Direct Drive

DD TTs using three phase motors. The new Technics, the SAT, VPI. I'm not sure about the NVS and the Monarch, but would be surprised if they weren't three phase, given their quality. Then of course there is the motor I build and install into my K3 design 

@richardkrebs 

So none of the 3 phase motored DD TT's are available under US$40k.

Any of the vintage use DD's use 3 phase motors ?

It would appear that the 3 phase argument you proposed is only as relevant in as much that only about 0.0000001% at most of DD TT's ever sold actually use a 3 phase motor. That would mean statistically your argument is irrelevant.

Where do I get 3 phase when my house is only single phase? Surely AC motors are asking for trouble.

As I said. "The new Technics" this includes the SL-1200GR. slotless, coreless, 3 phase. Some versions available right here in NZ for $3000. 

The reference class Technics SL-1000R is available here in NZ for $31,999 ( Under US$20,000 ) 

The Pioneer P3 and the Victor TT-101 with slotless and coreless motors, also appear to be 3 phase, but I cannot be sure. Same would apply to the big Sony's 

If you widen the category to just 3 phase...pretty much every Technics DD ever made.

For vintage DD tables I look no further that Victor, better known to most as JVC.

My TT71 motor drive unit is a beautifully crafted and precise operating DD table that uses a DC motor. It's a 12 pole, 24 slot DC brushless motor with a frequency detection circuit that uses a 180 slot frequency generator yoke with a magnetic disc and a printed circuit board with 180 coils printed on it. Needless to say, speed is very accurate and wow and flutter is very low.

Most folks don't realize that Victor invented the modern quartz locked direct drive motor system. Victor was a engineering company that shifted it's focus from audio to video in later years and became leaders in that field as well. Victor supplied motor drives to other companies as well, Micro Seiki being one of them.

BillWojo

@dover 

"Any of the vintage use DD's use 3 phase motors ?"

This caused me to try to think for a moment of one that isn't at least three phase, and I'm coming up empty.