Turntable Variations

[sk1335]

Has anyone done A/B comparisons with suspended chassis vs non suspended chassis of turntables?
I've owned several examples of both types - both belt drive and direct drive versions (Dual CS-5000, Denon DP-57L, Phillips AF-829, Sota Sapphaire, Harman Kardon KD-5070, and more).
My research has shown that some people think suspended designs "muddy" the music, and direct drive units sound to bright.
I've always leaned towards belt drive units for no other reason than most people say they sound better because the motor vibrations are further isolated from the platter than direct drive units.
I'm considering a Technics sl-1210 direct drive that will be used on a garage counter on a concrete floor - so I'm not to concerned about floor vibrations making it to the platter.
I've heard audiophiles "poo-poo" the Technics model saying it's a DJ table, - but my on line research has shown it to be invented in 1972 as a HiFi home version of the Technics sl-1100 sold as a complete package including the tone arm - long before the days of a "disk jockey".
Any opinions would be appreciated.

[Slim-Shaddy]

I can't really vote due to limited exposure to both. I've heard really good suspended and non. Tom has an 1100 on the shop system now. it's the precursor to the 1200 and 1210. I really like my 1200... in fact, I picked it over a highly acclaimed Music Hall mmf5 after a long demo. Here's a link to the Wikipedia on the 1200. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technics_SL-1200

[sk1335]

Thanks Ed,
I just bought an sold a Music Hall mmf 5, it was a huge dissapointment with a fiberboard plinth and a cheap tin tone arm mounted with two screws
My demon dp 57l also had  cheap particle board plinth covered with plastic contact paper to resemble wood grain
The technics seem to be built like tanks and are heavy as well

[OldiesButGoodies]

y,  the MMF series and the Rega RPs etc. are cut from the same cheap cloth.  Ed seems to like the Tech sl1200,  so does Tom.  if I were to buy again today and replace my Rega I would look for an old Thorens 124 in good shape (I have had 3 Dual CS-5000s and they are ok unreliable) or a Marantz 6300. 

I have not noticed a relationship between sound (hard or soft) between tables suspended differently, for what it is worth.

[sk1335]

Thanks PePe,
Had a thorens 145 mk 2 that was pretty decent

[Reverend]

I've had several of each.  Both have there benefits and negative points.  A lot of a tables performance is from the cart and wiring.  Invest in those two things and you are golden.  A/B testing a suspension vs. a non-suspension table when these two points are upgraded, there is not much of an audible difference between the two.  IMHO.

[wkhanna]

Agreed.
There are far more variables between tables than just their suspension or lack of one.
Arm construction & geometry, cartridge etc.
AFA MDF plinths, some are V good, others not so.
It all comes down to implementation.
It is difficult to compare apples to oranges, more than one way to skin a cat, ad nauseam.
I have heard good & bad versions of both.

[schwarcw]

The Marantz 6300 is a keeper!



The other Marantz goodies are real fun too!



Andy my old Marantz 2230 is very sentimental.  GDV has my original one that I purchased in 1974!

[sk1335]

Thanks Guys - for all your input.
Rev, you've confirmed what I suspected (cartridge/wiring & connections)
Carl - I'll keep the 6300 in mind, there seems to be no less than five of them for sale on FleaBay now.
SK

[wkhanna]

fwiw - My MMF-7 belt-drive w/ multi MDF plinth sounds respectable compared to my friend's much more expensive SOTA suspended table. But again we are using different arms, cartridges, phono-pre, etc.

As I always like to say, let you own ears be the judge.

[wkhanna]

Beating this to death, probably, but here is a short, informative article I came across:
link

[wkhanna]

Bad link. Sorry.

try this one:
http://gmanalog.com/images/thoughts-turntable-design.pdf

[MacGeek]

I always preferred belt drive 'tables and this article explains why, simply.  Thanks.

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

" The only drive system that will insure low noise intrusion uses a single elastic belt and a single isolated motor"

Hogwash

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

I Googled "George Merrill" and got two hits.   One is a songwriter and the other is a gay activist.   Which one wrote this paper?