Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive

One thing I have found in common with all of the popular British TT is the constant need for upgrades.

There are dozens of threads on the audio forums with folks constantly talking about upgrading the popular Rega tables. Did you know that if you upgrade the stock belt that comes on the Rega table to the better white belt that they sell it helps regulate the speed better! Than put it the F*** on from the factory! Or the stock power supply that comes with the table is so weak it won't hold proper speed so you really need to buy an upgraded $400.00 power supply from them!

Oh, throw away the stock plastic sub platter because it sucks and upgrade to the aluminum one that they make for the upgraded model. Than they want you to purchase a new platter to use on your new sub platter. It never ends.

A couple of different post about sagging plinths on the Rega Planar 6, seems the foam core plinth doesn't always hold up well. Even the better Rega models don't have adjustable VTA, you need to stay with Rega carts or start shimming.

And the owners will defend Rega all the way to their next upgrade with glee.

It's the Rega Merry-Go-Round.

Oh, by the way, Linn just came out with ANOTHER new spindle bearing! Yup, all the Linn owners are busy buzzing about it.

So I just play my rock steady, Japanese, speed stable, fully adjustable, dependable JVC QL-A7 DD turntable that I purchased for less than a Rega P3 and enjoy the music.

BillWojo

This is a great post, i could not explain better than this.

I'm wondering why people still buying those belt drive turntables like Rega and then post question about their weakness every week on audiogon? 

Direct Drive available NEW or USED for less money and they are so much better. 

Thanks chakster, I didn't know if I would get beat up by my opinion but figured I'd be safer in this post than expressing it on a Rega post.
And it's a daily occurrence if you read several audio forums like I do, either the need to update or complaining about a problem. And there are lot's of problems it seems.
The Rega defenders absolutely adore Roy Gandy and his approach to making the TT non adjustable. Seems he doesn't believe that you need to adjust VTA.
Have you seen the prices on the upper tier Rega TT? You can buy a nice machine for that kind of money. It makes no sense to me at all.
BillWojo

billwojo

One thing I have found in common with all of the popular British TT is the constant need for upgrades.

Actually, there is no "need" for an upgrade. Without the upgrade, your turntable will perform exactly the same as it always did. An upgrade is just an option for those that might want to seek improvement. It’s the same as when a company such as Audio Research offers upgrades to its electronics; the availability of an upgrade doesn’t diminish the performance of your existing component.

Oddly, some audiophiles complain when upgrades are not made available for existing product, claiming that it reflects "planned obsolescence" and lessens the value of their existing product. That argument does seem to have some validity.

Direct drive!

 Own 2 technics SL-1200mk2’s and one Mark III IN BLACK FROM MID-late 90’s

,oldest ones are mark II’s,
still,play flawlessly, from late 80’s.

take apart 1-2 x a year, remove psi deal, wipe, fresh oil, good as new.

 Stock arm, great Ortofon Concorde headshells!

 Haven’t skipped a beat in 30 years.

 None better.

 Adjusted brake mayb 3-5;X  in 30 years.

best tt’s ever owned, been through a lot, pioneer, Sony, BIC, DUAL,   The technics still play, and function as new after 30 years and more.

 Belts, bull tripe, never again.

 My old warhorses may not have the resolution of a thorens or a 8K $ TT,  but they are reliable, and start, play and stop on a dime year after year.

best TT ever built!

Own 2 technics SL-1200mk2’s

best TT ever built!

And this is only an entry level into SL1200 series, i also have a pair of Sl1210 mkII for more than 20 years, fully upgraded in the last 7 years, not in the main system, but it was my first adult turntable :) 

The next level for me was this SP-10 mkII in teak wood plinth with Reed 3p tonearm and Glanz 61 MF cartridge. 

And not so long ago Technics returned with new turntables, different models with prices from $899 to $4000 in SL1200 series. 

I just don't understand why people are so brainwashed with those rega and related belt drives.