Gear & technology
Belt drive
Also called belt-driven turntable
A belt-drive turntable spins the platter with a rubber belt from a motor mounted off to the side, so the motor’s vibration is isolated from the record. It is the most common design in hi-fi turntables, favored for low noise.
The belt acts as a filter, absorbing motor vibration and cogging before they reach the platter and the stylus. Most audiophile turntables, from a Rega Planar 1 to much costlier decks, use it. Speed accuracy depends on the belt’s condition and the motor’s quality, and belts stretch and need replacing every few years.
The alternative is Direct drive, where the platter sits on the motor. Belt-drive fans cite quieter backgrounds; direct-drive fans cite steadier speed and faster start-up. Modern examples of both measure well, and the choice is mostly about the rest of the design.