Turntable: Structure, characteristics & classification

The turntable is not only an audio device but also a symbol of music culture, providing a unique and authentic music listening experience. With a strong revival in recent years, the turntable has attracted the attention of many generations of music lovers, from analog audio enthusiasts to vinyl record collectors.

In this article, we will explore the important aspects of a turntable, including its definition, construction, operating principles, history of development, as well as the outstanding advantages of listening to music with vinyl records.

We’ll also look at how to choose and maintain your equipment, as well as common problems and how to fix them. Let’s explore the fascinating world of turntables and why they’re still so appealing in today’s digital age.

What is a turntable?

A turntable is a device that converts the mechanical vibrations from the grooves of a vinyl record into an electrical signal, which is then amplified into sound. Unlike the classic turntable, which had built-in speakers and amplifiers, modern turntables require connection to a separate sound system. So what makes turntables so appealing in the digital age? It is the warm, authentic analog sound experience, along with timeless collectible value.

Origin of the turntable

The first turntables appeared in the late 19th century. Thomas Edison invented the first phonograph in 1877, paving the way for the development of recording technology. From simple phonographs, the technology has evolved through many stages, including the development of different recording formats such as 78 rpm and then LP (Long Play) in the 1940s.

In the 1980s, the advent of the CD saw a serious decline in the turntable market. However, since the 2000s, the demand for analog sound quality has led to a strong revival of the turntable. According to the RIAA, vinyl sales reached a 30-year high in 2022.

In today’s modern technological landscape, despite the popularity of digital formats such as MP3 and streaming, the turntable still holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers. Many famous artists such as Adele and Jack White have released albums on vinyl format to meet the needs of their fans.

Structure of turntable.

A turntable is a complex system consisting of many parts, each of which plays an important role in reproducing sound. Understanding the structure of a turntable will help you choose, use and maintain the device more effectively.

Platter:

Made from aluminum, stainless steel, or acrylic, the platter is responsible for rotating the record at a steady speed. The mass and material of the platter directly affect its speed stability and vibration resistance. For example, acrylic platters tend to have low resonance, which helps to minimize vibration.

Must read (Tonearm):

The reading arm holds and guides the cartridge along the track. The length, effective mass, and material of the reading arm affect the tracking ability of the needle. Carbon fiber reading arms are popular because of their light weight and high stiffness.

Cartridge (Reading needle):

The cartridge is where the stylus is located, converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. The two common types of cartridges are Moving Magnet (MM) with simple structure and affordable price and Moving Coil (MC) with high accuracy, wide dynamic range but higher price. The shape of the stylus (elliptical, conical, shibata...) also affects the ability to read the signal.

Preamp (Phono Stage):

The preamp, also known as the phono stage, amplifies the weak signal from the cartridge to line level, enough to feed into the amplifier. The preamp can be built into the turntable or a separate device. The gain and impedance of the preamp need to be matched to the cartridge for best performance. For example, MM cartridges typically require around 40dB of gain, while MC cartridges need higher gain, around 60dB.

Engine:

The motor provides the power to rotate the turntable. The two common types of motors are belt-drive – quiet, low vibration but less precise and direct-drive – high precision, high torque but can cause vibration. A high-quality motor ensures a stable rotation speed, minimizing wow and flutter.

Base:

The stand is the foundation of the entire system, with the task of isolating the turntable from external vibrations. The stand is made of wood, metal, or special plastic, designed to eliminate vibrations, ensuring stability during music playback.

How a turntable works

Turntables work on the principle of recording and playing back analog audio through a simple but effective process. Here are the main steps in the operation of a turntable:

1. Spin the Disc: When the vinyl record is placed on the platter and rotated at a steady speed (usually 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM), the grooves on the surface of the record begin to be contacted by the stylus.
2. Contact Needle Reading: The stylus, usually made of a hard material such as diamond, moves along tiny grooves on the surface of the disc. These grooves contain the audio information in the form of mechanical vibrations.
3. Converted into Electrical Signal: As the needle moves through the grooves, it creates small vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted through the tonearm to the cartridge, where they are converted into electrical signals. There are two common types of cartridges:
4. Moving Magnet (MM): Uses a moving magnet to generate a signal.
5. Moving Coil (MC): Use moving coil, for better sound quality but higher cost.
6. Signal Amplification: The electrical signal from the cartridge is usually very weak, so it needs to be amplified before it can be produced as sound. A phono preamp will boost this signal to a level that is loud enough to be processed by the amplifier and speakers.
7. Play Sound:Finally, the amplified signal is sent to the speaker, where it is converted into sound that the listener can enjoy.

The speed of a turntable directly affects the sound quality and playback time. 33 1/3 RPM is typically used for full-length albums, while 45 RPM is suitable for singles or EPs.

This process creates a perfect way to record and reproduce analog sound from vinyl records, giving users a unique and impressive music listening experience.

Types of turntables and how to choose one

Turntable Classification

• Classification by transmission mechanism
  • Belt-drive: This type is often preferred because of its ability to reduce vibration from the motor.
  • Direct-drive: This type is popular in DJing because of its quick acceleration and better control.
• Classification by features
  • Automatic: Automatic system makes it easy for users to operate.
  • Semi-automatic: Requires little user intervention but is still easy to use.
  • Manual: Requires complete user participation to control all functions.

Experience in choosing the right turntable

When choosing a turntable, you should consider your needs, budget, and the space available for the device. Well-known brands such as Technics or Pro-Ject often offer a variety of options to suit different consumer needs.

What is a vinyl record? Types of vinyl records?

The vinyl record, also known as the LP record, is the soul of the analog music listening experience. The quality of the LP record directly affects the sound quality. Preserving and collecting LP records is also an art.

Popular types of vinyl records

• LP (Long Play): Usually has a playing time of about 30 minutes per side.
• EP (Extended Play): Shorter than LP but longer than single.
• Single: Usually contains one or two songs on each side.

How to preserve vinyl records

To best preserve your vinyl collection:

• Should be stored upright to avoid warping.
• Avoid direct sunlight and high temperature.
• Use high quality covers to protect against dust and dirt.

Some common errors of turntables and how to fix them.

The turntable is a classic music listening device, but during use, users may encounter some common problems. Below are common problems and how to fix them.

Skipping disc

Reason: Vinyl records can warp due to improper storage or high temperatures.

How to fix:

• Press the disc between two heavy books for several weeks to flatten it.
• Use a record clamp when listening to keep the disc flatter.

Dirt and plaque on the disc grooves

Causen: Dust and debris can accumulate in the disc grooves, reducing sound quality.

How to fix:

• Clean the disc with a special solution or a mixture of alcohol and water.
• Use a soft brush to remove dust before listening.

Scratched disc

Reason: Scratches may be caused by impact or improper storage.

How to fix: If the scratch is deep, there is usually no way to fully restore it. Some people try to use glue to fill the scratch, but this can damage the needle tip.

Improper tray setup

Reason: Incorrectly adjusted tracking force or anti-skate can cause skipping.

How to fix:

• Adjust the pressure according to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Make sure the anti-skate is adjusted to half pressure.

The tray is shaking or unstable.

Reason: The tray is placed on an uneven surface or is subject to external vibrations.

How to overcomec:

• Place the tray on a flat, stable surface.
• Avoid placing near speakers or places with strong vibrations.

Dirty or broken reading needle

Reason: The reading needle may be dirty or have been used for too long.

How to overcomec:

• Clean the needle with a specialized solution.
• Check and replace needle as necessary.

Note when using

To avoid the above problems, users should:

• Store the disc in its case when not in use.
• Regularly clean both the disc and the reading needle.
• Periodically check the specifications and adjust the turntable settings accordingly.

Instructions for connecting a turntable

To connect a turntable to speakers, you need to follow these steps:

1. Test preamp integration: Determine if your turntable has a built-in phono preamp. If so, find the “Phono/Line” switch and set it to Line mode.
2. Connect to active speakers:
   • Use RCA cables (red and white cables) to connect from the turntable to the active speakers.
   • If the speaker requires a 3.5mm input, use an RCA to 3.5mm cable.
3. Connect to passive speakers:
   • If the turntable does not have a preamp, you will need to purchase a separate preamp.
   • Connect the turntable to the preamp using RCA cables.
   • Then, connect the preamp to the amplifier using an RCA cable.
   • Finally, connect the amplifier to the passive speakers using speaker cables.
4. Test and fine-tune your sound: Make sure all connections are correct and adjust the volume for the best listening experience.
5. Put the needle on the record: Once the connection is complete, gently lower the needle into the correct groove of the record to start enjoying the music.

By following the steps above, you will easily connect the turntable to music system yours and enjoy great tunes from vinyl.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Which turntable is best for beginners?

A turntable like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is a great choice for beginners because of its automatic features and affordable price, starting at around $200.

What types of reading needles are there and how are they different?

There are two main types of cartridges: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). MM cartridges are generally easier to replace and more affordable, while MC cartridges provide better sound quality but are more expensive and more difficult to replace.

Do turntables need regular maintenance?

Yes, regular maintenance is important to ensure sound quality. The needle should be cleaned every month and the balance of the arm checked to avoid damage.

How is the vinyl record market developing today?

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl record sales increased by 50% in 2022, reaching 41 million copies, showing the strong comeback of this format among consumers.

Does the environment affect the sound quality of a turntable?

Yes, high temperatures and humidity can damage vinyl records and affect sound quality. Records should be stored in a dry place with a stable temperature of 20-25°C.

How to choose a quality vinyl record?

When purchasing vinyl records, check the surface condition, making sure there are no major scratches or dirt. Buy from reputable suppliers to ensure the best sound quality.

Is there any way to repair a turntable at home?

Some simple problems, such as replacing the reading needle or adjusting the reading lever, can be repaired yourself if you know how. However, for more complex problems, professional service is recommended.

What is the future trend of turntables?

It is predicted that the turntable market will continue to grow thanks to the growing interest in analog music among young people, with many artists releasing albums on vinyl format to attract attract fans