Glossary · Turntables
Direct Drive
Platter sits directly on the motor spindle.
A direct-drive turntable puts the platter straight on the motor, which is servo-controlled for rock-steady speed and instant start. It’s the DJ and archival choice, and modern designs are quiet enough for audiophile use. Torque and speed stability are its calling cards.
Terms on the same stage
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.
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