Components

Due to aesthetic appeal, alot of modern record players do not come with a plastic dust cover. The base or plinth of the turntable is made from materials like aluminum, which help to lower any vibrations.

Situated on the plinth can be the power on switch and a speed selector. Though the word 'turntable' refers to the whole unit, it also refers to the spinning disc or 'platter' placed on the plinth.

A rubber skin can be incorporated on top of the platter, or a rubber mat can be placed on top. A direct drive or belt drive system has traditionally been used to power the platter.

In the middle of the platter is a spindle, which fixes the vinyl record on top of the platter. The spindle can have bearings placed within it to reduce vibrations. To the right hand side of the platter is the tonearm.

At the base of the tonearm is a counter weight, anti-skating device and arm elevator. Halfway down the tonearm can be a arm rest. At the end of the tonearm is a cartridge, stylus cartridge and needle.

Cartridges can be made out of ceramic and magnetic materials, it is generally accepted that magnetic cartridges make for higher-fidelity.