Setup & terms · the canon
The glossary & setup canon
The vocabulary of a good-sounding record, in plain English — and the setup steps that turn a spec sheet into music. Every term links to the full explanation.
Turntables
Tracking Force (VTF)
The downward weight the stylus presses into the groove, in grams.
Anti-Skate
Force that counters the tonearm’s inward pull toward the spindle.
VTA
Vertical tracking angle — the tonearm’s height at the pivot.
Azimuth
The vertical, side-to-side alignment of the stylus in the groove.
Overhang
How far the stylus sits past the spindle when swung over.
Null Point
The two radii where a pivoted arm has zero tracking error.
Belt Drive
Platter driven by a belt from an offset motor.
Direct Drive
Platter sits directly on the motor spindle.
Idler Drive
A rubber wheel couples motor to platter rim.
Wow & Flutter
Speed inconsistency you can hear as pitch waver.
Rumble
Low-frequency mechanical noise from the bearing/motor.
Platter
The spinning disc the record sits on.
Plinth
The base that holds the platter and tonearm.
Tonearm
The pivoting arm that carries the cartridge.
Headshell
The mount at the tonearm’s end holding the cartridge.
Counterweight
The rear weight that balances the arm and sets VTF.
Stylus Force Gauge
A small scale that measures tracking force in grams.
Cartridges
Cartridge
The transducer that turns groove wiggles into a signal.
Moving Magnet (MM)
A cartridge with a moving magnet and a replaceable stylus.
Moving Coil (MC)
A low-output cartridge prized for detail; needs an MC stage.
Moving Iron (MI)
A hybrid generator — MM-like output, MC-like low mass.
Stylus Profile
The tip shape — conical, elliptical, microline, Shibata.
Cantilever
The thin arm carrying the stylus to the generator.
Compliance
How springy the cantilever suspension is.
Output Voltage
How much signal the cartridge produces.
Phono Stages
Speakers
Amps
Record Care
Storage
Groove Weight goods
Original groove, tonearm and VU artwork — made to order.
The first pressing is being cut.
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