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Is Direct Drive Really Better?

I've been reading and hearing more and more about the superiority of direct drive because it drives the platter rather than dragging it along by belt. It actually makes some sense if you think about cars. Belt drives rely on momentum from a heavy platter to cruise through tight spots. Direct drive actually powers the platter. Opinions?
macrojack
phd
1,324 posts
 
Direct drive is better if your a DJ/rapper. Direct drive transmits more vibration to the platter where as in a belt driven turntable this vibration is isolated by the rubber belt itself.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Now THAT's not good. Rewind.
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drubin
3,275 posts
 
Really. Consider yourself busted, Phd.
macrojack OP
1,303 posts
 
Phd- That's a very old story and it is not supported by rumble figures as far as I know. I've read that the resonant frequency of the drive motor and bearing in a good DD is like 5 Hz or something. It's supposed to be too low for the cartridge to pick up. I also remember a tale about ID tables developing a flat spot in the rubber idler wheel if left idle and engaged for too long. I think that last one was started by the tooth fairy.
phd
1,324 posts
 
Ok I'll rewind. A few years ago I owned a direct drive turntable, couldn't get much volume due to rumble, I thought the speakers were going to come unglued. Switched to a belt drive turntable & life was much better. Maybe more current direct drive designs have improved.
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