Glossary · Turntables
Null Point
The two radii where a pivoted arm has zero tracking error.
A pivoted tonearm traces an arc, not the straight line the cutting lathe used, so it’s only perfectly tangent at two points across the record. Alignment protractors (Baerwald, Stevenson) place those two null points to minimize distortion where it matters most.
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.
Belt Drive
Platter driven by a belt from an offset motor.
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