Direct Drive

Thorens are wonderful machines. I had a TD160 for about a decade (lost it in a burglary). A beautiful machine. I particularly liked the use of opposing magnets to handle anti-skate. Ingenious. But well-preserved ones are expensive now. I’d hoped to find an affordable one when I came across the Denon.

Many years back I bought a Technics SP-10 at a garage sale. I never thought it was anything special. To each their own I guess. VPI makes a DD turntable for a mere $22,000.00 retail. I have to wonder why this table would be as expensive as it is?

https://vpiindustries.com/products/hw-40-black-edition

There are so many really great TT out there, DB, DD....To each there own. 

@drbond

You say, "AnalogMagik software does measure instantaneous speed. I think Fremer may use it, or possibly have some other software by which he determines the variability and stability of speed control of the turntables that he evaluates."

I was speaking of fundamental physical constraints, not marketing claims. Speed is defined as displacement / time. We’ve known since Planck that the world is quantized, not infinitely smooth. Hence instantaneous speed is a theoretical concept which cannot be physically realized.

It remains only to specify how close a given measurement is to the ideal. Visible light brings constraints in terms of wavelength. Markings to denote the boundaries of the average are required - how finely are they drawn? What is the sampling rate? Each of these introduces quantization AND each of these introduces its own source of error.

That’s all. My point is simply, "How coarse are those averages, and even if they were analyzed completely, what can those averages tell us?" I suspect that our ears/brains, the result of a billion years of evolution (with survival at stake), tell us more.

@mahler123, I've owned a number of classic cars, so I get what you are saying. A few further comments... The new Technics designs are much better than the old "disco" 1200. As you already have a phono stage/s, I think its worth going for the SL1210GR. Regarding the digital comparison, I suspect you will like it's pitch stability and bass control compared to comparably priced belt driven designs. The turntable is superb in terms of its fit and finish and ergonomically, it's delightful to use. I previously owned a 1200G which replaced an SME 20. The SME was more neutral tonally but the Technics was more interesting to listen to. It has since been replaced by a Clearaudio - but it's an Innovation with professional PSU and Universal arm. That combination is in a different league to the Concept - as it should be at the price - and combines the best qualities of the SME and the Technics.