Turntables are heavy for a number of reasons, including:
- To reduce vibration: Vibration is a major enemy of good sound quality, and turntables are especially susceptible to it. This is because the stylus is so delicate and can easily be affected by even the smallest amount of vibration. Turntables are designed to be as heavy as possible to reduce vibration and improve sound quality.
A heavy platter is one of the most important components in reducing vibration. A heavier platter is more difficult to move, so it is less susceptible to vibration. Turntables also have features such as suspended platters and isolation feet to help reduce vibration.
- To improve speed stability: Another important factor in good sound quality is speed stability. A turntable that runs at an inconsistent speed will produce distorted sound. Turntables are designed to be as heavy as possible to improve speed stability and reduce wow and flutter.
Wow and flutter are two types of speed instability that can cause distortion. Wow is a slow, cyclical variation in speed, while flutter is a fast, cyclical variation in speed. Both wow and flutter can be caused by a number of factors, including imperfections in the turntable platter, drive mechanism, or motor.
A heavier platter is more resistant to wow and flutter because it has a higher inertia. Inertia is the resistance of an object to change its motion. A heavier platter has more inertia, which means that it is more resistant to changes in speed.
- To improve tracking accuracy: Tracking accuracy is the ability of the stylus to accurately follow the grooves of the record. A heavier turntable will be more stable and will help to improve tracking accuracy.
Tracking accuracy is important for good sound quality. If the stylus does not accurately follow the grooves of the record, it will produce distorted sound. A heavier turntable will help to reduce vibration and improve tracking accuracy.
- To reduce wear and tear on records: Vibration can also cause wear and tear on records. A heavier turntable will reduce vibration and extend the lifespan of records.
When a stylus vibrates, it can cause the stylus to drag on the grooves of the record. This drag can cause wear and tear on the record. A heavier turntable will help to reduce vibration and extend the lifespan of records.
In addition to these factors, turntables are also heavy because they are made of high-quality materials. The platter, tonearm, and other components of a turntable need to be made of sturdy materials in order to withstand the forces of vibration and playback.
Some high-end turntables can weigh up to 100 pounds or more. This is because they are made with the highest quality materials and have features such as heavy platters, massive chassis, and multiple isolation systems to reduce vibration.
While the weight of a turntable can be a disadvantage, it is also an indication of its quality and performance. A heavier turntable is more likely to be well-built and to provide good sound quality.
If you are serious about vinyl playback, then investing in a heavier turntable is a good idea. A good turntable will last for many years and will provide you with years of listening pleasure.
Here are some additional benefits of heavier turntables:
- Improved soundstage: A heavier turntable can help to improve the soundstage of a vinyl playback system. The soundstage is the perceived three-dimensional space of a recorded sound. A heavier turntable can help to improve the soundstage by reducing vibration and improving tracking accuracy.
- Reduced feedback: Feedback is a type of distortion that can occur when a turntable is not properly isolated from the speakers. A heavier turntable can help to reduce feedback by reducing vibration.
- Improved durability: A heavier turntable is more likely to be durable and to withstand the rigors of everyday use. This is because heavier turntables are typically made with higher quality materials and construction methods.
Overall, the weight of a turntable is an important factor to consider when choosing a turntable. A heavier turntable is more likely to provide good sound quality and durability.
