Direct drive turntable

The Marantz Model 6300 direct-drive turntable is amazing and one of the most beautiful turntables I've had the pleasure of working on.

Wow! What an amazing turntable! My experience with the Realistic LAB-420 this week has opened me up to the possibility of direct-drive turntables, as opposed to the belt-drive tables that are in vogue. Back in the '70s, it was a much fairer fight, with some of the best direct drives proving their worth. This is the Denon DP60 direct drive from the '70s. It's considered one of the greatest turntables ever made. Happens to also be at Audiogon right now, which means someone else will likely get…

Legendary Technics streamlines the SL-1500C into the SL-100C, an affordable, entry level turntable for would-be audiophiles.

With Technics recently abandoning production of its venerable SL-1200 model, direct-drive turntable fans must either purchase new models from high-end producers like Brinkmann or find used models from sources like eBay or Audiogon. Of course, the 1970s and early 1980s signaled the heyday of direct-drive turntable manufacturing. Brands like Kenwood, Pioneer, Technics, Sansui, Sony, and [...]

Since it was originally published in June 2014, our guide to the 8 best vintage turntables has proved to be the most visited article on the whole site. Being a list of vintage turntables, there’s less need to update the list as regularly as others. However, times and tastes change, as does availability on the […]

Denon DP-60M: An excellent Japanese "Golden Era" direct-drive turntable!The Denon DP-60M is a direct-drive turntable that was released in Japan in ...

Learn everything you need to know about belt drive vs direct drive turntables. Both work fine, but we definitely recommend on over the other. Which one depends on your...

High-end audio equipment manufacturer Denon is celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year. To commemorate a century in business they're releasing a special Anniversary Series line of products, like this chunky direct-drive DP-A100 turntable, which combines modern styling with a retro, almost Mid-Century Modern look.As DJs know, direct-drive turntables (as opposed...

In audio, like in so many other things, the seed of a great idea often sprouts before the technology of the time is able to fully express the concept. The direct-drive turntable is a perfect example. Many know of the legendary Technics SP-10 broadcast turntable, though few have heard one. Those who have will remember [...]

Wondering what a direct drive turntable is and why it can elicit such love or such hatred? We cover everything you need to know and answer once and for all...