This is this is a thread with no resolution or answers, just personal opinion. The original Technics direct drive turntables were designed with the audiophile in mind. They were adopted by radio stations and DJs because of their reliability and sturdiness. The new Technics direct drive turntables are superior to the older tables in just about every regard. Whether they are better or worse than other turntables is up to the individual and how it sounds to them. Personally I have a GAE with a Lyra Delos cartridge and this combination resulted in a significant improvement in sound quality in my system.
