Record player parts at a glance
Most record players share the same basic set of parts, even though designs vary a lot. From the bottom up, you will usually find:
- Plinth (the base or chassis)
- Feet that sit under the plinth
- Platter, the spinning disc
- Slipmat, which sits on the platter
- Spindle, the center pin
- Motor and a drive system (belt or direct)
- Tonearm, with a headshell, cartridge and stylus at the end
- Counterweight and tracking force adjustment
- Speed selector, start/stop controls and a dust cover
- Outputs, and sometimes a built-in phono preamp or speakers
The sections below explain what each one does and how they fit together.
The body: plinth, feet and dust cover
The plinth is the base that holds everything else. It is commonly made of wood-based board (such as MDF), plastic or other materials, and it houses the motor and controls. A solid plinth helps keep unwanted vibration away from the stylus.
Many turntables sit on feet that are rubber or spring-loaded to absorb vibration from the surface underneath. The dust cover is a hinged or removable lid that keeps dust off the record and the stylus. Manufacturers differ on whether you should play records with the cover open or closed, so check your manual.
The spinning system: platter, slipmat, spindle, motor and drive
The platter is the round disc that rotates the record. Platters are often made from metal, plastic or acrylic. On top sits the slipmat, a thin mat (felt, rubber, cork and other materials are used) that cushions the record and provides some grip.
The spindle is the short pin at the center that passes through the record’s center hole and keeps it centered. Some players include a small adapter for 7-inch records, which have a larger center hole.
The motor turns the platter, and there are two common ways it does so:
- Belt drive: a rubber belt connects the motor to the platter. This keeps motor vibration somewhat isolated from the platter and is common on many hi-fi and entry-level models.
- Direct drive: the motor sits directly under the platter and turns it without a belt. These are common among DJ-style turntables and some home models.
Neither is automatically better. Belts stretch and eventually need replacing, while direct drive designs avoid that particular issue.
The playback chain: tonearm, headshell, cartridge and stylus
The part most people notice is the tonearm, the pivoting arm that carries the playback components across the record. At its end is the headshell, which holds the cartridge. Some tonearms have a removable headshell, and on others it is built into the arm.
The cartridge contains the components that turn physical movement into a tiny electrical signal. The stylus (often called the needle) is the small tip that sits in the record groove. If you want the detail, see what a stylus is and what it does and what record player needles are made of.
Many tonearms also have:
- a counterweight at the back, used to balance the arm and set how much downward force the stylus applies
- an anti-skate control, which helps counter the arm’s tendency to be pulled toward the center of the record
- a cueing lever to raise and lower the arm gently
Not every budget model has all of these adjustments. To see how these parts work together to create sound, read how a record player plays music.
Controls and connections
On the outside you will typically find:
- A speed selector for 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, and on some models 78 RPM. Some players need you to move the belt by hand to change speed.
- Start/stop controls. Automatic models move the arm for you, while manual ones leave that to you.
- Outputs at the back, usually RCA connectors, and sometimes USB or Bluetooth on some models.
The signal from a cartridge is very small, so it needs a phono preamp (also called a phono stage) before it reaches a typical line-level input. Some turntables include one, some amplifiers or receivers have one built in, and otherwise you can buy a separate unit. Some all-in-one record players also contain amplifiers and speakers. If your system does not have a phono input and your turntable has no preamp, you will need one of these options.
Record player vs turntable
In everyday use the two terms are often interchanged. A common distinction is that a turntable is just the record-spinning deck with a tonearm and cartridge, which you connect to separate speakers or an amplifier. A record player often implies an all-in-one unit with built-in amplification and speakers. Retailers and manufacturers are not consistent about this, so check the specifications rather than relying on the name.
Types of turntables
You can group turntables in a few ways:
- By drive: belt drive or direct drive, as above.
- By operation: fully manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic.
- By format of setup: all-in-one suitcase-style players, standalone turntables that need external speakers, and models with built-in preamps or USB output.
Which parts can you replace or adjust
The most commonly replaced items are the stylus (it wears out), the slipmat, the belt on belt-drive models and the dust cover. On many models the cartridge can be upgraded as well. Adjusting tracking force and anti-skate is a more delicate job, so follow the instructions for your specific cartridge and tonearm.
FAQ
What goes into a record player? At minimum: a platter and motor to spin the record, a tonearm with cartridge and stylus to read it, and an output. Amplification and speakers are either built in or separate.
What is the difference between a stylus and a cartridge? The stylus is the tip that touches the groove. The cartridge is the housing that holds the stylus and generates the electrical signal.
Do I need a built-in preamp? Only if your amplifier or speakers lack a phono input. Check what your setup already has before buying.