Mike is right.
Belt driven turntables have issues to overcome due to inherent belt creep that belie their apparent simplicity. That is not to say that a good belt drive cannot be made, however. As you are aware, there are several exemplary ones out there that find ways around the obstacle. The better vintage ones tend to only go with high mass to get the desired sound, however.
Direct drives require fancier electronics to pull off great sound, but when done properly, the result can be very, very nice. As noted, the really good used ones tend to be pricey.
Then, there are the idlers. Almost all of them have an immediacy that is lacking in typical offerings of the other types. Still, vintage models require a certain amount of mechanical experience to put them into excellent working order. Carry through with that, however, and you have great sound without extreme expense.
Then again, strides have been made in all the drive areas with some recent offerings. In the end, the decision has to be made by the individual who is making the purchase.
Belt driven turntables have issues to overcome due to inherent belt creep that belie their apparent simplicity. That is not to say that a good belt drive cannot be made, however. As you are aware, there are several exemplary ones out there that find ways around the obstacle. The better vintage ones tend to only go with high mass to get the desired sound, however.
Direct drives require fancier electronics to pull off great sound, but when done properly, the result can be very, very nice. As noted, the really good used ones tend to be pricey.
Then, there are the idlers. Almost all of them have an immediacy that is lacking in typical offerings of the other types. Still, vintage models require a certain amount of mechanical experience to put them into excellent working order. Carry through with that, however, and you have great sound without extreme expense.
Then again, strides have been made in all the drive areas with some recent offerings. In the end, the decision has to be made by the individual who is making the purchase.