After reading the posts, I thought it would be helpful to add my experience with a turntable design that is very unique (at least as far as I know).
I have been working for 4+ years on a turntable design that came to fruition recently. The turntable is a rim drive turntable with a super massive bearing (the largest built, as far as I know) and a massive platter. The theory behind this design was to have very high inertia to overcome stylus drag derived speed variations.
I can tell you with great confidence that the design/theory does work as intended. The high inertia platter/bearing combination brings forth drive and rhythm like no other turntable that I have heard. It is quiet amazing.
That said, the turntable is not perfect, as the rim drive motor speed variations need to be tamed. Speed accuracy is not a problem, but minute variations in speed is an issue for now. I have been working extensively with different rim motor solutions, including rim wheel materials, sizes and durometers. Each has there own sonic signature and pros/cons.
IF the motor speed variations can be tamed, then I believe the current design is unmatched. BUT, I am still seeking a better motor solution that I currently have.
Here is another finding that I came across: if the table has a stable the motor speed and has the ability to rip thru transients and not be adversely impacted by stylus drag, then you will discover that your next culprit is eccentric record centers. Wow/flutter derived from eccentricity in the LP will become more apparent/audible.
This is just an FYI and thought it might help in your thinking.
I have been working for 4+ years on a turntable design that came to fruition recently. The turntable is a rim drive turntable with a super massive bearing (the largest built, as far as I know) and a massive platter. The theory behind this design was to have very high inertia to overcome stylus drag derived speed variations.
I can tell you with great confidence that the design/theory does work as intended. The high inertia platter/bearing combination brings forth drive and rhythm like no other turntable that I have heard. It is quiet amazing.
That said, the turntable is not perfect, as the rim drive motor speed variations need to be tamed. Speed accuracy is not a problem, but minute variations in speed is an issue for now. I have been working extensively with different rim motor solutions, including rim wheel materials, sizes and durometers. Each has there own sonic signature and pros/cons.
IF the motor speed variations can be tamed, then I believe the current design is unmatched. BUT, I am still seeking a better motor solution that I currently have.
Here is another finding that I came across: if the table has a stable the motor speed and has the ability to rip thru transients and not be adversely impacted by stylus drag, then you will discover that your next culprit is eccentric record centers. Wow/flutter derived from eccentricity in the LP will become more apparent/audible.
This is just an FYI and thought it might help in your thinking.