Back when I used to frequent local audio stores, which is to say back when such stores even existed in the DC area, that's how La Platine was set up for demonstration. The motor was situated at least 3-4 feet away from the platter, on its own separate pedestal. I know one local owner who also abides by that custom. No, La Platine would not be suitable for DJ work, because it probably takes nearly a minute to come up to speed and stabilize.
I don't know how the motor knows when to deliver "only pulses of power", since there is no feedback between the motor and platter. (Of course, one could do that with aftermarket add-ons like the Phoenix Engineering stuff.) But the string impressed me as "slippy" against the blank stainless steel or aluminum peripheral surface of the platter. in any case. Thus, feedback between platter speed and motor would be imprecise, requiring frequent corrective action. Like many of this type of belt drive, platter mass and inertia are counted upon to keep speed constant. And I'm not saying this method is a complete failure. It obviously has its adherents. I guess you like it, and I don't. Please don't be offended.
I don't know how the motor knows when to deliver "only pulses of power", since there is no feedback between the motor and platter. (Of course, one could do that with aftermarket add-ons like the Phoenix Engineering stuff.) But the string impressed me as "slippy" against the blank stainless steel or aluminum peripheral surface of the platter. in any case. Thus, feedback between platter speed and motor would be imprecise, requiring frequent corrective action. Like many of this type of belt drive, platter mass and inertia are counted upon to keep speed constant. And I'm not saying this method is a complete failure. It obviously has its adherents. I guess you like it, and I don't. Please don't be offended.