VPI turntable again......

All I can say is a LOT of things in hi-end audio don't make sense. That's why the folks here always say ... let your ears decide!

I think you are right about the three pulley system. Even though the key way bearing noise could be transmitted would be through the belts, it could have been audible. I agree with Plato that the three pulley system was probably developed to avoid one-sided pressure on the bearing. After VPI changed to another bearing system, this was no longer necessary, so the three pulley system isn't incorporated in recent VPI designs.

You raise two points about the dual motor system: speed and noise. The speeds of the motors are coupled through the common "pulley," which is actually a flywheel. The stronger motor may be supplying more torque, but the flywheel is rotating at only a single speed at any given time. I believe the weaker motor is getting a little boost, and the stronger motor is working a slightly greater load. The two are probably rotating at the same speed. The speed is fine tuned at the platter to be correct using the SDS controller and a strobe system.

The noise of the two motors would be transmitted primarily through the belts. As you know, the stand alone motor chassis doesn't touch the plinth. The noise transmission from the motors is further buffered by the flywheel, i.e., the noise must go through the flywheel first, then the belt, to reach the platter. Perhaps the decision to use two small motors instead of one big motor was partially based on a lower noise level generated by two small motors. Where does the noise go? Well, I think a lot of it actually does disappear into the air. As Pmotz suggested, how much gets transmitted through to the platter is better judged by listening rather than analyzing the engineering. I would guess not many people have really noticed a lot of motor noise. Have you had a listen yourself?

The two motors make a lot of noise, the pulley makes noise too and the platter bearing also makes more noise.

If everything equal, I believe a single motor with a long belt that drive a platter will be far more quieter than the VPI 2 motors/pulley/platter approach.

The major problem with the two motors/pulley/platter turntable is that the motors housing and pulley housing are placing so close together than you cannot isolate them in their own separate isolation platform. Now the 2 motors housing/pulley/platter & plinth sit on the same platform or stand.....and all the noise transmit back to the turntable through the platform.

No matter how hard he tried, the noise still exist and looks like it is getting worse.

That's why it don't not make sense to me. Just plain common sense.

Edle, the tone of your reply makes me think you have some sort of grievance with VPI that may be unrelated to the engineering issues at hand (or ear)... I highly doubt that the "noise" is getting worse in spite of your argument to the contrary.

Aside from the 3-pully system, if you had noise issues with the VPI perhaps your setup of the critical elements was not optimal. At least that's my take on it.

What is your point? Thanksgiving VPI bashing? Be thankful there are people like Harry Weisfeld who have the passion for the pursuit of vinyl playback.

Perhaps try a couple of laxatives - you'll feel better in the morning.