Belt drive: A system whereby the platter of the turntable is driven by a separate motor, linked by a rubber belt. Most commonly used in domestic turntables for its stable speed control and low noise.

Cartridge: Mounted at the end of the arm, this turns the information picked up by the stylus into an electrical signal.

Continental adaptor: A small adaptor disc which fits over the spindle at the centre of the platter, allowing the use of continental singles which have a different sized aperture.

Direct drive: A system whereby the platter is connected directly to the motor - most commonly used in DJ turntables because of the quick response times this system delivers when speed-changes or start/stop is initiated, and because of its tolerance for heavy use and manipulation.

Moving coil cartridge: A type of cartridge which converts the information the stylus tip reads into an electrical signal by means of a moving coil. This type of cartridge tends to have a lower signal output and so a special moving coil phono stage is required. Moving coil cartridges tend to cost from £100 upwards and are considered to be superior performers. Because of their design, you cannot independently replace the stylus from a moving coil cartridge.

Moving magnet cartridge: A type of cartridge which converts the information the stylus reads into an electrical signal by means of a moving magnet. These are the most common types of cartridge and are available at prices ranging up to about £150. When purchased these usually include a pre-fitted, replaceable stylus.

Pitch control: Speed control - allows the user to adjust the speed at which the platter turns.

Platter: The rotating plate on which you place the record.

Phono stage/Phono pre-amplifier: A device which takes the low signal which a turntable delivers and matches it to a level comparable to other hifi devices (such as CD players, tuners etc) - known as a "line level" signal. This allows a turntable to be directly connected into an amplifier or system without a dedicated phono stage of its own, such as an auxiliary input. You can also buy these to improve on the performance of an existing phono stage.

Stylus: The part of the cartridge which comes into direct contact with the record. As this is the part which suffers most wear during use, it is usually easily replaceable on its own.

Tone arm: The long arm which hangs above the record, connecting between the cartridge at one end and the turntable base at the other.