Direct Drive turntables

This is a most interesting post and I thank all the knowledgeable Goners for their contributions. As Raul stated, sharing knowledge is important. And 75 comments in just one week clearly shows the level of interest in this topic.

BUT, if I understand this point correctly, I have an issue with one suggestion made a few times here. That is the idea that it is necessary to test different drive systems with "all else being equal". Really? Since I believe many contributors here are in fact knowledgeable audio folks, you may agree that component compatibility is very important in this hobby. If so, why would we assume that the same cartridge, arm, plinth, suspension, support, etc. systems would be "ideal" with different drive systems?

My contention is that the only way to compare different drive systems would be to do so with each one "optimized" for best performance and therefore not compromised. Of course then we have the problem of optimized by whose standard or taste?

So just like there being no one speaker that works best in every room, or with every amp, I guess it is up to each of us to find which drive system, in combination with our other vinyl playback components, brings us the most satisfaction. Pax.

Lew, you offer a great example of comparison and I should have remembered it. A friend of mine owned a VPI Scout and became curious about the current rim drives. Although it cost about the same as his table and arm, he ordered the VERUS rim drive/controller system. There has been full agreement by everyone who has heard it that this rim drive plays more realistic and satisfying music. Interestingly he took this system to his VPI dealer where they compared the original belt drive to the VPI rim drive to the VERUS. Each of the three produced a different sound.

So I guess there are limited opportunities to compare different drive systems. But I still feel in most cases one could not make a fair comparison as to which system is "best" or "most musically satisfying" when the set up for each system is not optimized for the best results with each individual drive system.