I may have misunderstood you, but you mentioned that "there is no such thing as instantaneous speed measurement in the real world": AnalogMagik software does measure instantaneous speed. I think Fremer may use it, or possibly have some other software by which he determines the variability and stability of speed control of the turntables that he evaluates.
Direct Drive
I am firmly in the digital camp, but I’ve dabbled in vinyl. Back in the day I was fascinated by Technics Direct Drive tt, but couldn’t afford them. I was stuck with my entry level Gerrard. I have been sans turntable for about 5 years now but the new gear bug is biting. I am interested in the Technics 1500 which comes with an Ortofon Red and included pre amp. I have owned Rega P5 which I hated for its speed instability and a Clearaudio Concept which was boring as hell.
Direct Drive was an anathema to audiophiles in the nineties but every time I heard one it knocked my socks off. What do the analogers here think of Direct Drive? I listen to Classical Music exclusively