Direct drive vs belt vs rim vs idler arm

Yes I imported & distributed SOTA in this country about 25 years ago.

Most suspended tables have the motor fixed and platter/arm suspended to isolate the arm from motor vibration. that was the problem with wimpy suspension which would create oscillation and speed changes. This was especially true with suspensions that hold the plinth up, rather than when the plinth hangs, such as Oracle or Sota. Sota was able to fix the motor to the platter/arm plinth by changing the motor and regulation to virtually eliminate motor vibration and damping what was left. Works as far as I can tell.

Works for me too. I invite anyone to come listen to the Appassionata on my tt and tell me what's wrong with it. I don't mind constructive criticism- except that it ends up costing big $$$ in upgrades. :)

I just did an experiment using the first track on Fresh Aire III. Some great drums and synthesizer on that track. I have both the CD and the record so I listened to the first track back to back. I focused on the bass. I found that the bass on the CD is just a bit crisper and deeper. Not a big difference but it is there. So is my tt deficient? Is the difference due to speed stability, cartridge, tonearm or tubes? My preamp tubes are a couple of years old now.

Another observation that I should note: The record has a much bigger, broader soundstage so the drums sound further away. The CD soundstage being smaller makes the drums sound closer more immediate. I know it is not the case, but it is like the band recorded the song in two different locations. Which one is right? Maybe I shouldn't have both versions. As per the old adage; man with two watches is never sure what time it is.