2. analog
  3. 123260-117

Do top Idler drive tables fall short to top belt drives in any particular area.

In the current Reed table thread, a user makes mention that he compared running it in Idler mode, and then using a belt. He goes on to write, the belt was superior with decay, and I believe more organic sounding as well. Please don't fault me if I used the wrong word, but that's what I got out of reading it. Certainly it's tough to generalize, since there are always more variables than the turntable itself. I auditioned the Brinkmann Bardo and Spyder tables last year. I understand I'm talking DD vs Belt in this case, but please stay with me. I easily preferred the Belt driven Spyder, to it's DD counterpart. I found decay to be one of the areas where the Spyder won out. It was more organic, and I heard subtle spatial cues that were not as discernable with the Bardo. Now that I'm considering a Garrard 301 in a well implemented wood plinth, this all has me curious to say the least.  



fjn04

Showing 2 responses by dhcod

dhcod
706 posts
 
I've had a Thorens 124 for 2 months now. I rebuilt and restored what I could, took it to an expert and dropped some money on a motor rebuild and an SME 3012/2 refresh and rewire. I put it in what I think is an original Thorens rigid Baltic birch plinth and it sits on a wall shelf. 

I've been back in the turntable game since 1998 pretty hard. I've owned LP-12s, Orbes, Amazon tables, etc. but I have to say the 124 is by far the most satisfying vinyl experience I've ever had. With regard to the sound, maybe just maybe, I'm giving up a little air vs some of the belt tables I've used. In exchange I've gotten way better pace and bass and soundstage. Just as important, the experience of using the 124 is just way more enjoyable than any other I've owned. I like the clutch... not having to turn off or snatch changing records. I love that it switches speed easily and gets up to speed in a revolution or two. It's beautiful too!

I wouldn't hesitate if I were you to go idler.

http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/42994550/IMG_0117.jpg
dhcod
706 posts
 
Any good turntable requires some TLC, as it should be. It's a hobby. I wouldn't want something that didn't need intervention occasionally.

 I don't think there's any right answer to the idler wars. I think any idler can be made to sound great. I would chose by looks and the sensory process of playing a record, if I were you. We all hear differently so what I think sounds good may just not reach your ears the same way and if you want brighter or a different soundstage, there are so many variable elements so you can get what you want on the table you love as a piece of art.
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