David
Chief Content Editor at - searchturntablesMeet Sarah, a product review writer with 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically record players, also known as turntables. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Sarah has a deep love for music and enjoys exploring the city's vibrant music scene. She has written for various online publications, sharing her expertise and insights on the latest turntables, accessories, and other musical equipment. When she's not writing or attending concerts, Sarah can be found spending...
David
Chief Content Editor at - searchturntablesMeet Sarah, a product review writer with 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically record players, also known as turntables. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Sarah has a deep love for music and enjoys exploring the city's vibrant music scene. She has written for various online publications, sharing her expertise and insights on the latest turntables, accessories, and other musical equipment. When she's not writing or attending concerts, Sarah can be found spending...
The direct drive turntable is a very popular choice for many people, but not everyone has the space or budget to have one installed in their home. The belt driven turntable is an alternative that can be used as a cheaper and more compact option.
This article will compare these two types of turntables and give you some insight into which type would suit your needs best.
Direct Drive vs Belt Drive Turntable – What are they?
A direct drive turntable uses a motor to spin the platter directly without any belts or gears. It is usually made from metal with a plastic top. They tend to be heavier than other models and take up more room.
A belt driven turntable uses a belt to transfer power from the motor to the platter. These are often smaller and lighter than direct drives. They also have less moving parts so are quieter.
Why do I need one?
If you want something portable then a belt driven model may be better suited to your needs. If you don’t mind having a larger footprint then a direct drive model may be better for you.
How much does it cost?
Belt driven turntables are generally cheaper than direct drives. A good quality unit should start at around $150-$200. Direct drives can go for over $1000.
Which one should I get?
It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you just want a small table to play vinyl records on then a belt driven model might be ideal. You could even use this as a second record player if you wanted.
- If you want a large table to place speakers on then a direct drive model would probably be better.
- If you want something that’s easy to move around then a belt driven model would be great.
- If you want a high end turntable then a direct drive model is probably the way to go.
Where to buy them?
You can find both direct drive and belt driven turntables online.
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- Yamaha TT-S303 Hi-Fi Vinyl Belt Drive Turntable Review
- Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable Review
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to each type of turntable. Both have advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for a cheap turntable then a belt driven model is probably the way forward. However, if you’re looking for a high end turntable then a direct drive model will provide you with the most features and performance.
Meet Sarah, a product review writer with 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically record players, also known as turntables. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Sarah has a deep love for music and enjoys exploring the city's vibrant music scene. She has written for various online publications, sharing her expertise and insights on the latest turntables, accessories, and other musical equipment. When she's not writing or attending concerts, Sarah can be found spending time with her family and pets.
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