Barring the expensive DD models mentioned by Johnnyb53, the cognescenti of direct-coupled(i.e. idler) & DD TTs generally favor vintage Lencos, Technics SP-10 & early Denons. They can be purchased for under $500 on ebay and restored/replinthed to great effect. The advantage of superior speed stability in these TTs, may or may not be offset by the advantage of low vibration inherent in belt drive with an isolated motor. Having myself tweaked a VPI belt-drive TT in areas that separately address speed stability and resonance control, my vote goes to speed stability as making the greatest improvement. It will forever be debated whether any belt drive TT can approach the speed stability of DD, and whether DD can be as quiet as belt drive.
vpi scoutmaster versus technics unbiased
Anyone heard both the vpi scoutmaster and the technics mk5g not the earlier versions and preferably with tonerarm dampen kit to tell me whether there is big difference in sonics. Lets assume no sds or clamp with vpi but newer tonearm. phonostage is dartzeel preamp and amp is dartzeel as well. by the way i am happy with the technics mk5g that I have but wondering whether the scoutmaster with my existing benz ace low output cartridge would have a lower noisefloor or what would the benefits necessarily be. I listen to jazz and rock. If you sneer at direct drive then at least admit it so I am aware of the bias.
thanks
mike
thanks
mike
thanks
mike
thanks
mike