Why do turntables sound different?

I'll take the new Continuum Obsidian, you know, the one with the mag lev isolated platter with huge, and I mean huge bearing. Also vibration isolation system for the tonearm. You guys can fight over the rest of them. And I would definitely use the Audio Technica wet playing system.

In my opinion, there is a certain "musicality" that's missing in many direct drives. Inner detail, densely woven layered imagery, finesse etc. I would call them macro machines as they get a lot of the big things right, but miss out on the subtleties that make an exceptional table. One reason for this is they are NOT necessarily more speed stable than belt drives. My tables in particular often produce less wow flutter and drift. Coupling a motor to the platter, in my estimation is a compromised design. Modifying them and adding a good match may produce a better result, and I have not heard the modded tables, and of course variables like the room matter too.  Also, achieving the lowest possible w&f does NOT automatically make for a good sound. Other design criteria are just as important. 
Just my opinion

@anvil_turntables I have ordered a new bearing for my Technics, I took your suggestion and went for the sapphire-ceramic bearing.  This will be my last upgrade.  The next upgrade will be a new turntable of some kind.

If direct drive was obviously the best design approach not many turntable makers would stubbornly continue with the belt drive. Clearly, the situation is much more complex.
Ralph, though you express your own opinion, I think that you misinform some people. You did say that there were many tables that you had not heard. Why would you choose the Technics before auditioning all of the top tables? And tonearms. And cartridges.
I don't have an expertise to voice my opinion and I would certainly not rush when choosing one or another.
Intuitively, that's what I would expect from great belt drive design - quietness and sophistication. I don't need it for jazzrock but I do for the rest I care to listen to.

I would think that would make for a noticeable improvement. Also, don't misunderstand, as I think the Technics are excellent and great value too. I just think this whole w&f measurement thing is way overblown.  Maybe I am biased as I had some woeful experiences with direct drive Denons from the 70s and 80s that were a hollowed out grey sounding mess.