why is belt drive better than direct drive?

I've used Technics tables before. Since i'm not "drag racing" turntable motors, "clocking" the start up time or "scratch mixing", i'm not real worried about those aspects.

I am more worried about the subtle details, better resolution, improved isolation and lower background noise that a good table ( of ANY design or brand ) delivers. I never got that out of ANY of the Technics tables that i tried. While they were more than "Technic'ally" competent, they just weren't "musical" or "revealing". However, I did get pretty good results with another brand of DD table, but it is far from a "normal" design. I will say that it is not as quiet as my belt drives and lacks the isolation from external vibration, but it was a BIG step up from some of the other DD's that i used to own. Sean
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As I wrote earlier, gentlemen, this matter is dependent on a case by case basis. In my case ($1000 budget), I did not see any belt drive outperforming (on several parameters, not just sound) a modified 1200. As conscious, skilled and 'lucky' of a buyer as I am, my system will get close to $4000-4500. That's it. Period. (Well, maybe a sub...)

I listen to all types types of music, except racist (both black and neonazi). If a system is way too perfect, it will be ruthlessly revealling, and I won't be able to enjoy listening my music. Fact of life learned while selling audio in college (those B&W 801s were very nasty--could only play two rock groups on them: Alan Parsons and Pink Floyd). If you pursue absolute perfection and like more than just classical music and "Blue Note" quality jazz your listening room will become.....The Voodoo Lounge.

Perhaps it would be enlightening for Psychicanimal to tell what the parameters he uses are (other than sound) and state why they are important to him. Jwblaschke just might have those same parameters and need the insight. While most on this site focus on the end result (sound) we need to recognize that not everyone has the same needs.

Maybe even jwblaschke could weigh in on his requirements, budget, new or used, cartridge considerations, etc?

My criteria are posted in this thread:

http://audiogo5.iserver.net/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&994213579&openflup&6&4#6

psychic,
many of the others stated what i alluded to before. there just isnt sound thats too perfect. i listen to the music, warts and all. the too perfect tt brings out more musical detail and will satisfy more than distract.
a 1200 is more of a toy than an instrument to reproduce music on.
its ok to make this choice, but dont pretend that its 'hi end', it isnt. i enjoyed the SL120 i had but when i went to the hi end, my eyes opened. i now wish i had my grace 707 on a really decent tt so i could have heard its true essence. they used to sell them on linn LP12s before linn made their own arms.
its kind of like having a receiver with lots of features and JBLs vs tubed separates and smooth, refined B+Ws.
one day, when the full quality of the music means more to you, things will change.
meanwhile, have fun with the vinyl, its a kick.
......regards....tr