Nilthepill, To answer your question with my opinion, no. I don't see how a magnetic bearing, which acts in the vertical plane only, can possibly have such a dramatic effect on the drive system, which is mostly operating in the horizontal plane. But your question assumes that low mass/direct drive is inherently superior to belt drive/high mass, which probably is not categorically true. Success of either design philosophy will have a lot to do with execution. I am thinking that, while I personally have begun to favor the low mass platter/direct- or idler- drive turntables based on my listening, this approach is the most difficult and potentially expensive to perfect. Whereas I think it is easier to get "decent" results with a high mass platter/weak motor/low compliance belt. Maybe that explains the predominance of the latter type of turntable in the "high end". I'd love to hear a Grand Prix Monaco myself. I wonder whether the carbon fiber adds a coloration, for one thing.