Is Direct Drive Really Better?

I have to admit I love my Technics SP-10MKIII. I also have a Linn LP12, Micro Seiki 1500FVG, Teac TN400, Dual CS5000, Empire and a few others laying about. I use the Technics most but the Micro is great too.

Actually, idler-drive rules. There's a reason why the Audiogon thread, "Building high end 'tables cheap at Home Despot (sic)" has over 3,100 posts and grows daily. Go all the way to the end of it and read the most recent post by Johnnantais. This is no joke.

I find it intigueing that Brinkman, who make one of the finest belt drive tables out there, recently introduced a DD model. Interestingly, they are also the US importer for the Norma-Hylee-Tech modded Thorens TD-124 idler-drive tables. Grand Prix also just started showing the new Monaco DD table, which appears to be out of of prototype form. Do we have a trend beginning? Can I get a witness?

Marty - trend or no, superior technology or no, there will always be a response to a buzz. Audiophiles start talking about and yearning for DD's and idlers? One-man shop guys and DIY'ers getting good results on the cheap? Companies will never let that stand. Exisitng manufacturers or new ones (just wait) will leap into the fray with claims that THEY have the secret to unlocking the very best of whatever technology is currently sexy. Of course, as an example, only the finest titanium shafts turned on gold-plated lathes using ceramic tools whose paths are greased by the sweat of nubian maidens will do. And, by God, that costs money. Money they would just love to cleave from your wallet. Soon you have a 1200 in a $25,000 package. Just wait!

Good to see that you wandered over here from the Vinyl Asylum. I am in complete agreement, though I never claimed that any technology was superior; I am more interested in fun than superiority. Oh, and I will need to be a beta tester for that nubian maiden sweat, BTW.