Belt Drive Turntables vs Direct Drive Turntables

If you’re venturing into the world of turntables or contemplating your first purchase, the distinction between belt-drive and direct-drive turntables may have caught your attention. At FORTECH, we recognize that this choice has fueled debates over decades and we’re not going to end that today, but we believe the decision between the two depends on your usage and budget, acknowledging that turntable quality is made up of several different factors.

Belt-drive turntables employ a belt to rotate the platter, with the motor typically located off to the side. The belt serves to isolate the motor from the platter. While these turntables take a few seconds to reach full speed, belt replacement is a very infrequent, straightforward, and cost-effective task.

Direct-drive turntables position the motor directly beneath the platter, enabling near-instantaneous speed and free-spinning platters when turned off. These features make direct-drive popular among DJs, facilitating seamless record manipulation. However, these benefits may not be as crucial for those solely seeking a turntable for listening.

The consistency of speed is pivotal in turntables. While direct-drive ensures rapid start-up and stability, the constant adjustments it requires may introduce subtle pitch variations. A well-designed belt-drive turntable, with a heavy platter and an isolated motor, can provide superior musical enjoyment with minimal perceptible speed changes.

In our opinion, a well-crafted belt-drive turntable offers excellent value for money. However, if quick start-up, DJ capabilities, or precise speed adjustments are priorities, exploring higher-end direct-drive models is recommended.