Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive


I'd like to know your thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of each drive system. I can see that direct drive is more in vogue over the last few years but is it superior to the other drive systems? I've had first-hand experiences with two out of the three drive systems but looking to learn more.
scar972
@lewm 


Total 14.8 kg (Chassis 5 kg, Platter 9.8 kg); Power Supply 0.5 kg


So 21.6 pounds.

I even checked my math with a conversion program!

Platter weight 9.8kg = ~21 lbs.  I see no conflict with what you previously wrote, if you're talking about the Bardo.
Mike, Platter of SP10 Mk3 is listed as "10kg" or "21 lbs", everywhere. Not near to 30 lbs. It's heavy enough as is.
Mike, Platter of SP10 Mk3 is listed as "10kg" or "21 lbs", everywhere. Not near to 30 lbs. It’s heavy enough as is

thanks Lew, my 9 year old memory was recalling how heavy the case was with the motor and platter and my guess was wrong.

but.......there is no ’heavy enough’. :-)

my CS Port has a 60 pound platter, the American Sound AS-2000 has a 200 pound platter.
In the past I would have dogmatically agreed that platter mass was a key point for good analog playback. I still think its a key contributor. 

However the Well Tempered Reference has shown me that is not a bit t Truth. I bet its platter does not weigh over 5 pounds, yet it has excellent sound quality, has solid speed stability, excellent bass response, and portrays space in a very believable manner. Is it the best table? No. But for its price point it was a very good table, and viable even in todays marketplace. It may not have a lot of techno wiz bang options, but it still gets to the heart of the music. Mass alone does not define SQ.