Understanding Turntable Components: The Ultimate Guide
There has been a resurgence in the popularity of turntables in the world of DJing and music production. More and more DJs are realising that vinyl records are more than just a format of music; they are also a unique way to experience it.
To appreciate the warmth, the depth, and the creative potential of turntables, it is important to understand all the different turntable parts and how they work together to create a unique analog sound.
Whether you are an experienced DJ or a newly minted audiophile, this guide will help introduce you to the different components, their respective purpose, and consequently, how to find the right turntable for your needs.
The Different Turntable Parts
1. The Plinth
The plinth – sometimes referred to as the base – is the foundation of the turntable. It is the piece that supports all of the other components and is often made from wood, metal or even high-density plastic. While necessary structurally, it also plays an important role functionally.
A well-constructed and high-quality plinth can effectively minimise unwanted vibrations and resonance. Bad quality plinths can cause sound to be coloured or distorted and compromise the quality of your music.
What makes a good quality plinth? For one thing, the heavier and more solid it is, the better the vibration control and stability. Some may even feature independent isolation features or hollowed out internal compartments to incorporate with DJ systems or electronics.
2. The Isolation Feet
The isolation feet are the next turntable parts to consider. Located, predictably, at the bottom of the plinth, the purpose of the feet is to assist in absorbing the external vibrations around the turntable and thereby prevent them from reaching the stylus and causing it to rumble or skip.
When you’re looking for the right turntable for you, consider adjustable isolation feet. This simple but important feature will allow you to keep your turntable level even on uneven surfaces. The material of the feet is important as well. Rubber, sorbothane or other vibration-absorbing materials will go a long way to ensuring optimal performance.
3. The Platter
Of all of the turntable components, the platter may be the most iconic. It is the rotating surface on which you place and play your vinyl record.
The platter is spun smoothly during operation in order to produce (with assistance from other turntable parts we will detail below) sound. Importantly, the platter needs to not just spin smoothly but also at a consistent speed for the sound reproduction to be accurate and of high quality.
When comparing platters, make sure to check for a quality mat as these can reduce resonance. Mats made from felt, rubber or cork are ideal. While most reputable brands are reliable, it is always important to check that the platter spins freely and evenly, otherwise it could be subject to music-altering wobbling.
One note on platters: The heavier platter materials (such as aluminium, acrylic or glass) allow records to spin with more stability and less vibration impact.
4. The Tonearm
The tonearm is the platter’s closest rival for the most iconic component of a turntable. The tonearm is the part that holds the cartridge and stylus and guides them across the vinyl record’s grooves. It is critical that this is done with precision to ensure accurate tracking and minimise wear on the record itself.
While some tonearms are straight, others are designed to be S-shaped. Both offer beneficial and unique tracking characteristics, depending on your needs and preferences.
The higher quality turntables on the market offer adjustable counterweight and anti-skate controls. These features allow for better quality music production and prevent unnecessary record damage.
When assessing the tonearm of a turntable, look for one that is well-balanced and lightweight, such as aluminium or carbon fibre tonearms.
5. The Dive System
The drive system is the mechanism that spins the platter. In other words, it is the system that drives the turntable’s functionality.
There are two main types of systems: Belt Drives and Direct Drives.
Belt Drives
The belt drive system uses an elastic belt to connect the platter and the motor. Its advantage is that it isolates the platter quite effectively from the vibrations of the motor for better, cleaner sound. The disadvantage is that belts can wear out over time and need to be replaced.
For pure music listening purposes, a belt drive is often preferred.
Direct Drives
By contrast, the direct drive system has the motor directly connected (as its name suggests) to the turntable’s platter. The benefits of a direct drive are that it is easier to start up the turntable and get a precise speed (which is a highly useful feature for a DJ). The drawback is that it can cause more vibration to the platter.
For DJs or users needing to frequently cue, direct drivers are often preferred for their durability and speed.
6. Motor and Speed Selector
The motor, of course, is the component that powers the platter. The speed selector allows users to switch from one standard playback speed to another.
Choosing the motor normally comes down to which is the most stable or quiet during operation. As far as speed selectors go, usability and functionality need to suit your needs and preferences.
7. Spindle and Bearing
The spindle and bearing are important turntable parts as the spindle is the rod in the centre on which the record sits, and the bearing is the component that allows the platter to rotate smoothly.
There is not a great deal of variety in either spindle or bearing across models. However, the better quality the turntable, the less friction and noise will be produced.
8. Headshell
The headshell is the part of the turntable that connects the cartridge to the tonearm. It allows you to adjust the cartridge alignment.
Materially, the headshell is pretty standard, as long as it allows for precise alignment to optimise sound and minimise wear. However, for practicality, we recommend choosing removable headshells that allow for easier cartridge swapping.
The headshell connects the cartridge to the tonearm and allows for cartridge alignment adjustments.
9. Cartridge
The cartridge part houses the stylus and is responsible for converting the mechanical vibrations produced by the spinning record into a usable electrical signal. A moving magnet cartridge is most commonly used by music lovers and listeners. However, a moving coil cartridge is preferred by aficionados who want higher fidelity from their music.
Your cartridge needs to be compatible with both the shape of your stylus and your phono stage or preamp. If you are not sure how to check this, make sure to reach out to the DJ City team for help.
10. Stylus
The stylus – often called the needle, as in “needle drop” – is a small but integral component of a turntable. It is the tiny, diamond-tipped part that tracks the grooves of your vinyl record. The higher the quality of the tip, the more accurately it will track and the longer it will last.
Always look for replaceable styluses as this will save you time, effort and money in the long run.
11. Counterweight and Anti-Skate
The counterweight is the back of the tonearm. Its job is to balance the arm and ensure the correct amount of tracking force. The counterweight works hand in hand with the anti-skate mechanism by preventing the arm from pulling or swinging too forcefully inwards.
For functionality, make sure your chosen turntable has an easy-to-adjust and control counterweight and anti-skate, respectively.
12. Phono Stage
The phono stage (preamp) works to amplify the tiny signal produced by the cartridge to the line level required by your amplifier or speakers. For a DJ, of course, this part of the turntable is really important.
It is critical to note that not all models have built-in preamps. You may need to have a compatible external unit as well. Regardless, the external or internal unit you use must be compatible with your amplifier as well as your cartridge type.
Find the Best Turntable Parts and Models at DJ City
While we have covered the essential turntable parts, there are many additional features and components. From automated tonearms to pitch controls, and from Bluetooth connectivity to AUX inputs, nowadays there are a wide variety of different considerations to take into account when looking for your record table.
At DJ City, we offer one of the largest selections of DJ equipment, including turntables, in the country. So, if you need assistance finding the perfect turntable for you and your needs, or would like to find out more about any particular component, make sure to contact our team today.
