I've been thinking sometime about getting a quality turntable to play my old vinyl. I have a couple of questions, though. Why do some TTs have straight tone arms while others are S shaped? Is DD preferable to belt driven?
Both arm types are designed to deal with tracking error. Both work, but the S arm will always have more mass (bad), and counter- balancing the arm will not make mass go away. DD was made popular in the 70s and 80s by companies based in japan. Their marketing positioned belt-drive as old fashioned. In reality, belts work better (with a hi-mass platter). The DD motors would tend to 'hunt' for the correct speed with their Phase Lock Loop feedback system.
Most audiophile tables now are belt drive with a straight arm. If you are looking for a good entry model, check out:
http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Turntables-Debut-III-Basic-Black?sc=2&category=352And the Needle Doctor is a world class outfit. I am blessed to have them in my town.
