Term of the Moment
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Definition: turntable
A playback machine for vinyl phonograph records, which were a major music distribution medium throughout the 20th century. The turntable contains a rotating platter for the disc and an arm that holds a cartridge and needle (stylus). The needle is a diamond chip attached to a metal cantilever that causes a coil or magnet to move inside the cartridge as it bounces along the sound wave undulations "carved" in the V-shaped grooves of the vinyl.
Records Degrade With Usage
A major problem with vinyl records is the wearing of the inner surfaces of the groove by the needle. Over the years, an enormous amount of mechanical engineering went into the design of turntables and needles that would accurately track the grooves with as little pressure as possible.
Many Models Are Made in the 21st Century
Although tech enthusiasts claimed the vinyl record was dead as a doornail, analog turntables made a huge comeback in the 2000s, and vinyl records are still being pressed. They are used by music lovers who have extensive record collections as well as by disc jockeys (DJs). See vinyl record, record player, LP, Laser Turntable, USB turntable and DJ turntable.
The Modern Turntable
Slightly Older
High-End Turntables
The Venerable Victrola Name
Over a Hundred Turntables
Records Degrade With Usage
A major problem with vinyl records is the wearing of the inner surfaces of the groove by the needle. Over the years, an enormous amount of mechanical engineering went into the design of turntables and needles that would accurately track the grooves with as little pressure as possible.
Many Models Are Made in the 21st Century
Although tech enthusiasts claimed the vinyl record was dead as a doornail, analog turntables made a huge comeback in the 2000s, and vinyl records are still being pressed. They are used by music lovers who have extensive record collections as well as by disc jockeys (DJs). See vinyl record, record player, LP, Laser Turntable, USB turntable and DJ turntable.
Popular for decades, Technics turntables were the first to include variable pitch control, which DJs use to create special sound effects. (Image courtesy of Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.)
A marvel of technology in 1913, this RCA turntable was hand cranked to spin 78 RPM records. Note the size of the needle used to track the grooves. Subsequent needles were minuscule by comparison. (Equipment courtesy of the Lumberville Store, Lumberville, PA.)
Lest one think turntables are a 20th century phenomenon, these units were just a few of the turntables showcased at the High Performance Audio show at CES 2010 in Las Vegas. The most extreme unit (top) was $96,000 without tonearms and cartridges. See CES.
Weighing seven pounds, this Victrola Revolution GO turntable in 2021 is a far cry from the first 78 players from the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1906. The rechargeable battery lasts 12 hours, and it sends music via Bluetooth to headphones. (Image courtesy of Victrola.com.)
In late 2021, MusicDirect's website featured more than 100 models ranging in price from $399 to $24,000. A wider selection of turntables would be hard to find anywhere else. (Image courtesy of MusicDirect.com.)