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 justmetoo

Some more detail on the Burmester 175.

"The drive is not only equipped with its own tonearm and MC system, but also with a first-class phono equalizer, which is even supposed to keep the legendary stand-alone component Burmester 100 at bay in some areas. The barely compact turntable may still be worth its price of 31,800 euros, but its fighting weight of 60 kilos is not. This classy lathe is incredibly heavy!"

They are not joking as regards the pricing, I say! 🤭
Michélle 
Some more if you please... 😉 

The fact that the housing of the new Burmester 175 record player “builds so high” has, of course, also very practical reasons, after all, the developers packed in some key features. Above all, four motors, which, according to the manufacturer, are in the outer square around the sub-plate. One speaks here of the squaring of the circle, and relies on several belts, so that no uneven pull on the central bearing can arise. A total of four belts are used here, two for two motors each, which, according to the manufacturer, improves the synchronization, but also shortens the start-up.

The AC synchronous motors used here are driven by digital motor electronics, based on a high-precision oscillator and a perfect sine voltage. According to Burmster Home Audio GmbH, the electronics here are designed so that they are completely immune to fluctuations in the mains voltage frequency.
La di da, 4 motors, 4 belts - is this because they can not build a DD table? — Or is it they think 4 belts are better than none? 🤔 
M. 🇿🇦