Buying a new TT today

chakster,

"1) This is my over 40 y.o. Victor TT-101with Coreless Direct Drive motor and the rotation is spot on. You can read more about this TT-101 here: "


Impressive stuff.


"I have no idea why audiophiles older than me never tried some of the best Direct Drive turntables and always refer to the modern mainstream belt drives ? I think it is a lack of experience, because 80% of the "information" about DD turntables coming from a Belt Drive owners is fake news."


I know that back in the late 80s there was so much fanfare in the UK press over belt drive decks. It was all Linn or Rega in those days (or a Dual if you had to).

Even decent decks like the Pink Triangle or Alphason Sonata could hardly make any headway. I took the plunge and bought a Rega 3. It was - ok. 

As for the Japanese direct drive decks, they were only ever mentioned in passing (or letters) and never reviewed, their owners were mocked and the decks universally derided.

It's taken the press a very long time to come round.

To the OP, enjoy your turntables, hope the Marantz brings that WOW factor,
I can only relate my story here, by no means I'm providing advice.

Before Technics released their new turntables 3 - 4 years ago I wanted a TT and because of nostalgic reasons found a used SL-1210Mk5, great TT, updated the cart to a DL-301mk2 and used it a few times, at the same time I improved my digital rig and the results were much better so my TT it's been collecting dust. Then Technics started producing TTs again.
My digital rig evolved and the sound is magical but coming here to Audiogon and reading the analog forum got the itch in me to try something out in a smart and proper way so I started reading and I am familiar with more of the users here following their opinions and biases.
Among these opinions I formed myself an idea that the DD TT if designed properly can yield (for the money) better results than the ID and BD.
Since I don't only take the Audiogon comments into account I asked at an audio show a friend of mine (who's also a manufacturer of well know and respected audio equipment) his opinion and he stated "Luis, for the money get one of the newer DD Technics, you won't be wrong with it"
Technics is a great turntable but the older models although designed extremely well are not really Audiophile grade turntables and have their obvious limitations because of age so there is just so much that you can do with an older Technics, you can certainly upgrade it with KAB and other mods but you will be spending more on getting it up to your standards. Reading MC (millercarbon) posts on how to adjust TT etc I realized my antiskate on my arm is a little out of whack so spending more money trying to make a Porsche out of a Honda no thank you. So I'm selling my existing SL-1210mk5 and getting a new Technics 1200GR

Chakster here provided valuable advice, he is very straight with his opinions and yes he could be more "political" speaking his mind but I believe in these comments he provides honest advice, what I partially agree on with him is the vintage TT's, he certainly is well versed on Japanese equipment and he could get a vintage TT (like he has done) and make it a great audiophile TT but he has the knowledge and I  don't so purchasing a used TT for me I could get lucky and get a good unit but I could get a crappy one too so getting vintage unless I know for certain I'm getting a good SP10 or DP80 etc I won't do because of my limitations evaluating such equipment.
So to me the road was well defined, if remorse strikes later on (not likely but possible) I'm sure I will be able to sell the Technics with almost no losses, BTW look how many of the new Technics are on the used market and which discount have on them, almost none, that tells me the owners are happy owners and it maintains its value.
Oh last but not least, some BD TT's are certainly renowned and I don't doubt these are great but at what cost? $5000? $10000? that's why I think I will be happy with my Technics using good carts.
I'm not intending to debate BD vs DD, I'm just saying I think DD will serve me better for the money spent that's all.

Just my 2 cents

Chakster is a tremendous hobbyist/tinkerer/researcher/turntable historian and quite knowledgeable about DD tables.

As I've stated before, it is not about the technology, but the execution of the specific model. Whatever table you have, there is ALWAYS something better sounding.

I believe in KISS - one table, one arm, one cartridge, one phono stage and spend time enjoying the music and the records and appreciating the quality of the sound from the music I like.

@big_greg
Here is a interview with KI where he talks about designing the TT-15s1

http://www.newaudio.it/marantz/TT15S/TT15%20Gramophone%20April%2005.pdf

BD vs DD
So I’m new in the TT game and it’s been wonderfully fun but I’m not new to the HiFi game...
So my take on it is this. It’s been a interesting debate about BD vs DD but the point one is clearly superior and can be backed up through specs is something of a half truth.
There have been so many amps, pre’s, cd Units and d/a converters that either spec out much better than others or are built in supposedly superior way and yet they don’t sound as good as the supposed inferior unit?
What that says is that not only is the ear of the beholder but also the way a manufacturer can manipulate what they have into their house sound. Some manufacturers are very good at this and some are great at it! They have the ability to get more sound out of what they have to work with.
Anyway I’m sure the Technics are great but I’m sure there are BD’s in their price range that some listeners would prefer the sound of...
jmo

Thanks for posting that article.