The main components of a record player are the turntable, the base, the stylus or needle, the tonearm and the cartridge.
The turntable is where you place your acetate disc. Located in the middle, a metal bar holds the vinyl in place as it rotates. It is usually covered in plastic or rubber to avoid damaging the disc. The most sophisticated models use aluminum plates, while the smaller ones are made of steel.
The base is made from wood, steel or plastic and is the body of the record player. While it doesn’t feature any technical component, it is essential to reduce or eliminate unwanted vibrations. Remember that vibrations are a record player’s worst enemy.
Thestylus is made from diamond, sapphire or ceramics. It is cone-shaped and directly rests on the vinyl. It is also linked to the tonearm by means of a flexible metal strip. The stylus can either be spherical or elliptical and should be changed every 1,000 to 2,500 hours of use.
The tonearm holds the stylus and, together with the cartridge, is responsible for reproducing the sound. The tonearm can either be straight or curved. The former is preferred by DJs because it facilitates scratching. The stylus captures vibrations that are then sent through the metal wires of the tonearm to reach the cartridge.
The cartridge converts the vibrations produced by the stylus into electrical currents or signals to generate sound. Two main types are available: MM (moving magnet) and MC (moving coil). Most manufacturers prefer MM cartridges because they offer fantastic value for money. However, quality MC cartridges produce a superb sound — albeit at a higher cost. » learn more