An early mechanical device that reads records and converts sound waves into mechanical motion. It was originally developed by Thomas Edison and uses a needle that tracks the grooves of a record to reproduce sound.
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Phonograph
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Platter
The part of a record player where the record rests and spins. The turntable is crucial for maintaining consistent rotational speed, affecting playback accuracy. It can be powered by various drive systems, such as belt or direct drive.
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Power amplifier
An amplifier that boosts the audio signal after it has been pre-amplified to a level sufficient to drive speakers. It is responsible for the final power boost needed to make the sound audible.
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Preamplifier
A device that amplifies the signal from a cartridge to a level suitable for the main amplifier. It may also offer additional functions like RIAA equalization.