Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive


I'd like to know your thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of each drive system. I can see that direct drive is more in vogue over the last few years but is it superior to the other drive systems? I've had first-hand experiences with two out of the three drive systems but looking to learn more.
scar972

Showing 3 responses by ct0517

at OP
Scar972 -

the three way table comparison is a fun rabbit hole, and in the link I posted earlier of findings years ago, took my mind off of things during a difficult time. Based on current events - go for it !

Only I would strongly recommend as I showed in my link that I kept the same tonearm, cartridge and wiring on all three tables. My comments were based on this. Who else has done this ?

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Atmasphere
To understand this better, think about the steering of a car because its exactly the same mechanical engineering principle. The wheel has to stay on the road but has to be guided by the driver. If there is play in this scheme, the car will be dangerous to drive and quite scary. Imagine installing an air bearing in the linkage of the steering of a car!



Funny ! thanks for the Friday laugh Atmasphere.

I would be interested in hearing about an air bearing that has less play than a high quality bearing of conventional design.


The ET2 with its large surface "stationary" bearing is more rigid at audio frequencies than any metal bearings. Bruce Thigpen has done the analysis , documented it - not what this thread is about. I also own high quality conventional tonearms. See my virtual system.

Cheers and everyone have a safe indoor weekend.

^^^^

Nope...today you just pick a tt and cart and hope for the best I think.


According to some older friends I know of - that's the way they described it being done in the 60's......... 8^0

I was born in the 60's so can't say. Got my first turntable in the 70's.


Who exactly is trialing tts w the same carts? I can't think of anyone trying out tts in a retail store and moving the same cart from one tt to the next.

I assume you mean two same tonearms , two same cartridges ?

As posted on this thread earlier.  

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/direct-drive-vs-idler-drive-vs-belt-drive/post?postid=1912016...