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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
alexberger
940 posts
 
Hi @thuchan ,

Yes, 3 motor belt drive solutions like Audio Note or Clear Audio have to be technically excellent in term of Wow and flutter.
I didn’t listen these turntables at my home. They are out of my budget.
I listened 3 motor Clear Audio in other system. It is really good. But I can’t compare it to my stuff, because the system was different (including the cartridge).

What is really matter for me,
I spent $500 for Lenco + SME 3009 + plinth.
Which belt drive turntable in this price range (including second hand) can compete to Lenco? Nothing came even close!!!
I bought EMT 948 with EMT 929 tonearm for 2500 Euro. Which belt drive turntable in this price range (including second hand) can compete to EMT 948?

Regards,
Alex.
lewm
13,586 posts
 
Problems with two or three motors are: (1) They have to be perfectly in synch with one another, and (2) you now have two (or three) potential sources of noise that could be transmitted via the belt to the platter.  No free lunch.  I also think that we anal audiophiles worry perhaps too much about issues that are in reality way below background, if the product is well made and engineered.  So 2 or 3 or 4 motors (how about that?) might be fine.
alexberger
940 posts
 
Hi @lewm ,

People think that belt drive is a black magic, technically perfect solution.
You just need a heavy platter on a good bearing and you have very low, inaudible level of Wow and flutter. But it doesn’t work this way. At least, mid-price belt drive turntable have a very perceptible level of Wow and flutter, and it is much worse than rumble that good designed, affordable idler drive like Lenco has.

Regards,
Alex.
richardkrebs
427 posts
 
In a synchronous motor the rotor lags behind the rotating field. This angle changes with changes in load There are subtle differences between motors, even with apparently the exact same build. This results in slight differences in this lag angle for a given load between (identical) motors
In a multi motor design, this means that one motor will be the master and the other(s) will slave this. 
The master providing the bulk of the drive torque. 

Consider the implications of this characteristic when 2 or more motors are used to drive a platter    
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Thucan, more wishful thinking. If you can't afford new stuff that is fine. Buying used gear that is within your budget can be a smart way to increase the performance of your system.  But trying to compare a D103 in any form to a Lyra Atlas or an Ortofon Windfeld Ti is ludicrous and delusional. However most do not have speakers capable of resolving the difference so spending the extra money would also be sort of silly.
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