Mostly all the turntables use belt drives to spin the device’s platter, but a belt drive uses an elastic belt that is directly attached to the turntable’s motor that offers quick and precise movements.
Full Answer
How to install a drive belt on the turntable.?
Steps Download Article
- Diagnose if you need a new belt. The biggest indicator that you need a new belt is when the record player turns on, but the turntable doesn't spin.
- Purchase the correct belt for your turntable. Not all belts are created equally, as the width, length, and even thickness of a belt will make a difference in how ...
- Disconnect the power from the turntable. ...
How to replace the belt on your turntable?
Turntable Belt Replacement. Step 1: Check your Model. Step 2: Buy a Proper Belt for your Turntable. Step 3: Unplug The Power Source From your Record Player. Step 4: Remove The Plastic Mat and Platter. Step 5: Stretch The Belt Over The Center Hub. Step 6: Put the Platter Back on The Turntable.
What is the best turntable?
Best turntables 2022: top record players reviewed and rated
- Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB. The world’s not short of wannabe Technics 1210s, but despite first impressions, the new Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB is no lazy knock-off.
- Audio Technica LP60-XBT. ...
- Pro-Ject Essential III BT. ...
- Pro-Ject Juke Box E. ...
- Cambridge Alva TT. ...
- Sony PS-LX310BT. ...
How do I replace the belt on my turntable?
Turntable Belt Replacement
- Check your Model. Via DjD-567 – Flickr.com Check to determine whether or not you should change a new belt. ...
- Buy a Proper Belt for your Turntable. On the market, there is a variety of belts with the different sizes. ...
- Unplug The Power Source From your Record Player. ...
- Remove The Plastic Mat and Platter. ...
- Stretch The Belt Over The Center Hub. ...
Are belt drive turntables better?
Belt drive turntables, reportedly, produce better sound quality. Because a belt drive reduces vibration noise, a record player's sound can be cleaner. Many record player owners, in fact, focus on motor noise reduction as a priority. The more a record player's feedback noise is reduced, the clearer its noise is.
What is the difference between a belt drive and direct drive turntable?
Direct drive turntables simply have the motor located beneath the platter, rotating it, well, directly. Belt drive 'tables, on the other hand, have the motor offset – and wrapped around the spindle is a thin belt, almost always made from rubber, which hugs the main platter and rotates it like a pulley.
Do all record players have a belt?
Direct drive turntables are record players where the motor is attached directly to the platter, with no belt needed to cause the platter to spin. These have also been around for decades, but in recent years they have gotten a boost in popularity, because they are better suited for DJs.
Are Technics turntables belt or direct driven?
The Technics SL-1200 direct drive turntable is inseparable from hip-hop history and has established itself as the instrument of choice for DJs thanks to its ruggedness, precision and ingenious strobe speed control system.
What is fully automatic turntable?
A fully automatic turntable will lift the tonearm out of the resting position and gently lower it onto the record at the right spot. After it is finished playing, it will lift it back up and shut the turntable off.
How do I know if my record player has a direct drive?
1:444:00Turntables: DIRECT DRIVE vs BELT DRIVE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDrive and belt drive now direct drive means that the motor is directly underneath the platter. AndMoreDrive and belt drive now direct drive means that the motor is directly underneath the platter. And belt drive means that the motor is off to one side and spins the platter. Using a rubber belt.
What is the difference between a manual and automatic turntable?
With a manual turntable, you have to manually lower the tonearm onto the record to start playing and when the record is over, you have to lift the tonearm back into its resting position. An automatic turntable, on the other hand, takes that work away from you.
What are the different types of turntables?
There are three main types of phonograph turntable drives being manufactured today: the belt-drive, idler-wheel and direct-drive systems; the names are based upon the type of coupling used between the platter of the turntable and the motor.
How long does a turntable belt last?
But how long should your turntable belt last? Most belt-drive turntables utilize a rubber-based closed loop belt that typically lasts up to 5 years or so. The lifespan of the belt is determined by its quality, tightness, elasticity, and use. With no use, a belt will last 5-6 years in typical conditions.
Is belt drive better than Chain?
Chain vs Belt: Strength As previously mentioned, these two styles function the same. One difference is that chain drives are simply stronger: they can lift more than a belt drive. This makes them the choice for moving heavier doors, so consider them if you're going with a steel carriage.
Why do DJs use direct drive turntables?
DJs are the main purchasers of direct drive decks. They prefer them due to the lack of lag or resistance on the platter. The record gets up to speed very quickly and stays at the correct speed no matter what else is happening. This is required for scratching, and also for mixing records together.
Is the Technics 1200 belt driven?
The direct drive system, in which a low-speed motor was directly connected to the platter, eliminated this problem because it used no belt or idler. The direct drive system thus established itself as an alternative drive system to the belt drive and idler drive leading to the development of the SL-1200.
What is a direct drive turntable?
Direct drive turntables simply have the motor located beneath the platter, rotating it, well, directly. Belt drive 'tables, on the other hand, have the motor offset – and wrapped around the spindle is a thin belt, almost always made from rubber, which hugs the main platter and rotates it like a pulley.
Who designed the SP-10 turntable?
Technics is releasing a new version of the SP-10, the direct drive turntable designed by Shuichi Obata in 1969.
Why is rotation speed not accurate?
But because the belt can only be so taut (and factoring in the necessary give for it to move freely round the platter and pulley spindle), in theory rotation speed is not quite as consistently accurate, due to stretch and potential slipping.
Why do DJs use rewind?
Because it reaches the correct speed so rapidly it’s largely the domain of DJs (as rapidly became clear following its invention by Matsushita engineer Shuichi Obata in 1969) – it allows them to stop and, effectively, manually rewind vinyl as they attempt to align the beats coming from two decks.
How long do belts last?
Belts should last a long time, but will need replacing if they become too loose, cracked or stretched to leave them uneven in certain areas. We wouldn’t expect that to happen to a new belt for at least a few years, though. Some manufacturers do offer belt upgrades.
Can a spindle be all at sea?
For direct, the spindle could be all at sea, effectively making the record into a moving target for your stylus and leading to less accurate tracking. The force of a belt, meanwhile, could pull the main bearing to one side, generating more noise.
Direct Drive Vs. Belt Drive Turntables
Before we get into the specifics of belt-driven or direct-driven turntables, let’s better understand the motor and what it does. Every turntable has a motor built inside of it.
What is a belt-drive turntable?
It is the traditional drive mainly used by the people and based on a popular design. We call it a belt drive due to the process used to turn the platter, which contains an electric motor covered with the belt. The motor and belt are attached beneath the platter, making it easy to rotate.
What is a direct drive turntable?
The motor is attached to the platter directly without any belt in the direct-drive turntable. It does not need any belt to move the platter. People for decades have used this drive, but recently, the demand for the direct drive has increased as the DJs love them.
Similarities between direct and belt drive
Both drives tend to produce good sound quality and are long-lasting too. These drives allow you to play the records at different speeds, and you can also change the vinyl easily. You can easily make adjustments in the tonearm or other components in both drives if needed. In terms of function, there is no such huge difference in these drives.
Differences between direct and belt drive
The motor function of the direct drive is different from the belt drive. They both are different in how the motor spins, and their design differs from each other. Both are created for different audiences. The direct drive is mainly created for the DJs and designed to work with two turntables, while the belt drive doesn’t possess such functions.
How Does a Direct Drive Turntable Work?
In 1857, French inventor Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville created the phonautograph, the first-ever turntable to record sound, not play it back. In 1877, Thomas Edison created the phonograph, and Alexander Graham Bell made the first graphophone in 1886.
How Does a Belt Drive Turntable Work?
A belt drive turntable uses elastic rubber wrapped around the platter to rotate it when you power the device and its motor. Unlike the direct drive mechanism, the motor in a belt drive turntable is not directly under the platter but towards a side inside the plinth.
Belt Drive Turntable vs. Direct Drive – Audio Quality
Direct drive turntables have an inherent challenge due to the vibration caused by electric motors. Since the motor is directly under and connected to the platter, there is a slight vibration and distortion of your playback audio. However, this effect may not be cognizable to all.
Belt Drive vs. Direct Drive Turntable – Durability
The only undisputed difference between belt drive and direct drive turntables is durability. Direct drive turntables may last longer because they have one less component that can fail. In other words, there are fewer chances of a part failing in direct drive compared to belt drive turntables.
How To Choose a Turntable Drive Mechanism
Consider your priorities and preferences. The direct drive mechanism will be a more practical option if you are into turntablism and intend to reproduce or perform. The belt drive mechanism is better if you are a home user who wants impeccable, high fidelity audio playback.
Final Thoughts
Like the belt and direct drive mechanisms, the styli shapes, the cartridges, spindles, and other model-specific features will affect audio fidelity. Besides, every turntable model operates best at its optimum settings. Stressing the drive or using demanding settings will impair durability.
How Does a Direct-Drive Turntable Work?
Direct-drive turntables are powered by a turntable motor that lies underneath the platter. This spins the platter without a physical prop like a belt.
Direct-Drive Turntable Cons
Curious as to why some people stay away from direct-drive turntables? Check out some of these products’ disadvantages:
Belt-Drive Turntable Cons
Consider the potential drawbacks of this type of record player before you go out and purchase one:
What's The difference?
Why Would A Company Favour One Over The other?
- Of course, if either means of driving a turntable were without caveat, there’d be no need for the other – but each is compromised as much as it has its strengths. In a sense it’s about a manufacturer deciding which method’s shortcomings it’s easier to combat while making the most of its inherent talents. Direct drive turntables’ main fortes are linked largely to their higher torque…
What About Replacing Or Upgrading The Belt?
- Belts should last a long time, but will need replacing if they become too loose, cracked or stretched to leave them uneven in certain areas. We wouldn’t expect that to happen to a new belt for at least a few years, though. Some manufacturers do offer belt upgrades. While these might be made from different materials for better damping or longer life, it’s as likely the upgrade is in ho…
Does It Affect Us, The Listener?
- Certainly not in the sense you ought opt for one turntable over another simply due to it being either belt or direct drive. Sound is king and, if you’re pleased with the performance of a deck, how it’s driven oughtn’t be a factor when testing one out. All but one of our 2020 Award-winning record players – that one being the Technics SL-1500C– just so happen to be belt driven. But that's real…