why is belt drive better than direct drive?

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

Yeah, when I have enough money to spare on a VPI with flywheel and a Graham...In the meantime, modified 1200. Nothing in between for me.

used is the WAY TO GO! (as you know-III,smeIV/damping/sumiko dirt tal dti vd/mit wire/wbt ccconnectors. i paid 1/4 the price of the entire setup.
sota is another xlnt tt for the dough used, saaaaaaaaaay with an mmt arm. many were sold this way and i was attracted to it at absolute audio in woodland hills, ca (owned by neil sinclair at the time). the bass authority was immediately recognizable. one fo the benefits of the arm is the universal headshell that allows rapid change of carts.
my friend has ortofons jubilee, rohmann, and mc30IIsuper. as well as several others (oc9, atML150/170, 440ML (a real surprise), and others. a guy can have a olot of fun!
.......regards.......tr