Technical information

Track The divisions within programme material on an LP, CD, SACD or audio
DVD. Navigation is most easily achieved by using the forward and reverse 'skip'
keys on the remote control.
Transformer A device used to alter the voltage of AC electricity. This typically
consists of an iron ring of some kind with two coils of wire wound around it. The
input current is fed to one of the coils, which generates a magnetic field in the
iron ring and which, in turn, generates a voltage in the other coil. The proportion
of input voltage to output voltage is the same as the proportion of the number of
coil windings on the input (called the 'primary') and output ('secondary'). Most
transformers use either a square-shaped ring with the primary and secondary
windings on opposing sides, or are toroidal, which means that the ring is shaped
like a donut and the primary and secondary windings cover the entire surface,
overlapping each other. Transformers do not work with DC electricity because
while DC can generate magnetism in the iron core, a magnetic field cannot in turn
induce electricity in a wire unless it is changing (or the wire is moving with respect
to it).
Transmission line A system of tuning the bass response of a loudspeaker
enclosure that involves a labyrinthine internal structure, with a long internal
passage between the rear of the woofer and the outside air. This can enhance
bass, although it tends to result in significant phase delays in the deep bass.
Treble The audible frequencies typically constituted by frequencies above about
5,000 hertz, although the dividing line between midrange and treble is one of
opinion. The human ear is less sensitive to treble than to midrange frequencies.
TRS Tip Ring Sleeve. Another name for a 6.25mm (or 1/4") stereo jack. This
terminology tends to be used in professional audio and these plugs tend to be
wired for balanced mono operation.
Tuner A component (or module within a component) that can receive an AM or
FM radio signal, demodulate it and deliver an analogue audio signal to an amplifier.
Turntable A device to rotate at the correct speed a vinyl LP recording. More
generally, the word can refer to the turntable itself along with an installed tonearm
and cartridge. The platter on the turntable (the rotating part) is powered by a
small electric motor. Different types of turntables are defined by the drive
mechanism used to connect motor to platter. The three most common types are
idler-wheel, belt drive and direct drive. Belt drive turntables use a rubber-like belt
or band running around a pulley on the motor shaft and a rim on the underside of
the platter. These appear in a wide range of turntables, from inexpensive ones
through to some of the most prestigious models available. In direct drive
turntables the motor runs slowly and the spindle at the centre of the platter is