View Full Version : Direct Drive Turntables
What are the options out there for new DD turntables. Aren't most of the high-end TTs belt driven? I need a good Direct Drive, and couldn't get answers in search...... p.s.....not wanting to start a DD vs. belt debate :shake:
TONEPUB
11-02-2006, 05:10 PM
I think Technics is one of the only ones. Not super high end though. One realy jewel was the older Technics SP-10mk. II If you can find one, they run about 5-800 depending on condition.
I did see a very interesting direct drive table at the RMAF, but trying to remember whos it was.... Looked very intriguing.
That SP-10mk 2 is killer though, if you can find one!
MusicMtnMonkey
11-02-2006, 05:13 PM
Since you're not debating, I'll just mention that over at audioasylum I see a lot of reccomendations for the new Denon DP500 (direct drive) something or other?? That is if you're not waiting for the new Teres super table :)
PS. You'll see those Technics (mentioned above) for sale on Audiogon and Ebay. Nice that you can add your own custom tonearm.
Also I am guessing you have been to kabusa?? If I was going to go direct drive (and I considered the KAB modded table before purchasing something different..) I would think real serious about the fluid damping mod KAB offers for SL1200's...
BradOlson
11-02-2006, 05:15 PM
There is the Technics SL-1200 MKII for a classic direct drive turntable. Here's a list of many direct drives in production from audiophile and DJ companies:
http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Show-All-Turntables?search=direct+drive
We have a few direct drives listed at northernlightfx.com's website, but if you wish to contact us about acquiring product not listed on the website that we can order from, contact us using the form at
http://www.northernlightfx.com/cart/help.php?section=contactus&mode=update
My company can indeed order the current Technics turntables that are in production, but aren't listed on the site.
Lord Hawthorne
11-02-2006, 05:19 PM
OK everybody, this is not a thread about belt-drive versus direct-drive, it is exclusively about direct-drive turntables. We will be watching.
TONEPUB
11-02-2006, 05:22 PM
Good one LH! I can see this pot easily simmering. But I am curious why you only want DD. No problem, just haven't heard anyone make that request in a long time. Back in the day, DD tables were a bit better than their belt drive cousins at low feedback.
Personally, with the technology advances, I see the DD table making a big comeback, especially with some of the battery powered options getting feasible.
Kent Teffeteller
11-02-2006, 05:32 PM
Hi,
The ultimate attainable DD turntable is the redoubtable Technics SP-10 Mk II and SP-10 Mk III. The SP-15 is also very nice and scarcer. The ultimate audiophile DD table is the redoubtable Goldmund Studio. Technics SL-1200 machines can be amazingly good performers when modded for audiophile usage. The KAB mods and the Origin Live Rega arm kit really make one sing.
Thanks guys........ I have an old pioneer 530 DD and am very happy with it, but it has some electronic noise problems, and I would just like to stay with a Direct Drive. I just like the super steady pitch, and a Rega that I tried was slightly warbly. I worked with analog recorders in studio for years and I've became very sensitive to pitch fluctuations. (I only mention this in response to Tonepub's question as to why I'm looking for a DD Table)
Do any of the high end companies make DD turntables?
michael w
11-02-2006, 06:25 PM
The ultimate audiophile DD table is the redoubtable Goldmund Studio.
20 years ago...
What about the Rockport Sirius II ?
Caliburn Continuum ?
:D
BradOlson
11-02-2006, 06:28 PM
MusicMtnMonkey
11-02-2006, 06:49 PM
Thanks guys........ I have an old pioneer 530 DD and am very happy with it, but it has some electronic noise problems, and I would just like to stay with a Direct Drive. I just like the super steady pitch, and a Rega that I tried was slightly warbly. I worked with analog recorders in studio for years and I've became very sensitive to pitch fluctuations. (I only mention this in response to Tonepub's question as to why I'm looking for a DD Table)
Do any of the high end companies make DD turntables?
http://teresaudio.com/certus/
TONEPUB
11-02-2006, 06:52 PM
That's the one! I saw the Teres stuff at RMAF and it sounded great!
Definitely worth checking out. An SP10 mk II or III would be really hip from a vintage standpoint though, I bet it would be an amazing combination with an SME V or one of the other premium arms...
I'd love to see how it stacks up.
Kent Teffeteller
11-02-2006, 07:22 PM
Hi,
The Teres is nice, just Tres Pricey (Mucho Dinero!). I like it! Maybe when I win the lotto!
Kent Teffeteller
11-02-2006, 07:23 PM
Hi Michael,
The Caliburn and Rockport qualify as ultimate also.
portisphish
11-02-2006, 07:27 PM
Thanks guys........ I have an old pioneer 530 DD and am very happy with it, but it has some electronic noise problems, and I would just like to stay with a Direct Drive.
I have a Pioneer PL-530 also. I enjoy it, and just fitted it with a new AT cart. What is the problem with it? Maybe you can extend the life of this classic?
I have a Pioneer PL-530 also. I enjoy it, and just fitted it with a new AT cart. What is the problem with it? Maybe you can extend the life of this classic?
Yes I should get it fixed, they are nice tables. (Only paid $40 on Ebay with local pickup).
Problem is that it makes a "fizzing/buzing sound" when you first press start. Goes away a bit when the needle hits the record, but fizzes off and on while playing. Does the same when you hit the stop button until it shuts off.
Might be a bad cap or something but I'm not good with elec. repairs.
Tone
OcdMan
11-02-2006, 09:12 PM
Hi,
The ultimate attainable DD turntable is the redoubtable Technics SP-10 Mk II and SP-10 Mk III. The SP-15 is also very nice and scarcer. The ultimate audiophile DD table is the redoubtable Goldmund Studio. Technics SL-1200 machines can be amazingly good performers when modded for audiophile usage. The KAB mods and the Origin Live Rega arm kit really make one sing.
I'll second a Technics SL-12XX series turntable with KAB modifications. For about $30, you should also replace the stock feet with Sorbothane feet. I'm very happy with this setup and feel no need to upgrade.
Buying from Kevin at www.kabusa.com comes with the added bonus of his quality control check:
Before any upgrades, KAB performs a rigorous inspection and makes corrections as required to ensure that every Custom KAB 1200 performs correctly.
1. Tighten all case screws. Beleive it or not, it is often neccessary.
2. Install cartridge and test wiring for continuity.
3. Balance arm and test bearing friction vertical and lateral.
4. Full operational test.
5. Test platter for proper fit. The platter must not rock on the spindle shaft. KAB will re-machine the platter center hole to ensure a perfect fit. The is always the result of nicks inside the platter center hole. How they get there we do not know, but if they interfere with the proper fit of the platter we will correct it.
6. Test platter for flatness or planarity. KAB will replace a platter that exceeds + - 0.005" planarity as measured with a Mahr runout guage on the platter edge.
7. Check azimuth alignment of cartridge socket. Correct it neccessary.
TONEPUB
11-03-2006, 04:58 AM
All right, I give in, this DD turntable thing sounds really cool! We will get an SL-1200 and do all the mods to see how it stacks up. It will take a couple of months to procure all the parts, but I think it will be worth it. We will also make sure to have a lot of step by step stuff for you so that if you dig it, you will be able to duplicate your own.
When finished, we will also do some sound comparisions to a few different tables across the range from a basic Rega all the way up to my SME 10 with SME V arm and see just how well it shakes out.
Sounds like a good idea. DD was great back in the day, so let's find out!
TONEPUB
11-03-2006, 05:02 AM
Kent, do you have the origin live/RB250 arm on your table? Was it hard to install?
Simon A
11-03-2006, 05:24 AM
All right, I give in, this DD turntable thing sounds really cool! We will get an SL-1200 and do all the mods to see how it stacks up. It will take a couple of months to procure all the parts, but I think it will be worth it. We will also make sure to have a lot of step by step stuff for you so that if you dig it, you will be able to duplicate your own.
When finished, we will also do some sound comparisions to a few different tables across the range from a basic Rega all the way up to my SME 10 with SME V arm and see just how well it shakes out.
Sounds like a good idea. DD was great back in the day, so let's find out!
I am looking forward to reading your conclusions!
brandonh
11-03-2006, 12:13 PM
What are the options out there for new DD turntables. Aren't most of the high-end TTs belt driven? I need a good Direct Drive, and couldn't get answers in search...... p.s.....not wanting to start a DD vs. belt debate :shake:
Yes talk to Kevin at KAB USA
http://www.kabusa.com
He has the best as far as audiophile grade DD tables go and you can even have him build it any way you want him to.
He is really cool too.
If you do not want to go the higher priced route look at the SL1210 M5G
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/dj/navigation?q=SL1210+M5G
then look at
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=348355&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
then if you call call Musicians Friend give them the link to BH Photo they will match the price and ship it for free plus its in stock.
Even with out any mods at all this table is still great.
I recommend using the KAB rubber record clamp and the KAB PRO S40 MM cartridge.
Either way you will love this unit, I have it and would never give it up.
Good luck and have fun.
Ski Bum
11-03-2006, 03:24 PM
Hi,
The ultimate attainable DD turntable is the redoubtable Technics SP-10 Mk II and SP-10 Mk III. The SP-15 is also very nice and scarcer. The ultimate audiophile DD table is the redoubtable Goldmund Studio....
You sent me to the dictionary to figure out whether I agree (I do). A Goldmund Studio with T3F linear tracking arm (currently with a Koetsu Urushi) has been spinning my records for close to 20 years. With DD turntables, quality execution is key.
Kent Teffeteller
11-03-2006, 07:33 PM
Hi TONEPUB,
We have the Rega RB 250 arms on 2 of our Technics SL-1200's. We installed these ourselves. No problem as we are both broadcast engineers. The installation manual/instructions are well written. I wouldn't recommend this upgrade self-installed by novices though. The Origin Live kit is excellent and well thought out. Worthy of the labour involved. I feel like this machine has the Rega turntable's good points and the Technics good points. We had 2 Technics SL-1200 Mk. II units purchased cheaply from pawnshops with bad tonearm wiring. They cost us $129 for both. The Rega RB 250 arms were purchased slightly used from Audiogon for $150 each. The cartridges are Stanton 881s units scrounged from the bin at work. Cost $429, 5 hours of installation and 3 hours setup. Hearing the amazing, musical setup priceless! You could spend many times more money and fuss and do no better if not worse. We're happy with them. We also have the optional VTA collar installed on the RB 250 arms. We think we can design similar kits for Linn arms, SME arms, and VPI arms as well as others. A practical daily driver!
coopmv
11-03-2006, 10:34 PM
What are the options out there for new DD turntables. Aren't most of the high-end TTs belt driven? I need a good Direct Drive, and couldn't get answers in search...... p.s.....not wanting to start a DD vs. belt debate :shake:
I think Denon still makes DD turntables.
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