So many great golden era DD tables out there, what do you recommend for $1000?

Of course, if you are a DJ doing scratching, then DD is the only way to go. You need that torque. :)

@hagtech

First of all we’re not talking about $300 Direct Drive turntables here to serve "wanna be a dj" persons in their bedroom. These turntables may have some problems you have mentioned. But please do not mix together professional niche and high-end.

The finest new Direct Drive turntable SL1000R from Technics cost $18k in USA today, and it is made in Japan. Here is a thread about it. This is reference class Direct Drive for modern High-End market and i doubt anyone in Europe and USA can compete with it nowadays, especially at this price! Matsushita is a giant company! The reason why Japan is the leader in Direct Drive technology is probably because they have been doing it for such a long time.

You will not find any single problem you’re talking about in earlier Technics SP-10mkII and mkIII from the 70s/80s. Even 30 years later those vintage Technics SP-10mkIII is one of the best DD ever made and still cost a lot.

Not every top class Direct Drive have a high torque like Technics motor, for example the Victor TT-101, Luxman PD-444, Denon DP-80 does not have such a high torque and immediate start, but they are also amazing turntables for audiophiles.

Direct Drive is indeed a japanese tradition and they are doing it better than anybody else.

Don't feed the troll.

Dear @hagtech  :  Unfortunatelly nothing is perfect in audio and as you pointed out DD has its own trade-offs as BD units too.

We can found out really good quality performances with DD and with BD TTs.

Our choices are determinated by the choice of the best trade-offs for each one of us.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

I am past engaging in the BD vs DD vs ID debates.  I have come to agree with what Raul wrote above, and I've made my choice in favor of DD turntables (and a much modified Lenco) based on bang for the buck.  The really good BDs, to my ears, start at ~$25,000 (new).
Now for my real question: Does anyone know where I can find a video showing how to service (change the lubricant) in my DP80 bearing well?  If someone can provide a verbal description and/or some still pics to go with, that would be much appreciated.  Thanks.  If you think I should start a new thread on this topic, let me know.

I quite happily have all bases covered.
Garrard 401. Idler.
JVC QL-A7. DD.
Sony PS-LX22. BD.

Last one is cheap and cheerful but does the job in my second system.

Both the Garrard and the JVC have their plus and minus points. Hard to decide which I prefer in the main rig do just going to leave both ready to rock!