Two primary drive systems propel the platter of a record player: belt-driven and direct-driven. A belt-drive system employs an elastic belt to connect the motor to the platter, indirectly transferring rotational energy. Conversely, a direct-drive system mounts the platter directly onto the motor’s spindle, eliminating intermediary components.
The choice between these systems significantly impacts a turntable’s performance characteristics, influencing factors such as speed stability, wow and flutter, rumble, and startup time. Historically, belt-driven turntables were favored by audiophiles for their isolation of motor vibrations from the platter, resulting in a cleaner sound. Direct-drive mechanisms gained popularity with DJs for their superior torque and quick start/stop capabilities. Understanding these distinctions provides a critical foundation for evaluating turntable suitability for different applications.