Direct drive vs belt vs rim vs idler arm


Is one TT type inherently better than another? I see the rim drive VPI praised in the forum as well as the old idler arm. I've only experienced a direct drive Denon and a belt driven VPI Classic.
rockyboy

Showing 1 response by franks

Just my 2 cents, but I have to agree with Albert, that all three are capable of excellent sound but when executed correctly i'd have to vote for DD. My current setup is a Technics SP 10 in a slate plinth and what you hear is a substantial increase in pace and drive probably secondary to the DD's ability to transfer the motor's torque to the platter and maintain it without issues of stylus drag etc. My prior turntable was a VPI TNT.
The BD manufacture's have, in their way, acknowledged the issue by their efforts to upgrade the BD systems all of which are designed to increase torque transfer and decrease belt compliance.
The VPI platform is an interesting microcosm of the issue. Prior to the introduction of the rim drive option they upgraded the belt material making it stiffer and less compliant which improved pace and drive. A few hearty souls even took it a step further modifying the table to allow for the use of Mylar tape in place of the belt, which improved things even further. The rim drive, when properly executed, takes it further still. Their rim drive though is kind of a hybrid DD, as the motor is connected to the rim drive via a belt.
Happy listening