Direct Drive

@terry9 

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.  

@Mahler123 - time zone differences accounting for late reply. I'm not saying that the Technics is entry level. But given that you have had two pretty good turntables that didn't float your boat, I'm not sure a Technics 1500 will either and it's a very expensive way of accessing a handful of classical records not available on digital.

The reality is that digital hardware and software has improved very significantly in the last ten years, whereas analogue technology has plateaued to the extent that any improvements being made are largely at the bleeding edge of technology and price.

How does the Denon DP-A100 compare to the Technics models and also older Denons?

"The only thing that can possibly make noise in a DD is the spindle bearing. But guess what?? ALL belt drives and idler drives have a nearly identical spindle bearing as a DD. In reality, DD tables are 10-20 dB quieter than most all belt and idler drives. Just a fact!"

So, 1) The only thing that can possibly make noise in a DD is the spindle bearing.

2) ALL belt drives and idler drives have a nearly identical spindle bearing as a DD.

3) DD tables are 10-20 dB quieter than most all belt and idler drive.

Just a fact? Those statements make 2 large assumptions, then pirouette into a non-sequitur claiming DD turnables generate one tenth to one hundredth as much noise. Fascinating.

"Motor noise from DD??? Must be a cheap Fisher or BSR."

Not so, cogging was a major problem in older Technics. I do not know if they fixed it. Suffice to say, I would not buy a dd tt.

Yes, tangential arms sound a lot better. Or look at Thales.