It just makes you wonder whether the advent of digital
controllers in modern motor technology is simply not good enough for audio.
I think, it is a general problem of our modern time : Maximum Profit
Analog reproduction has a lot of it, most customers want "good
Sound" and that's it. Instead of thinking about what is done in their units
they tell the world how "great" their last buy is. We all know these
stories...
Even when the motor is a good one, there are much, much, much more details
which will end finally in a superior sonic result. Escaping to Direct Drives may
be a solution for some, but they have other problems which block a - real -
outstanding sonic Performance. There are simply rules of Physic which can be
ignored from users, but technically it is the way it is..
Solution? I think, there is no hope, 10 years ago I thought, Turntables will be
improved but unfortunately Brain is replaced with Marketing gimmicks (Multi
Motors, Wood Arms on a String, PRaT etc...) and Boutique Pricing replace well
thought, final solutions.
Outsourcing is also not the solution when the Manufacturer has to rely on
others because he has no idea about what is responsible for what.
All that is a explanation why - especially in Europe - some go back to the
"good old times" with their Equipment. but here we have the same
situation: You should know what to buy.
Digital Hardware has some advantages, Timeline Strobe can't be used ... :-)