Turntables

Turntables are analogue audio source components designed to play vinyl records by converting the physical grooves of a record into an electrical audio signal. Using a motor-driven platter, tonearm and cartridge, a turntable tracks the record surface and generates a low-level phono signal for amplification. In hi-fi systems, the turntable forms the starting point of the analogue playback chain and must be paired with appropriate downstream components for accurate vinyl reproduction.

Turntables as the Source of Vinyl Playback Systems

A turntable produces a very low-voltage phono signal that cannot be connected directly to a standard line-level input. This signal must first be amplified and equalised before it can be played through an amplifier and speakers. As a result, turntables are always used in conjunction with a dedicated phono stage or a phono-equipped amplifier. Turntables require a phono preamp to boost and equalise the cartridge signal before it reaches an amplifier.

Turntables vary in design, including manual and automatic operation, belt-drive and direct-drive motors, and compatibility with different cartridge types. Selection depends on system layout, listening preferences and how the turntable integrates with the rest of the analogue signal chain. Once amplified to line level, the signal from a turntable is played back through an amplifier and loudspeakers as part of a complete hi-fi system.

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