We will always have different opinions about what platter drive is the "best" because we see here -again - different "schools".
I - again - just want to mention the fascinating idea first proposed by japanese audio engineers about using the string on heavy platter and working with a WANTED and precisely tuned "slip".
This works just great with a precise platter of considerable weight and inertia.
The string with minimal grip and minimal tension does indeed minimize any speed alternations, transmitted vibrations and just have to prevent the platter from loosing speed.
The (only...) trade-off is a long time till constant speed is obtained (1-2 minutes).
On the other hand we have the minimal possible influence from transmission, motor etc towards the platter.
Its the basic principle behind the big Micro Seiki, Melco and Epic turntables.
Add to this the concept of putting the bearing free from horizontal force (counter-bearing) and you have a smooth TT principle which just needs a considerable amount of space, weight, precision tooling (these 3 = money....) and care.
But - as in most other audio "fields" - different "schools" will favor different concepts and "models".
I - again - just want to mention the fascinating idea first proposed by japanese audio engineers about using the string on heavy platter and working with a WANTED and precisely tuned "slip".
This works just great with a precise platter of considerable weight and inertia.
The string with minimal grip and minimal tension does indeed minimize any speed alternations, transmitted vibrations and just have to prevent the platter from loosing speed.
The (only...) trade-off is a long time till constant speed is obtained (1-2 minutes).
On the other hand we have the minimal possible influence from transmission, motor etc towards the platter.
Its the basic principle behind the big Micro Seiki, Melco and Epic turntables.
Add to this the concept of putting the bearing free from horizontal force (counter-bearing) and you have a smooth TT principle which just needs a considerable amount of space, weight, precision tooling (these 3 = money....) and care.
But - as in most other audio "fields" - different "schools" will favor different concepts and "models".