Should I keep the Turntable or sell it?

+1200 For the Technics GR suggestions.

I'm not on the Audiogon Forum much.  I get a weekly email titled Weekly Recap which has some of the top discussions of the past week, I guess.

I was very intrigued by this thread because I've had a Bluenote Bellavista Signature turntable for about ten years now.  

I've replaced the U3 tonearm with a suped-up Rega RB300.  Incognito wiring, Pete Riggle VTA on-the-fly adjustment and Michell counter weight.
Don't think I can live without the on-the-fly Vta anymore.  I found the unipivot a little to squirrely for me.

  I recently had to replace the motor because the original crapped out.  Luckily Goldnote (which Bluenote is now) had one left in their old inventory. I also got an original belt which is essentially a giant O-ring.

Anyhow, I noticed that it runs pretty much right on at 331/3 rpm but when I go to 45 rpm it runs fast.  I've tried everything to get it to run correct at both speeds. The Bluenote uses a hollow belt spindle with a threaded insert that can be screwed in or out for minor adjustments of speed (it makes the belt spindle bigger or smaller).  My thought  was that if it's right on at 331/3 rpm then when I move the belt to the 45 rpm spindle groove it should be right on or close without having to make a speed adjustment to the spindle insert.  It doesn't and won't, even if I try to adjust the speed  using the spindle insert. 

I hope I explained that well enough to understand because a lot of folks are not familiar with this turntable.

Because of this problem and not being able to rectify it I've been thinking about a new turntable and I've been a little drawn to the Technics because at this point I just want something that RUNS AT THE CORRECT SPEED.

It bothers me to no end that I know the speed is off.  Even at 33 1/3 sustained piano notes sound like they're slightly out of tune (maybe that's just my imagination?).  45 rpm just doesn't sound right at all (definitely not my imagination). 
 
I've been wavering back and forth on which way to go.  

A belt drive with speed controller or just an all-in-one DD such as the Technics. 

Remember, it has to have on-the-fly/easy VTA adjustment.  

Thanks in advance,  Nick.

P.s.  I won't jump on anyone for their suggestions even if they're a so-called "fan-boy".   Not that there's anything wrong with that.  :-)

@nicktheknife  Incorrect speed would drive me crazy too. 

The speed stability on the Technics is second to none.  VTA adjustment (on-the-fly) is the easiest I've ever used as well.  Owning numerous cartridges, that is a must - not to mention how easy it is to swap carts with a removable headshell.

I'm on my second 1200GR.  First one I gave to a buddy who wanted to upgrade from his Pro-Ject.  I did go back to a few belt drives in-between, and was never happy (VPI Aries Scout, Clearaudio Emotion CMB, and Music Hall MMF7.3).

Good luck on your search!

I understand and really admire people's enthusiasm and loyalty to their turntables, tonearms, and cartridges . . . and while everyone out of pride and self-assured knowledge, likes to think of our opinions as “golden”, the truth is that although there are brands that are notoriously bad and those that have high reputations for whatever reason, there is no one to my knowledge, who has taken every brand of turntable, tonearm, cartridge, and related equipment and tried every combination possible in order to secure the title of “the best”.

What works for one person's taste, hearing accuracy etc. does not work for another . . . pure and simple, and although debate can be healthy and good for the audio industry . . . in the end, after the heat and fumes die down and the raging tempers have cooled -- it STILL comes down to personal taste, opinion, and what you plunk your money down on as to whether you are content with your purchase . . . or ever chasing one's own proverbial tail. It is part of the “charm” of the hobby, as well as the challenge. But one thing for sure . . . there will never be an end to the solicited as well as unsolicited opinions -- but, it still comes down to taking all the hype, the ecstatics, the hyperboles, the sensationalism, and the true facts . . . sorting it out, and making your own decision. It also comes down to the buck stops here, because it is you who writes the check or uses your plastic to make the purchase -- and YOU are stuck with your decision . . . until the next time. Have fun!

Things turn out best for those who make the best out of the way things turn out.