Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive

@chakster 

To demonstrate bearing noise, I listen to a revealing passage as per normal. Then I turn off the power. No change (other than the obvious slowing of the platter).

Then I remove the drive belt. Change for the better - trace of high frequency tizz disappears. That change is a fraction of the difference between good SACD and vinyl.

Equipment: DIY air bearing table with 45kg platter, linear tracker, Koetsu.

Air bearing stabilizes the platter in 3 dimensions - there is no intrinsic  bearing noise. 

all air bearings are not created equal. painting with a broad brush is just not informed. there are general characteristics I do agree. but exceptions too.

More correctly, painting with a broad brush is not so much 'not informed' as it is less likely to be completely accurate.

I would be interested in hearing about an air bearing that has less play than a high quality bearing of conventional design.

at OP
Scar972 -

the three way table comparison is a fun rabbit hole, and in the link I posted earlier of findings years ago, took my mind off of things during a difficult time. Based on current events - go for it !

Only I would strongly recommend as I showed in my link that I kept the same tonearm, cartridge and wiring on all three tables. My comments were based on this. Who else has done this ?

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Atmasphere
To understand this better, think about the steering of a car because its exactly the same mechanical engineering principle. The wheel has to stay on the road but has to be guided by the driver. If there is play in this scheme, the car will be dangerous to drive and quite scary. Imagine installing an air bearing in the linkage of the steering of a car!

Funny ! thanks for the Friday laugh Atmasphere.

I would be interested in hearing about an air bearing that has less play than a high quality bearing of conventional design.

The ET2 with its large surface "stationary" bearing is more rigid at audio frequencies than any metal bearings. Bruce Thigpen has done the analysis , documented it - not what this thread is about. I also own high quality conventional tonearms. See my virtual system.

Cheers and everyone have a safe indoor weekend.

The ET2 with its large surface "stationary" bearing is more rigid at audio frequencies than any metal bearings. Bruce Thigpen has done the analysis , documented it

I doubt this very much, on account of one of the metal bearings suppliers in the US requires a security clearance to obtain their bearings (several grades harder than commercially available bearings so they are used in aerospace applications). Now if you can tell me that Bruce has that security clearance (as apparently Triplanar does) then I'm more likely to give this some credence.