You may have come across these terms before and have a basic understanding of what they mean, but how do they really work? We’re here to answer the most common questions about belt drive and direct drive turntables.
If you’ve ever attempted to decipher a turntable datasheet, you might have felt overwhelmed by a flood of confusing information. The specifications for a Hi-Fi component can often resemble a jumble of measurements and marketing jargon, designed to impress and bewilder the reader. The key takeaway is simple: if the Hi-Fi component you choose fits your budget and meets your essential requirements, your main focus should be on its sound quality. This is certainly a valid point.
That said, it can be helpful to understand what these complex terms actually mean. So, if you’ve been curious about the differences between the various types of drives, we’re here to help clarify things for you.
What is the difference?
Those who have a bit of curiosity about how a turntable operates likely have some understanding of this, as the terminology is quite revealing.
In direct drive models, the motor is positioned beneath the platter and spins it directly.
On the other hand, belt-driven turntables have the motor placed to the side, with a slender rubber belt wrapped around the motor shaft. This belt then turns the platter, much like a drum.
So far everything is quite clear.
Why do companies prefer one of the rotation transmission schemes?
Naturally, if one of these two methods were perfect, no one would opt for the other; both have their pros and cons. In reality, manufacturers select the type of drive based on which limitations can be more easily addressed while maximizing its natural benefits. Direct drive turntables offer significant advantages, particularly their higher torque, which results in quicker initial speeds and reduced sensitivity to external factors, like the weight of the cartridge that follows the record’s grooves. Due to their rapid speed adjustment capabilities, these turntables quickly became a favorite among DJs, almost achieving cult status right after their creation by Matsushita engineer Shuichi Obata in 1969. They enable users to stop a vinyl record and manually “rewind” it in the opposite direction, allowing for seamless rhythm matching between tracks on two different players. However, since the platter is directly connected to the motor, any vibrations from the motor are transferred to the platter and, consequently, to the cartridge. This means that some degree of distortion is unavoidable.
Technics has released a new version of the SP-10, a direct-drive turntable designed by Shuichi Obata in 1969.
Motor isolation in belt-driven models helps to overcome this problem to some extent: vibrations are partially dampened by the rubber belt. The reduction in motor noise in a well-made belt-driven turntable will also be felt in the sound, as it will be easier for the cartridge to track the information engraved in the disc groove.
But due to the finite elasticity of the belt, as well as the tolerance required for free movement around the support plate and pulley axis, the rotation speed is not completely stable due to stretching and potential slippage.
This disadvantage can be aggravated by non-uniform belt thickness along its entire length or by a less than ideal cylindrical shape of the support disk and the motor spindle. In this case, the higher the quality, the higher the cost: manufacturers spend time processing parts with the highest possible precision.
Grinding the bearing is no less important. Uneven running has a negative effect on any type of engine.
In direct drive models, it turns the record into a moving target for the cartridge stylus, which reduces reading accuracy. On the other hand, the belt pressure can shift the bearing to the side, creating more noise.
High-end belt-driven models often feature multiple motors to balance the tension on the support disc and improve accuracy.
Replacing or upgrading the belt
Belts are typically built for durability, but they should be replaced if they become overly loose, develop cracks, or stretch unevenly. A new belt, however, can last for many years.
Some manufacturers provide upgraded replacement belts made from different materials that offer enhanced damping or a longer lifespan. The longevity and performance of these belts largely depend on the care taken by the manufacturers to maintain a consistent shape.
It’s definitely not advisable to choose your model based only on the drive type. The most important factor is the sound quality; if you enjoy how the turntable sounds, the drive mechanism shouldn’t be a major worry when you’re testing it out.
That said, having a basic grasp of how your turntable operates can be beneficial, particularly if you encounter any issues.
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