1. Turntable Platter: This is the circular platform on which the vinyl record is placed. It rotates at a constant speed, typically 33⅓, 45, or 78 revolutions per minute (RPM), depending on the record's format.
2. Cartridge and Stylus: The cartridge is the heart of the record player. It holds the stylus, which is a small, conical-shaped needle. The stylus rests in the groove of the record and vibrates as it follows the contours of the groove.
3. Tonearm: The tonearm is the assembly that holds the cartridge and stylus. It is designed to pivot freely and move across the record's surface with minimal friction.
4. Preamplifier: The electrical signal produced by the cartridge is very weak and needs to be amplified before it can be played through speakers. The preamplifier boosts the signal and corrects any frequency imbalances.
5. Amplifier: The amplified signal from the preamplifier is further boosted by the amplifier to levels suitable for driving speakers.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of how a record player works:
1. The turntable's platter rotates the vinyl record at the correct speed.
2. As the record spins, the stylus, which is positioned in the groove of the record, vibrates up and down (and side to side in stereo recordings) following the recorded modulations on the disc.
3. The vibrating stylus causes the diaphragm inside the cartridge to move accordingly, transforming the mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal.
4. This electrical signal, which mirrors the audio information etched into the record's grooves, is then sent to the preamplifier.
5. The preamplifier amplifies and equalizes the weak signal coming from the cartridge, compensating for any frequency imbalances that may exist.
6. The preamplified signal is then sent to the amplifier, which further boosts its strength to a level sufficient for driving speakers.
7. The speakers convert the amplified electrical signal back into sound, emitting the audio that was originally recorded on the vinyl record.