Audiophile Glossary: Parts
Explore the intricacies of audio gear components in our audiophile parts glossary! We’re breaking down everything from speaker drivers to tonearm counterweights, simplifying the mechanics behind the music. Let’s uncover the heart of your audio equipment together!
B
A type of motor that's commonly used in turntables to spin the platter. The motor is located off-center and uses a belt to rotate the platter at a constant speed. The benefit of belt drive is that it minimizes vibrations and noise, resulting in better sound quality. Two other types of drive systems are commonly used in turntables: direct drive and idler wheel drive. Direct drive uses a motor that's directly connected to the turntable's platter, providing faster start and stop times. Idler wheel drive uses a rubber wheel to transfer power from the motor to the turntable and is less common than the other two types.
C
An electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. Capacitors can be used to filter out specific frequencies, block DC voltage, or smooth out voltage fluctuations. In audio devices, capacitors are commonly used in power supplies and in coupling circuits between amplification stages to block DC voltage and allow AC signals to pass through. They are also used in passive crossovers in loudspeakers to separate frequencies between the woofer, midrange, and tweeter. Additionally, capacitors are used in tone control circuits to adjust the frequency response of an audio signal.
A thin metal tube that holds the stylus in a cartridge for a turntable. The cantilever is responsible for translating the physical vibrations of the stylus into electrical signals that can be amplified and played back as sound. The quality of the cantilever has a significant impact on the accuracy and fidelity of the sound reproduction.
E
A type of polymer that have elastic properties. In high-fidelity audio, elastomers are often used as damping materials to reduce vibrations and resonances that can negatively impact sound quality. When buying Hi-Fi products like turntables, customers should consider the quality of the elastomers used in the product. High-quality elastomers can help to reduce unwanted vibrations and improve sound quality, while low-quality elastomers may have the opposite effect. Additionally, customers should consider the durability of the elastomers, as they can degrade over time and potentially impact the product's performance.
It consists of a wire that is wound into a coil around a core made of a magnetic material, such as iron. When an electrical current is passed through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic material in the core. This interaction allows the coil to convert electrical signals into magnetic fields, which can then be used to drive a speaker and produce sound. Electromagnetic coils are used in a variety of audio equipment, including speakers, microphones, and guitar pickups. They are essential components in the production of high-quality sound in audio systems.
Often referred to as a speaker box or speaker cabinet, the enclosure is the structure that houses a speaker’s components. They are meant to improve sound quality by containing any inward noise and vibrations while holding all of the components in place. They are often made from wood, metals, plastics, or, in newer models, composite materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass.
H
Hybrid digital refers to audio equipment combining analog and digital components. This can include using an analog amplifier with a digital source or using a digital amplifier with an analog source. The goal is to take advantage of the strengths of both analog and digital technologies to achieve high-fidelity sound reproduction. Analog components are often prized for their warm, natural sound, while digital components can offer greater precision and accuracy. Hybrid digital systems attempt to balance these qualities to create a sound that is both accurate and pleasing to the ear.
L
A type of power supply that uses a transformer and linear regulator to provide an electronic device with a stable and clean power source. Linear power supplies are often used in high-fidelity audio devices because they provide a low-noise, low-ripple DC voltage critical for high-quality sound reproduction. The benefits of a linear power supply include low noise, low ripple, and stable voltage output. However, they can be more expensive and less efficient than other types of power supplies, such as switch-mode power supplies. Additionally, linear power supplies can be larger and heavier than other types of power supplies due to the use of a transformer.
M
A type of driver used in in-ear headphones. It consists of a small armature suspended between two magnets, which moves in response to an electrical signal to produce sound. This type of driver is known for its accuracy and detail, making it a popular choice for high-fidelity audio enthusiasts who value precise and clear sound reproduction.
A type of phono cartridge used in vinyl record playback. It is a more advanced design than the Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge, with a smaller coil and stronger magnetic field. The MC cartridge generates a lower output voltage than the MM cartridge but has a higher signal-to-noise ratio and better tracking ability. The benefits of an MC cartridge include increased detail retrieval and a more accurate soundstage. The potential drawbacks include a higher cost than MM cartridges and a need for a phono preamp with a higher gain to match the lower output voltage.
A type of phono cartridge used in vinyl record playback. It works with a fixed coil and a tiny piece of iron suspended on a cantilever. When the stylus moves, it vibrates the cantilever, causing the iron to move in and out of the coil, generating a voltage proportional to the motion of the cantilever. Moving iron cartridges are known for their accuracy and detail, making them popular for high-fidelity audio enthusiasts who value precise and clear sound reproduction. They differ from moving magnet cartridges in that the magnet in a moving magnet cartridge is attached to the end of the cantilever rather than the iron. They also differ from moving coil cartridges in that the coil in a moving cartridge is attached to the cantilever and moves within a field of fixed magnets. Overall, moving iron cartridges offer a balance of accuracy, detail, and affordability, making them popular for many audiophiles and audio professionals.
A type of phono cartridge used in turntables to convert the mechanical vibrations of a record groove into an electrical signal. It works by having a magnet attached to the end of a cantilever, which is then mounted onto a cartridge body. The magnet moves within a fixed coil, inducing a voltage proportional to the motion of the cantilever.
One of the benefits of an MM Cartridge is that it has a high output voltage, which means it can be used with a wider range of phono preamps. Additionally, it is generally more affordable compared to other types of cartridges. However, potential drawbacks include a higher level of noise and less accurate tracking compared to Moving Coil Cartridges.
S
Refers to the airtightness of the enclosure or cabinet of a speaker. It is an important factor in achieving optimal sound quality and high-fidelity audio, as it helps to prevent air leaks and minimize interference from external noise sources. A well-sealed enclosure can help ensure accurate and clear sound reproduction and is an essential consideration for audiophiles and audio professionals.
Refers to using a conductive material to protect the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). There are several types of shielding, including foil shielding, braided shielding, and spiral shielding. Foil shielding involves wrapping the cable in a thin layer of aluminum or copper foil, while braided shielding involves weaving fine metal strands over the cable. Spiral shielding, on the other hand, involves wrapping the cable with a helical pattern of metal wire. Each type of shielding has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of shielding depends on the application's specific needs.
A small, needle-like component that is responsible for tracing the grooves on a vinyl record and converting it into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played back through speakers or headphones. Stylus tips are typically made of diamond, sapphire, or other hard materials that can effectively trace the grooves and withstand the friction and wear from repeated playback. The quality of the stylus tip is crucial for accurate and faithful reproduction of the recorded music, as a worn or damaged stylus can cause distortion, noise, and even damage to the record itself. Therefore, properly choosing a high-quality stylus and maintaining it is important to ensure your vinyl collection's best possible sound quality and longevity.
An important accessory for any turntable. It is a small plastic cover that fits over the stylus, which is the needle that reads the grooves on a record. The guard helps to protect the stylus from damage or wear when the turntable is not in use. Without a stylus guard, the delicate stylus can easily get bumped or knocked, which can cause permanent damage to the needle or the record. Using a stylus guard whenever the turntable is not in use is highly recommended to ensure the longevity and quality of your records and stylus.
T
A component of a speaker that is designed to handle high-frequency sounds. It is smaller and more sensitive than woofers and midrange cones, which are designed for handling low and mid-frequency sounds, respectively. Tweeters are essential for creating a full-range speaker capable of accurately reproducing the entire spectrum of audible frequencies.
W
A type of speaker driver designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, such as bass and drums. In high-fidelity audio, the woofer plays an important role in accurately reproducing the full range of frequencies in music and other audio content. A well-designed woofer can deliver tight, punchy bass that adds depth and richness to the overall sound. It is often paired with a tweeter, which is designed to handle high-frequency sounds, to create a full-range speaker capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of audible frequencies.