Direct drive vs belt vs rim vs idler arm

Halcro, your video of the Victor is most impressive. I'm not sure that many tables would pass that test which such flying colors. Well done. Have you tried this test with the dot falling on a wall that is further away? The video of the Transrotor tells a whole different story. It's surprising how far off that is with such a heavy platter. Someone once described the effect of stylus drag as similar to a fly trying to slow down an elephant. I no longer see the relevance of that analogy.

As interesting as a list of tables that pass this test would be, I don't think we will see one any time soon. Thanks for sharing your video.

Thank you Peter,
When I saw that Timeline video using the Transrotor turntable.......it was also the first time that I was able to appreciate the effects of stylus drag.
It's hard to imagine anyone claiming that 'speed control' was inconsequential after viewing it?
Regards

Richardkrebs,

very informative, thanks for taking the time to post.

I have learned first hand that specific tables I have either owned and/or have listened to don't meet even your number 1), not sure about the other two.

I do like what you wrote that tables need to;

1) have absolute speed stability under all load conditions.
2) have absolute dimensional stability between platter and arm support.
3) be absolutely still, with total immunity from external movement.

Can you or anyone else please provide a list of tables that actually meet and pass these requirements

Halcro,

I recall your video prior on another thread and that's exactly what I'm referring to, thanks for sharing that again.

You also answered my question in relation to how many turns should it be by lowering the three stylus onto the record, doesn't matter!

So we have one table that clearly demonstrats it holds accurate speed, any others? I'm very curious to see.

Can you show the results for your TW table, non of mine including the flagship BK would hold an accurate speed.

Viridian, you wrote:
"So......you listen to turntables professionally? Where can I apply for that job?"

sorry for my late reply. It was a kind of replic to all these guys who still believe that in the studios (so called professionals) they used pro-gear but these units could'nt be well designed or appropriate for us audiophiles. Maybe the biggest mistake ever made!

This is why some people still believe good idlers make noises only - the next biggest mistake.

I am using three other belt drives (MS and Continuum) and believe they sound terrific, not only because of the drive. I also loved my Nakamichi DD but to be very honest the best investment I ever made was my EMT R80 idler drive playing with a TSD 15 Anniversary via a Western Electric 618B SUT.

So maybe the job you are applying for is already booked, nevertheless if you are close by to Munich we could arrange an exchange, maybe I can learn something.

all the best