Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive

@edgewear i don’t have a golden ear to detect any difference in sound between gunmental and copper, but from my two Micro CU-180 only one sample can fit into by Luxman platter because of this +/- 0.2 mm tolerance in diameter between the samples (color also different).

Regarding Copper versus Gunmetal you can read item description from the experienced Japanese sellers like Otomon here:

" This is a precision machined, Copper mat that offers an optimal platform for vinyl records. This was manufactured from special Gunmetal which was research and developed by Micro Seiki. It cut off vibration from outside and make sound more clear and better low frequency. "

And here is Gunmetal platter from the same seller. To my eyes they’re identical in color while the Astisan Fidelity pure copper mat looks different in color.

Anyway, i'm sure they are all good. 

I modified my mid-level belt drive Pro-hectic TT to use a non-stretch Kevlar belt and a small needle-bearing idler pulley to tension it. TT bearing noise is so low it’s virtually unmeasurable on my oscilloscope. 

alexberger,

unfortunately I have no experience with EMT DD drives.
the Airforce tables are well designed, they do not have an airbearing concept like Caeles or the Apolyt.

best
E.

@thuchan

they do not have an airbearing concept like Caeles or the Apolyt.

i assume when you say 'Airforce tables' you are referring to TechDAS.

are you saying that the TechDAS Airforce tables do not have air bearings? or that their approach/concept to air bearings is different than the Caeles and Apolyt?

since clearly the Airforce tt’s have air bearings.

if it’s a different approach to an air bearing, please explain how it’s different. thank you.