The urge to tinker is awash. What TT might better mine and why?

So are we saying that DD and idler drive maybe better tech than belt drive?

We are not, noromance was pulling your leg

Uber, My only "Denon" experience is with the DP80, the best they made for home use.  Second only to the DP100 and DP308, which are both megabuck items these days.  I would shoot for a DP75 or DP80, if I were you.  The cost is only a few hundred bucks more than a DP3000, if that's what you've got your eye on, and the product is better developed (since it came on the market later than the DP3000).  (DP75 is essentially the same as DP80. I used to know the difference, but I've forgotten.)  I'd also suggest Victor TT81 or TT101 or Luxman, if you can be patient enough to find any of those.

"Curiosity empties wallets.   If you're happy, go no further"  

I agree

It would be quite a boring world and not much of an adventure if we all followed that admittedly sage advice.

Fortunately I am inclined to explore and tinker, it's my nature.