Turntable speed accuracy

This is an interesting discussion with philosophical, theoretical and practical elements. I am not in any way an advanced thinker or practitioner on things analog. However, I don't think anyone has addressed these issues with respect to a mylar tape drive, which is essentially inelastic. I will say that I believe that unless you have perfect pitch, I would think that it would be better to have a TT whose speed has better precision than accuracy. IOW, within certain bounds, speed stability is more important than speed accuracy. A table that runs at 33.6 rpm, +/- 0.05 rpm, would be preferable to a table that runs at 33.3 rpm, +/- 0.5 rpm. I made those #s up to illustrate my point; I have no idea how audible those variations would be but I hope you get my point.

A robust drive is really important in a good turntable!

Very interesting comment. Jibes with the idea that the quality of the power supply is v. impt in amp and pre-amps as well. Not sure why, maybe its just a co-incidence? But after having my pre-amp's power supply upgraded, I am more convinced than ever that it is true for the electronics!

Halcro- Yes, I had read that and was trying to re-state it in a way that might make sense to those of us who are not musicians. Not sure how common this is amongst "us", but I cannot carry a tune in the proverbial bushel basket, let alone have any idea what a 12 hz variance in pitch means. I am in total awe of musicians, esp. singers!

And, lest we forget, among designers of both belt- and direct-drive turntables there seems to be a divide around weak motor/huge platter vs strong motor/light(er) platter. There are logical arguments either way. So, I would not be so bold as to make any declarative statements.

Well said- every design is a compromise, and barring a "paradigm shift" or revolutionary advance in technology or theory, implementation and qa/qc are the make or break points. Says the guy who can't carry a tune;-)