Is Direct Drive Really Better?

Even a 1% static error alters the essential character of the music only very slightly, and even then usually only in direct comparison with the correct speed.

Alex,

That's the first statement you've made that I'll specifically disagree with. Given sufficiently transparent yet harmonically complex music, a 1% static speed deviation is quite audible. The music's harmonic structure will be damaged.

I'm not referring to anything esoteric. Mozart's orchestral scores are a good test. Nothing seems simpler, but his harmonic relationships are far more tightly inter-related that is usually appreciated. Change playback speed by 1% and they fall to pieces.

To be fair, this does require a very transparent sytem to be audible. Bloat or overhang from any component will readily mask the harmonic damage from a 1% static speed error. My old c-j and Bent components did. So do Aesthetix and Supratek, for that matter. Dan_Ed, Jyprez and Swampwalker could attest that our Nick Doshi stuff has the requisite transparency. When they visited recently I didn't specifically demonstrate the audibility of a 1% TT speed error. But I could have.

Phd, the SP10MKII is an upgrade from the Technics SP10MKII that has a 28lb bronze and aluminum platter and an outboard power supply with speed control.

"Speed-stability is the crucial issue, not speed-accuracy within reasonable limits."

Zaikes ... I agree with you. If speed accuracy were more important the CD vs LP debate would have died long ago.
Speed stability is what really counts.

Regarding the limit of discrimination this reference has it at 0.5%
http://www.indiana.edu/~emusic/acoustics/pitch.htm

So you could argue that the difference between 0.001% and 0.01% is academic. I would even argue that the orchestral players are not able to tune their instruments to better than 0.1% so you are fooling yourself if you think a turntable needs to be substantially more accurate.

Since speed stability problems cause direct distortion to the waveform they are much more noticeable.

Doug ... how does an absolute speed error break harmonic relationships ? If we are 1% fast then a lower A is 444 Hz (instead of 440Hz) and an upper A is 888Hz instead of 880Hz. The doubling of frequency per octet relationship is still maintained, just shifted slightly 1% up in frequency.

I would agree with Sean on this. The standard of 440Hz for A is a rather recent development as any performer of Early Music will tell you. But a minor third has always been a minor third, so it would seem (and here I risk the wrath of Raul) that pitch stability is more important than accuracy.

Hi: SM?, good point. Btw, from a pure objective approach the " numbers " are what define which audio device is better not if we can hear those " numbers ".

Here are some of those " numbers " and you will be the best judge:

Manufacturer wow&flutter speed accu.% signal/noise ratio

Belt Drive.

Basis Gold MK3...0.02...... 0.02...... 90 db
Kuzma Ref............0.05...... 0.08...... 83
Michel Gyro..........0.05...... 0.01...... 80
Sota Cosmos.........0.025..... 0.02...... 87
SME 20..................0.05...... 0.01...... 85
Voyd.....................0.004..... 0.001..... 80
VPI TNT...............0.01...... 0.01...... 90
Well Tempered ......0.01...... 0.001..... 84
Roksan Xerxes.......0.02...... -----..... 83
Linn 12/lingo...........0.03...... 0.01...... 70
Goldmund Ref........0.01...... 0.01...... 85
Micro RX5000.......0.02...... 0.015..... 84
Maplenol................0.03...... 0.003..... 80
Walker....................----...... 0.002..... --
Continuum...............----...... 0.006..... --
Townsed Ref...........0.02...... 0.01...... 85
Acoustic Signat........0.02...... 0.006..... 85

Direct Drive.

Rockport.................0.01...... 0.01...... 98
Exclusive.................0.015..... 0.001..... 95
Denon DP100.........0.02...... 0.002..... 90
Yamaha GT2000X..0.0025.... 0.002..... 85
Technics SP10MK3.0.015..... 0.001..... 92
Technics SP10MK2.0.02...... 0.001..... 86
Denon DP80............0.02...... 0.002..... 80
GPA Monaco............----...... 0.002..... --

These are the best TT " numbers " . The Idler Wheel have really poor " numbers " and the Rega and the like very poor too, on many others there is no single " number ", sorry.

Btw, it will be nice if Teres and Galibier could give us their " numbers ".

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.