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Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive

I'd like to know your thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of each drive system. I can see that direct drive is more in vogue over the last few years but is it superior to the other drive systems? I've had first-hand experiences with two out of the three drive systems but looking to learn more.
scar972
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,116 posts
 
The problem with Direct Drives is a big oscillating magnetic device directly under a very sensitive magnetic device.
@mijostyn   What is the result of this? We've been making and playing belt drive machines for about 20 years but when playing the Technics machines I don't hear anything in the way of noise floor that would suggest this is an issue.
terry9
2,354 posts
 
Alexberger" "After Lenco I use EMT 948.
It is a number of levels over Lenco and Nottingham Specced."

You surprise me, Alex.  A legendary TT, costing 10x as much (used), beats entry level from Nottingham. Who would have thought it possible?
terry9
2,354 posts
 
@atmasphere

With Mijo, I wonder about that too. If you were running a really low output MC like some of the AudioNotes, you would think that the electro-magnetic noise from the motor might have an effect. It is not clear just how that noise would manifest, and if it were a subtle veiling of the music, one might ascribe it to something else, or even not hear it consciously at all.

That would depend on distance and magnetic isolation, I suppose - and on the plinth and platter material; so I suppose that aluminum (paramagnetic), or even better, copper (diamagnetic), might be a solution. Might that be why a copper mat works well on some turntables?
alexberger
940 posts
 
Hi @terry9 ,

Nottingham Analogue  Sapcedeck is not entry level. It was a third level after HORIZON and INTERSPACE. I bought Nottingham Sapcedeck with Spaecarm in 2002 a brand new by full price.
I bought EMT948 in 2011 on eBay used by 2400 Euro. Yes I know that it costed 12000 DM brand new back in 1980x. But I payed a similar amount of money for both turntables.
An I also had Lenco L78 in between 2010-2011. And I liked this  low budget TT more than  Nottingham Sapcedeck. 

Regards,
Alex.

terry9
2,354 posts
 
It seems that 10x was an exaggeration. I stand corrected.
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