The main difference between belt-drive and direct-drive turntables lies in how the platter is driven. In a belt-drive turntable, the motor is located off-center and drives the platter via an elastic belt, which helps reduce motor noise and vibration transfer to the stylus. Direct-drive turntables have the motor located directly beneath the platter, resulting in more consistent speed stability and faster start-up times. Each design has its own sonic characteristics and advantages, with belt-drive turntables often preferred for their smoother sound and direct-drive turntables favored for DJ use and robustness.
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