The platter, mat and spindle
The platter is the round disc that turns. A mat of rubber, felt or cork usually sits on top and supports the record. The spindle is the metal post in the centre that keeps the record centred. The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X manual lists exactly these first among its parts: platter, rubber mat and spindle.
A small 45 adapter, often supplied in the box, fits over the spindle so singles with a large centre hole sit centred. Some automatic turntables also have a record size selector so the arm knows where a 12-inch or a 7-inch record begins.
The motor and the drive
Most entry-level and many hi-fi turntables are belt driven: a rubber belt runs from a small motor pulley to the platter. The AT-LP60-BT manual shows the belt seated on a brass motor pulley. Direct-drive turntables place the motor right under the platter instead, with no belt to stretch or replace.
- Speed control: a switch, button or knob for 33⅓ and 45 RPM, sometimes 78.
- Start and stop: on automatic models these also move the arm.
- Auto-stop: lifts the arm or stops the platter at the end of a side, where fitted.
The tonearm and its controls
| Part | What it does | When you use it |
|---|---|---|
| Tonearm | Carries the cartridge across the record | Every play, by hand or automatically |
| Counterweight | Balances the arm and sets tracking force | Initial setup and cartridge changes |
| Tracking force ring | Scale on the counterweight that shows the force | When setting the weight in grams |
| Anti-skate dial | Counteracts the force that pulls the stylus inwards | Set to match the tracking force, per the manual |
| Cueing lever or lift | Lowers and raises the arm gently | To start or pause a side without dropping the needle |
| Arm rest and clamp | Holds the arm when not in use | Before moving, cleaning or adjusting |
| Arm height adjustment | Sets how level the arm sits over the record | Fine setup on some turntables |
The AT-LP8X manual explains the logic behind two of these: the counterweight balances the arm and provides the proper tracking force, and because a force pulls the stylus inwards during play, the anti-skate dial is set to the same value as the tracking force. Our guide on setting tracking force and anti-skate walks through it step by step.
The headshell, cartridge and stylus
At the end of the arm sits the headshell, which holds the cartridge. On many turntables a locking ring lets you remove the headshell as one piece. The cartridge turns the movement of the stylus into an electrical signal.
The stylus is the diamond tip that rides in the groove, mounted on a thin cantilever. Ortofon's FAQ explains that the cantilever should stay perpendicular to the groove during play so the stylus touches both groove walls evenly. The stylus is the part that wears: our guide on how long a stylus lasts covers replacement.
Connections at the back
- RCA outputs: red for the right channel, white for the left.
- PHONO/LINE switch: present when a phono preamp is built in.
- Ground terminal or lead: connects to the amplifier or phono preamp to reduce hum.
- Power input and switch, plus USB or Bluetooth on some models.
If you are unsure what to plug where, our guide on connecting a turntable to speakers shows the common setups.
The dust cover and feet
The hinged dust cover keeps dust off the platter and arm when the turntable is idle; the AT-LP8X manual asks you to open and close it slowly. The feet carry the turntable, and on many models they adjust in height so you can level it. A level platter is the starting point for every other setting.