables have an automatic feature that plants the stylus on the record with the push of a button. 4. The counterweight The adjustable weight cited at the back of the tonearm is used to determine the correct tracking force or the weight that your stylus sits on the record. 5. The plinth This is the platform to which all the parts of the record player are fitted. 6. The platter The spinning circular part of the record player on which you place your precious vinyl.

7. The motor There are two types of motor used to power a turntable – belt and direct drive. As the name suggests, belt-drive motors power the platter using a rubber belt, while a direct-drive motor is fixed directly to the platter. Both have pros and cons; however, belt-drive generally gets the nod from most experienced users as it reduces vibration, which is reported to have better sound quality. 8. The speed control Modern records play at two speeds. Albums spin at 33 1/3rpm, and singles and 12-inch singles at 45rpm. Record players typically have a switch or dial to select either of those speeds.

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