An audio tonearm is a critical component of a turntable, responsible for holding and guiding the cartridge as it tracks the grooves of a vinyl record. The tonearm's design ensures precise alignment of the stylus to extract accurate sound. Key elements include the counterweight for balancing, the pivot mechanism for smooth movement, and anti-skate controls to prevent distortion.
Tonearms come in various shapes and materials, such as straight or S-shaped, with differences affecting tracking performance and sound quality. High-quality tonearms enhance playback clarity, reduce wear on records, and minimize resonance for optimal sound fidelity.
