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Why the difference?

I'm relatively new to vinyl and as such I'm trying to understand and learn the medium a much as reasonably possible. To that end can some one tell me why the way a turntable is driven changes/effects the sound. For instance, I read things such as how idler drive system give more "drive" in the music. Nebulous statements like that don't do guys like me much good when trying to compare belt driven tables to direct drive systems. Maybe I just can't read between the lines of text that well. I'm sure if any drive system is built well they will sound good. However, it seems over and over again there are certain attributes attributed to certain turntable drive systems. Why is this? Why would an idler drive system have more musical "drive" than a belt driven system. What's it doing that is so different? I would imagine 33 1/3 rpm is 33 1/3 rpm - though I do recognize no rpm is perfect and there are small variances. And what the heck would more "drive" sound like? The only thing I can think is that the drag of the needle on the vinyl causes the platter to vary from a constant speed depending on the frequency in the grooves, and maybe some drive systems reduce the tendency to vary from 33 1/3 rpm more that others. Though this is pure speculation - and still it doesn't tell me what the heck "drive" is suppose to sound like - or maybe it's feel like.
last_lemming
zenblaster
504 posts
 
All record players sound great until the needle hits the record. That's when different motor systems react differently to the drag that is placed upon them. The more dramatic/dynamic the music that is recorded, the more drag that is placed on the turntable drive system from the cartridge/tonearm. How these turntables deal with the forces that want to deviate from the desired rpm changes things like pace, tempo, decay, all the things that make up sound. The big, heavy platters spun by a powerful motor is able to plow through difficult dynamics without "skipping a beat" so to speak, maintaining a pitch perfect 33rpm.
This is just an explanation of the very primary differences in drive systems
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,229 posts
 
Others may disagree, but I think the drive system is a non-issue as long as it is well implemented. At a practical level a turntable's suspension and the surface you place it on has more impact on the sound.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
The most likely explanation is that the TT mayby spinning a little fast. Rega is known for this. I would try a speed control device. If you call The Cable Company, they should be able to send you one so you can try it in your system before you commit to buying.
57s4me
30 posts
 
"Drive", "Pace, Rhythm and Timing" etc are all ways of describing pitch accuracy. A properly executed drive system will keep up with the demands of stylus-in-groove. As long as the main bearing is also well executed, and there is a successful treatment and reduction of air-borne and floor-borne resonances, then all should be well.
The rest of the sound will be taken care of by arm and cartridge choice, and it can be here that things get interesting...synergistic combinations are what to aim for.
Unfortunately, our industry can be plagued by pseudo-science and the mystification of terminology - all good for advertising, but often enough to make 'reading between the lines' absolutely essential if you are to keep a clear head.
Just the opinion of a fellow-traveler. Enjoy the music!
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