There is no such thing as getting the best of both worlds without some of the issues of both worlds, but in the end you would have to form your own opinion by listening to a very good direct-drive turntable in your own system, side by side with your "controlled" belt-drive, and decide for yourself. Even then, the outcome would depend upon the particular choice of the comparator direct-drive, what other ancillary equipment you own, the type of music you prefer, etc. You made a big upgrade to the performance of your present tt. My advice would be to enjoy it, and don't worry about the alternatives for a while.