A turntable is a device used to play vinyl records. It consists of a rotating platter that spins the record while a needle, or stylus, reads the grooves on the surface. This process converts the physical vibrations of the grooves into electrical signals, which are then amplified to produce sound. Turntables are popular among music enthusiasts for their warm sound quality and the tactile experience of handling records. Many turntables come with additional features, such as built-in speakers or USB ports for digitizing music. They can be part of a larger audio system that includes components like amplifiers and speakers. Some models are designed for DJs, allowing for scratching and mixing, while others focus on high-fidelity playback for audiophiles.