Just an observation here, but????????

The Townshend Audio Seismic Pods provide the isolation springs do in a suspended-subchassis design. Put a set of them under your non-suspended table and you have the best of both worlds.

One of the biggest factors, in belt/tape/ string tables, is platter mass.  This may be are ears hearing micro speed variations.  Large motors are also very influential.  Yes they can even be noisier (isolate from table).

Well just a couple of ideas if you build your own or things to look for when buying.  All theory aside listen in a system where parts or whole turntable can be switched around.  This is where the adjectives stop and the rubber meets the road.

Enjoy the ride
Tom

If you have springy hardwood floors, you need a suspension, like a good Sota. I don't think high mass without suspension corrects that problem, but might have other benefits.

I have eliminated the need for a suspension by recording reel to reel in the basement on a concrete floor; you could jump up and down next to the turntable with no effect; I have a lightweight Rega.

I think high mass costs more as opposed to a Rega; while delivering the same comparable sound. Of course one would have to audition the two in order to discern the benefits of high mass, but high mass, or low mass without suspension will not protect from foot falls.

@orpheus10 very clever to record onto reel! A good tape deck should probably be my next purchase. I’m also curious as to whether recording CDs onto reel tape can make them listenable, lol.

First off, you want 2 track reel as opposed to 1/4 track; it delivers much more. When you record vinyl or CD's to 2 track, the playback is always better.

Tape is such a problem, that I wouldn't recommend getting into reel, but if you can overcome that obstacle, you can experience the pinnacle of high end audio.