Turntables

The technical aspects of turntables

A turntable consists of numerous parts that work together in harmony to make it spin. While the intricacies may seem daunting at first, delving into them will allow you to become a turntable expert, impressing your friends with your knowledge of vinyl classics.

The platter

The platter is the fundamental component of the turntable where the vinyl record is placed. The platter spins around at a constant speed, usually 33 1/3 or 45 RPM, to keep the record playing smoothly. The platter is usually made of metal or plastic and driven by a belt or a direct-drive motor.

The tonearm

The tonearm on a turntable houses the needle, or stylus, which traces the grooves on the vinyl as the record plays. Proper balancing of the tonearm is essential to ensure it accurately tracks the grooves and doesn't harm the record. The tonearm also features an anti-skate mechanism that prevents the needle from skipping.

The cartridge

The cartridge contains the needle, or stylus, and the housing that connects to the tonearm. The cartridge is responsible for converting the physical movement of the needle as it travels through the record's grooves into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and delivered to the speakers.

What is a RIAA? (Preamp)

The phono preamp serves a crucial purpose in amplifying the signal from the cartridge and applying an equalization curve to the sound. The equalization curve, known as the RIAA, is used to balance the sound of the record by boosting the low frequencies and reducing the high frequencies. Without this curve, the sound would be imbalanced and difficult to listen to.

Some record players have a built-in RIAA, while others require an external preamp to achieve the same effect. Having a built-in RIAA means you can avoid using an external box to connect your system and turntable. This makes the setup more plug-and-play, and the built-in RIAA is typically customized for the specific turntable. However, the downside is that you cannot upgrade the RIAA without replacing the entire turntable.

It’s not just about the music

It’s also about the aesthetics and feels!

So, why is it cool to have a turntable? For one, playing records offers a unique and authentic listening experience that you can't get from digital streaming services. Records have a warm and natural sound that cannot be replicated by digital files.

Furthermore, collecting records is an enjoyable hobby that's not as expensive as people may believe. You can hunt for rare and hard-to-find records and build up a collection that reflects your taste in music. With over 60 years of records available, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from.

Adding a turntable and a bunch of records to your home can instantly create a calming atmosphere and help you forget about the stress of the world. Selecting a record, brushing it off, preparing the turntable, and then sitting down with a beverage of your choice to listen to an entire album as it was intended can be a serene experience. Escaping the constant shuffle of playlists on digital streaming services allows you to immerse yourself in your favorite music.

And let's face it, a turntable will make your space look cool! That's just a fact.