@lewm , The torque would be a problem only at start up but you can suspend a high mass (SME) just use stiffer springs.
The MinusK isolates beautifully, probably better than any other design but it is not user friendly. You have to locate the mass on it just so or it will bounce to one side or another. You have to treat the turntable gingerly or you get it bouncing.
A hanging suspension ala SME and Sota is the most stable. The Sota is handily the most user friendly because the sub chassis is internalized and you can rest your hand on the plinth to "Q" the record without upsetting anything. The motor is isolated from the sub chassis. During play the sub chassis does not visibly bounce causing any noticeable flexing of the belt unless you intentionally disturb it. Wow and flutter are less than 0.05%. Better yet the turntable is now locked into speed regardless of any change in friction. The hanging suspension is so stable it just does not matter. SME uses a counter belt. Some people use them without it. A solid heavy plinth is simple and very easy to make unless you torture yourself by doing it in slate:-) Get that seismometer app put it on your platter and bang around. Let us know what you discover!
No, I do not like direct drives and one reason is you can not get a suspended one. I also do not slip "Q" records and do not need the torque. This Sony however is a classic and built like a tank. I can understand the attraction.
The MinusK isolates beautifully, probably better than any other design but it is not user friendly. You have to locate the mass on it just so or it will bounce to one side or another. You have to treat the turntable gingerly or you get it bouncing.
A hanging suspension ala SME and Sota is the most stable. The Sota is handily the most user friendly because the sub chassis is internalized and you can rest your hand on the plinth to "Q" the record without upsetting anything. The motor is isolated from the sub chassis. During play the sub chassis does not visibly bounce causing any noticeable flexing of the belt unless you intentionally disturb it. Wow and flutter are less than 0.05%. Better yet the turntable is now locked into speed regardless of any change in friction. The hanging suspension is so stable it just does not matter. SME uses a counter belt. Some people use them without it. A solid heavy plinth is simple and very easy to make unless you torture yourself by doing it in slate:-) Get that seismometer app put it on your platter and bang around. Let us know what you discover!
No, I do not like direct drives and one reason is you can not get a suspended one. I also do not slip "Q" records and do not need the torque. This Sony however is a classic and built like a tank. I can understand the attraction.