Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive

My TT drive experience is on the lower end of the audiophile spectrum. After many years of non-vinyl listening, I inherited an old, entry level belt drive Hitachi TT. This table was surprisingly good, but I could tell it had some sonic limitations, especially in the lower frequencies. Probably not because it was a belt drive, but because it had a very mediocre tonearm and plinth. I purchased a Project Debut III, NIB, at a significant discount. I upgraded the horrid metal platter to the optional acrylic one. The table was generally very engaging except for the motor noise between cuts and sometimes audible during quiet passages. I also discovered that I am not as hard core as I used to be and hated having a manual TT. I sold the Project and picked up a  30+ year old Technics SLD-303. It is dead quiet, holds speed incredibly well and shuts off at the end. I think the Project sounded better overall because of it's better tonearm and modern plinth, but not because it's belt drive system. I think that I might pick up a more audiophile level second TT, at some point, maybe even a manual. It will probably be a belt drive because the really good DD tables are out of my budget. The summary: At the lower end of the price spectrum, I think choosing the drive system is secondary to the quality of the plinth, tonearm and noise isolation.

Found this video tour of the Thrax factory in Bulgaria that manufactures the Dohmann Helix turntable (the TT of the rich!).  Quite impressive and thought you might find interesting:

https://youtu.be/5QYu6qRg_PA

"I note that during the launch of the SP-10R, I was allowed to inspect their motor - and I could HEAR bearing noise when turning the spindle by hand. Obviously that matters."

Wow, you have sensitive ears.  LOL

I have a belt drive turntable and I can say from MY experience that my direct drive seems a bit quieter to me. Never thought I would say that.

Is the Technics SP10 enough for me to experience many of the qualities direct drive has to offer?

Mike
How are all your new turntables comparing to your reel to reel? I’m on a similar journey with reel to reel as I am with vinyl.

@scar972

there are three different SP-10’s. the Mk2, Mk3 and new R.

and the MK3 and new ’R’ are 2 of the better direct drive choices. they can be very very good with the proper plinth. the MK3 also benefits from power supply upgrades.

i owned a Mk2 and a Mk3, both with Dobbins plinths, back in 2009-2011 and enjoyed them both

assuming you are referring to a Mk2; a step down from those other 2......but.....yes, if it is in good condition with a good quality high mass plinth then it should be able to display the positive aspects of direct drive. it is a great bang for the buck choice. the SP-10 Mk2 can be low noise and explosive sounding and a good one likely betters most under $10k new turntables i’ve heard overall.

as far as RTR and my turntables; the very best tapes are still better.......especially the 1/2", 15ips.; but my vinyl can now be equal or better than many of my tapes that use to be superior. the gap has closed to some degree. these days i am very selective about adding any tape due to this issue.