Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive

The CS Port looks like a much better built Maplenoll. Heavy plinth, air bearing, belt drive and integrated air LT arm. Most Maplenoll’s where badly finished, and the pumps where nightmares. High pressure pumps where made out of oil lubricated refrigerator pumps and would leave your listening room smelling like a machine shop. But like old American cars they can be modded into amazing performance, they are simple constructions that work well.

@mikelavigne 
Have you done the spin test with any of your current TT’s Mike ?
I disconnected the belt from my Maplenoll yesterday, and gave the 100 lb platter a spin. It took 45 min before it was stopped completely, i was expecting 10 min or something like that.

I think the last Maplenoll’s where made early 90’s, but Lloyd Walker basically copied the Ariadne when he made his original TT. The RoadRunner is a measuring system that can be used independently or together with the Condor, Eagle or Falcon. You can just monitor speed with the RoadRunner or connect to the motor controller and let it do adjustments according to speed variation. I have been told the eclipse package is a substantial upgrade to most AC synchronous TT’s. The more powerful motor combined with the lower vibrations because of the 3 phase controller, is a lifesaver for those pesky low weight small motor suspended turntables like SOTA. But you can not compare the sound to the sound of a heavy plinth, heavy platter air bearing TT with a high power motor, it’s a different ball game.