Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive

The EMTs were designed for radio station use. A considerably different spec than what us audiophiles need. If you like having old stuff that is another issue. I would love to have a 356 cab. But in no way will it perform like my 991 Turbo S. It is the aesthetic that counts. So, I can appreciate that. But if it's $10K of the absolute best turntable you can buy you get a SOTA Cosmos. It will run circles around the EMT in everything but start up torque. None of us Q records like a disc jockey. Just think of what you get with the SOTA. A hot rod motor and control system, A magnetic thrust system on the bearing, the best suspension available today and vacuum hold down. 
Personally, I've made up my mind. I'm gonna get an Air Force 1 Premium and slap a Reed 5T on it. Fabulous conversation piece:)

Hi @mijostyn ,

I see, you never heard EMT like 99% people on this forum.
My friend a musician soloist flute player, conservatorium teacher and audiophile had Sota Cosmos, Thorens 124, modified Lenco 75.
When he heard at his friend home EMT 950 he was so excited that he took a loan to buy EMT 950. And when he received and listened EMT 950 at his home he hastened to rid of his Sota.
Why you need a Shevy when you have a BWM?

Regards,
Alex

Mike, hi. I thought it was a little instructive that on WBF you didn't mention much in yr comparison to existing NVS of yr new CSPort and Saskia. Now I'm reading you have some strong opinions on potential negatives of servo and use of such on NVS.
So, you're getting greater satisfaction, immersion, from yr non-servo thread- and idler-drives?
That's not to say the NVS isn't first rate. Just that it's not as fully fleshed out as the Saskia, and not quite as ethereal as the CSPort?
Or am I as usual reading too much into yr words?

Marc, i got into it here on Audiogon first since the thread topic matched my current investigations to a 'T'. i've certainly suggested these conclusions on WBF too, as has Mik. but for whatever reason the dialogue did not continue there as it has here, which caused me to go deeper into it here.

recently i've been listening to much more vinyl, and really focusing on the drive differences. i've also been comparing EMAI SUT's which has focused me on turntable differences. so these ideas are fresh with me and there are lots of hours of listening behind them so my feelings are very strong and clear. 

the NVS has its own unique qualities and continues to be a strong performer and supreme at certain things. but most jazz and classical i prefer the lack of a servo clearly. the CS Port and Saskia are really amazing turntables, the CS Port does things i've never heard done before anywhere. but no one knows about it so it does not resonate with people.

@richardkrebs 

 What, to me, is important is the speed accuracy at a micro level.

Can you comment on your statement above, if the drive is capable of micro speed stability would it not be able to maintain its 
speed or for that matter a stationary dot on a wall over a 1.8 sec
period? 

@totem395 
Yes it goes without saying that the drive can manage an apparently stationary dot over 1.8 seconds. I was referring to a longer time frame, say a complete side of an LP. To me it doesn't really matter if the dot has drifted a little after 20 or so minutes. 
We are referring to speed drift. Quite a different metric than W@F and short term speed stability. 

In a DD, this drift is related to temperature and the accuracy of the speed reference.  A quartz crystal or another form of precision oscillator.
Speed drift on my design is < +- 0.0025%