Revolver Turntable Drive Belt? The 25 Correct Answer

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I thought this was nothing but a piece of rubber. Why wouldn’t a big rubber band work? Belt drive turntables literally spin with the help of a rubber belt. So I went through a 1/2 pound bag of different sized rubber bands I bought at a local office supply store and found several large bands and tried one on the turntable and to my surprise it worked. The speed seems very close and I detect almost no distortion and just a faint noise from the rubber band moving as it spins. It is fully masked when music is playing.

In today’s high tech and high tech era, a simple throwback to the past has helped my turntable stay connected to my PC. Cost?… Not nearly $14. Long live rubber bands and paperclips…

Put on …

Old against new

This post was edited by Roseman: Sep 1, 2008 1:11 am My belt drive turntable recently broke due to the belt becoming old and stretched. Once I saw what the problem was I went online to find a replacement belt. I found several sources that were the size my turntable needed, with prices ranging from $14 to $21. I thought this was nothing but a piece of rubber. Why wouldn’t a big rubber band work? Belt drive turntables literally spin with the help of a rubber belt. So I went through a 1/2 pound bag of different sized rubber bands I bought at a local office supply store and found several large bands and tried one on the turntable and to my surprise it worked. The speed seems very close and I detect almost no distortion and just a faint noise from the rubber band moving as it spins. It is fully masked when music is playing. In today’s high tech and cutting edge era, a simple throwback to the past helped my turntable stay connected to my PC. Cost?… Not nearly $14. Long live rubber bands and paperclips……

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Turntables (or vinyl record players, depending on how you think of them) are complicated machines. They’re not as easy to use as “press play” with your iPods, iPhones, and DVD players. Because of this, we came across the question of how tight a turntable belt should be.

The key to determining a turntable’s belt tension is balance. The grip must not be too tight that it interferes with the whole mechanism and creates too much friction, but not too loose that it doesn’t work at all.

In this article, let’s tighten our seat belts and learn how tight a platter belt should be and the processes to determine this.

What is a turntable belt anyway?

Before attempting to answer how tight a turntable should be, we should first learn to define what a turntable belt is. So really what is a turntable belt?

Turntable belts are essential parts of belt-driven turntables, but are not present on direct-drive turntables. The main difference between belt drive turntables and direct drive turntables is that belt drive turntables use platter belts as a method of rotating the platter. The direct drive ones use a motor to drive the coater instead, eliminating the need for belts. (1)

Turntable belts are essential parts of belt-driven turntables, but are not present on direct-drive turntables.

In a belt-driven turntable, the belts are required for the cartridge to navigate through the record, which ultimately helps the turntable read data and express it in the form of sound. If you use a belt-driven turntable, you know the added complexity of using such technology. One of the additional complexities is illustrated and summarized in the question of how dense a turntable should be.

Balance is key: how tight a turntable belt should be

Turntable belts are essential parts of belt-driven turntables, and ensuring their suitability is critical to better sound quality and more stable feedback. Despite its essentiality, many audiophiles still get bogged down in the “appropriateness” of their turntable belt. So we tried to ask ourselves the same question.

With questions like these, it’s quite difficult to define a quick and precise answer. However, we have specific guidelines to help answer how tight your turntable belt should be.

A key to understanding how the standard goes is to know that a platter belt is not balanced. Some turntable belts are thicker while others are thinner, so knowing this “balance” is crucial to overriding such disparate factors. As such, we have defined the general guidelines below.

Platter belts must not be so loose that they lose their grip, because a loose platter belt is no more valuable than a puff of air trying to lift a block of wood. In addition, you must also ensure that it is not over tightened as this risks interfering with the operation of your turntable. To determine proper tightness, make sure the turntable platter rotates evenly and smoothly, with no jerking or signs of tension. (2)

We mostly recommend having your platter belts tighter than loose. However, we always remind other audiophiles that a platter belt that is too tight can damage your gear, so make sure you’re on the right track.

Speaking of damage, the stress caused by tight turntable belts greatly affects the mechanisms, the motor used to turn the belt or bearings, and more. In addition, it can cause your turntable to stall completely and repairs can cost you many times the belt’s original price. (2)

Size matters

We always remind our audiophiles to have a suitable belt diameter for their turntables. It can prevent extra stress on the turntable while reducing the possibility of loose installations.

There are five standard belt diameters to consider for your turntables. Make sure you have the right one. The standard diameters are the following: 128mm diameter belt, 150mm diameter belt, 172mm diameter belt, 206mm diameter belt and 300mm diameter belt.

So next time you look at some of the platter belt diameters available, be sure to constantly evaluate them against the general guidelines as this is how tight a platter belt should be.

Why do people still use belt driven turntables?

If you haven’t noticed, direct-drive turntables offer a much smoother, less clunky experience than belt-drive turntables, and therefore offer a more direct and easier-to-navigate experience. Because belt-driven turntables have significantly larger moving parts compared to the tiny motors of direct-drive turntables, many have wondered why belt-driven turntables even exist.

The price matters

As the direct drive turntables take a smaller approach to their technology implementation, it also bears the cost of miniaturization. Simply put, all this technology and all the engineering marvels required to make the package a little smaller and less clunky will obviously add to the cost of the overall product. For this reason, it is most obvious that the direct drive turntables are significantly more expensive than the belt drive turntables.

Other reasons besides the technology driving up the cost is the inherent cost of the belts compared to motors. Unlike the less complex belts, engines are intricate and complex mechanical components used in many machines today.

As with most audiophiles: it sounds better

The main reason many choose to buy belt drive turntables is of course the sound. For most audiophiles, sound quality should be one of the most important characteristics or variables of audio equipment. In the case of belt-drive and direct-drive turntables, simply put, audiophiles prefer the sound produced by belt-drive turntables. (3)

Why exactly do belt drive turntables sound better than direct drive turntables? The real answer: Engineering. By their very nature, motors are said to be much louder than belts, and for an audio device, any unnecessary noise is a big variable that can significantly affect sound quality. Unlike engines, belts run more smoothly, eliminating or at least mitigating excessive noise.

Although the belt-driven turntables sound better, they still have a sense of bulkiness, as explained by the constant questions “how tight a turntable should be and more”. Speaking of chunky, that leads us straight to our next segment.

Where the direct drive turntables win

As previously mentioned, direct drive turntables and turntables are often much less clunky than their belt driven counterparts. However, these are not the only variables and features that direct drive turntables have significantly improved over their belt-driven predecessors.

Most DJs use direct drive turntables simply because it allows them to change where the turntables spin. It will allow them to achieve the signature DJ “scratching” sound. (3)

In addition, the smaller moving parts on these players also last longer than the belt on belt-driven turntables. In contrast to the more stable engines, belts are more likely to fail and at the same time require more frequent maintenance.

Frequently asked questions about turntable belts

How do I maintain the integrity of my belt driven platter belts?

To maintain the integrity of your turntable belts, always check them from time to time to ensure you are using the correct diameter and thickness. Also, we recommend everyone not to wait until the turntable belt is completely unusable before changing the belt.

How do I replace my turntable belt?

Replacing a turntable belt is not a mentally intense exercise, nor is it physically demanding. We recommend removing the rubber mat first as this will expose the belt. Then lift the plate.

The belt will then be completely exposed and we will have to replace it. Grab your new turntable belt and place it on the underside of the platter, lining it up with the inner circle. Slowly slide the platter upside down and place it back onto the platter, bringing back any parts removed.

How often should I replace my belts?

We recommend replacing them every three to five years, depending on mileage.

Sources

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Lifting straps are designed to help you maintain pressure around your core, but the key is getting just the right amount of tightness.

So how tight should a sling be? The tightness of a lifting belt can vary slightly depending on the exercise, but generally you should have about a finger’s width of space between the belt and your torso so it’s snug enough where you can feel it around your waist but still breathe comfortably.

While many wear their belt with a relatively constant tightness, sometimes you feel like you need to adjust based on the exercise you’re doing, how you’re feeling that day, or based on the type of belt you’re wearing wear.

In this article, I’ll go over factors that affect a belt’s tightness, how to determine your sweet spot, some mistakes to avoid, and some general guidelines based on different exercises.

Haven’t bought a belt yet? Start Here: Powerlifting vs. Weightlifting Belt: Which is Best?

Factors affecting the tightness of a belt

A belt offers a different level of tightness depending on the type of belt you use.

The straps that might feel the tightest or stiffest are thicker (13mm) and wider (4 inches) lever or tine straps compared to something like a nylon Velcro strap.

In addition to the material, how you close your belt becomes a factor in its tightness. For example, a Velcro strap isn’t limited by prong placement or lever position and can be tightened exactly where you want it for the day. In contrast, a spiked strap can sometimes be more difficult to attach, and a lever strap is limited to where you screw it in.

Since it can sometimes be difficult to get the tine strap into a tight position, the lever straps really shine by giving you consistent tightness from session to session. But with that comes the acceptance that you probably won’t adjust the tightness between lifts or workouts.

With lever belts, the tightness for the day is often determined by how much food or water you’ve consumed that day, as bloating definitely feels a bit different, which is something to keep in mind when exercising in the morning and evening.

Finally, leather belts can feel a lot tighter when you first buy them simply because they haven’t been broken in yet, but that will change over time.

Looking for more information on belt types and which ones are best for you? Cash:

How to determine the ideal belt tension

Finding the ideal belt tension requires learning how to put on a belt properly and practicing tightening it a few times.

First, take your belt and put it around your waist, being careful not to touch the bottom of your ribs or the top of your hip bone. Take a deep breath in your stomach and then close the lever or prong and clip the belt in place, leaving some slack between your torso and your belt.

From here you should be able to exhale properly and extend your abdomen into the girdle without your exhale feeling shallow or without any visible space around your torso after the exhale. Try squeezing your core a few times as if you’re performing the lift you want and see if you can feel the walls of the belt enough.

If you’re still not sure, try loosening it slightly or tightening it slightly and feel the difference it makes. You should be able to feel that the looser it gets the less support it gives you, while the tighter it gets the harder it becomes to tense up as there isn’t enough room for your intra-abdominal pressure to expand your core.

Learn how to put on a weightlifting belt here: How do I put on a weightlifting belt? (Step by step)

Belt tension: 4 mistakes to avoid

These are some common mistakes you can make when deciding how tight to make your belt:

1. Wear the belt like a garment

If you don’t mind wearing your belt buckled between sets, it’s probably too loose.

The belt should not be worn like a garment or like a belt used to hold up your pants.

This is likely to occur if you don’t breathe in when you tighten the belt and instead just measure it using your resting waist measurement. Be sure to take a deep breath each time you put the belt on.

2. No room to breathe / brace up

When putting on your weight lifting belt, be careful not to tighten it as you breathe in, as you will need room to breathe out and fill the belt.

Therefore, you want to encircle the belt while your stomach is slightly relaxed and your breath is partially exhaled.

Otherwise, you won’t have enough space to create tension and strain, and may even narrow your diaphragm and potentially affect your ability to breathe.

3. Disregard bloating

While our egos can become emotionally attached to a particular setting on our belts, it’s important to be realistic with yourself and understand that your waist size can fluctuate significantly in a single day.

For those with prong or Velcro belts, adjust your setting based on your actual size on the day and not your “usual” spot.

For those with lever belts, you might have to suck it up unless you bring a screwdriver, but to mitigate this, try to match the time of day you go to the gym and eat the same foods before you work out.

4. No consideration for digestive problems

While it’s important to have a snug-fitting belt, if you’ve already hit the gym and haven’t been feeling well, a belt that’s too tight can either lead to heartburn or indigestion, or make those things worse.

Even though your exercises are important, consider loosening your belt just a notch on days when you’re feeling down or when your reps are acidic. The extra squeezing isn’t good for your digestive tract in these situations.

Note: If this happens frequently, see a doctor to make sure nothing else is happening, as this can be a sign of a hernia.

How tight should a squat sling be?

Squats are one of those exercises where most people like the belt on the tighter side of things.

However, this can vary from person to person. One reason it feels tighter is that most people prefer to wear the belt a little lower on the torso, towards the hip bones and away from the ribs, when doing squats.

For this reason, you should see how far your belly expands when you’re at the bottom of the squat, because if it’s too tight, you can lose tension in the hole as your belly expands.

Related Article: Should You Wear a Belt for Squats and Deadlifts?

How tight should a deadlift sling be?

Deadlifts are a little different than squats, and most lifters like a slightly looser fit. This is partly due to the hinged nature of the lift and having it super tight in this position can feel really awkward.

Also for this reason, many lifters prefer to deadlift their belt higher, below the chest and closer to the natural waist.

Read this article to learn how to retract a sling (5 methods)

How tight should a bench press sling be?

Wearing a belt on the bench press is not a very common practice in powerlifting, some do it due to the restrictive nature of creating an arch. However, some lifters still wear it, and the bench press allows you to go pretty tight because the upper body isn’t folded or flexed

Related Article: Should You Wear a Weightlifting Belt When Benching (8 Benefits)

How Tight Should a Snatch Sling Be?

The snatch is a very dynamic movement, so you might want to go for a slightly looser fit than a heavy squat just to allow for more breathing and different positions.

You should also opt for a nylon belt so the buckle doesn’t get in the way, meaning you have more flexibility to adjust the tightness setting based on your comfort level.

How Tight Should a Clean & Jerk Sling Be?

A clean and jerk is a very dynamic move like the snatch; However, it requires you to essentially bend the weight forward, and it puts more direct stress on the spine as compared to the snatch. Therefore, you should be a little firmer on a clean and jerk than you would on a squat, but ultimately it will vary from person to person.

Final Thoughts

A belt should be comfortable enough to breathe and strain, but uncomfortable enough that you can’t wear it during your rest period between sets.

While it’s intended to provide a rigid wall of support and not be worn casually, it shouldn’t interfere with your respiratory or digestive systems either.

Looking for a powerlifting belt? Check out: Best Powerlifting Belts: In-Depth Guide and Review (2022)

About the author

Elena Popadic

Elena Popadic has been in the fitness industry for over 6 years, co-hosts the Squats and Thoughts podcast, and trains and competes as a powerlifter. She has a BSc in Life Sciences from McMaster University, a Postgrad Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College and is currently pursuing an MSc in Occupational Therapy from Western University. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

This post contains affiliate links.

Listen to your favorite record, relax as the sound thumps in your cans, and you hear the slip – the music slows down for a few seconds, then speeds up again. You turn to see if anyone has entered the room and been fumbling with your record player – but no one is around. Time for a new turntable belt. But how long should your turntable belt last?

Most belt-drive turntables use a rubber-based, closed-loop belt that typically lasts up to 5 years or so. Belt life is determined by its quality, tightness, elasticity and use. Without use, a belt will last 5-6 years under typical conditions.

Not only will I share my experience with turntable belts with you, but I will also share a few tips and tricks to better maintain your belt drive turntable. First, let’s look at all things belt-related so you can make the most informed decisions about your belt-drive turntable. Let’s get into that.

How long turntable belts last – Explains the lifespan of turntable belts

As previously mentioned, several factors affect the life and useful life of a turntable belt. While I personally prefer direct drive turntables (since I’m a bit of a turntablist), belt drive turntables work best for isolating motor noise. Most of the time when I listen to vinyl at home, it’s because of my belt drive.

Due to rubber degradation, most rubber based turntable belts last up to 5 years depending on quality, usage and exposure to light, oxygen and heat.

The problem with belt drives is that most belts are usually made of rubber. Newer turntables use a variety of materials, but rubber has always been the mainstay of the turntable belt.

Rubber degrades over time. Rubber wear is primarily caused by light, oxygen (ozone) or heat and is inevitable. (Source)

Rubber does a few things over time and exposure to the elements:

Rubber dries and cracks. Rubber becomes brittle. Rubber loses elasticity. Rubber loses tensile strength.

Air, light and heat are factors that affect the degradation process of rubber. Rubber breaks down in two main ways: molecular chain hardening and molecular chain cleavage. These correspond to the embrittlement of the rubber or the softening of the rubber.

These two rubber degradations are responsible for the majority of belt failures over time. With turntables, it is usually the first problem – hardening and brittleness of the belt. However, as the belt softens, it stretches and causes slippage, another common problem with belt-drive tables.

Therefore, the overall life of a belt is determined by the type of rubber, the amount of exposure to light, oxygen and heat, and the frequency of use.

Working regularly with my belt drive turntable, I found that I had to change the belt after about three years. That’s when I noticed the sound starting to warble and mutate. At first it was quite imperceptible, but one day it became more obvious and I had to admit that the platter belt was beaten.

Factors affecting the quality (and lifespan) of the turntable belt

I mentioned how exposure to the elements would accelerate wear and deterioration of the belt. Eliminating some of these factors can contribute to longer platter belt life.

To slow rubber belt degradation, you must limit or eliminate exposure of the belt to light, oxygen, and heat.

Light is easy, don’t leave the turntable upside down in the sun – pretty easy. Heat is pretty straight forward too – don’t mount your turntable over a heater or near a heat source. That’s correct; You can’t have your record player next to the fireplace if you want it to last, sorry.

The hardest part is oxygen. How do you keep a turntable belt away from oxygen without launching it into space? There’s actually a pretty neat solution: treat the belt.

Now, I’ve heard a lot of arguments for using belt conditioners from both sides. However, I would like to point out that most of the time they were busy reviving an already stiff belt.

Once a belt becomes weathered, brittle, or stretched, you need to replace it. Do not attempt to revive a belt that has already expired. It’s a waste of time trying.

However, if you just got a new turntable or a new belt for your turntable, you can treat the belt right away to prolong its life.

Use products recommended for high performance car engine belts. These conditioners tend to be the best for maintaining high quality rubber belts.

Before spraying or wiping any automotive product, however, it’s a good idea to contact the manufacturer and determine belt material specifications before applying any belt conditioner. The newer turntables use different types of rubber and you don’t want to use a conditioner that will damage the belt, so do your research based on your particular model and year of manufacture.

How often should you replace your turntable belt

Rubber platter belts have an estimated lifespan of about five years maximum. However, there are some clues that can point you to an immediate belt change. Let’s take a look at what these factors are.

Extended Ramp-up Pitch and Time Stalls Slips

When you turn on your turntable and press start, you know it takes about a second to get up to speed, right? It is typical of belt drive turntables that this is the case due to the physics of using a belt drive. However, if you notice that it is taking longer than usual to get up to speed, the belt is probably stretched and trying to grab but not getting there in time.

Pitch and time delays can be more difficult to hear unless you have audiophile hearing. As a turntablist, I notice the tiniest pitch or time shifts in tracks that I know well, but you might miss them when they first start.

Pitch and time stalls occur when a turntable belt begins to stretch or become brittle. As it stretches, it loosens on the motor and platter pulleys, allowing backlash to lock momentum. When the belt becomes hard and brittle, it can create hard spots where the belt does not rotate as easily around the small engine pulley. This situation will cause the belt to bind on the small pulley as the brittle point sticks out because it doesn’t want to bend around the pulley. It slows down the music for a second until the brittle spot above the little pulley pops.

Slips are the obvious sign that you should replace a belt. You can’t miss a note. You hear your music and there is a noticeable stopping or change in sound for a second or two. It’s a sure thing that you need a new belt when the old one starts slipping.

Should your belt be replaced with an OEM belt?

I’ve talked to a lot of people about turntables over the years. Most of the time it is about the direct drive or the newest and newest technology. But I’m also often asked whether a turntable belt should have the original manufactured replacement belt, or whether a generic belt with the exact dimensions is appropriate.

You can find out the answer to OEM platter belt replacement after asking a few questions.

Is the OEM belt still available? Is the non-OEM belt better quality than the OEM? Is the turntable good?

If you answered yes to question 1 and no to question 2, skip question 3 and buy the OEM model.

If you answered no to question 1, you have no choice, buy the aftermarket belt.

If the turntable is a cheap or low-quality variety, an aftermarket belt is likely better. In this case, too, the answer is obvious: always get the higher quality belt.

When I buy belts for my turntables, I follow one rule: I buy two and weld one of them together for later use. It’s a trick, a DJ friend of mine told me. He had an old Linn LP 12 but couldn’t find a replacement belt at the time. He found an old record store with some newer belts because the owner had sealed them and kept them in a box in his basement.

My friend bought two belts, put one on the table right away and put the other in a box. Four years later, he used the boxed replacement. It saved him years later from finding a second belt, and by shrink-wrapping the belt it was preserved for future use. That was a pretty neat trick I thought.

VacationVinyl.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to enable websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs that compensate us for referral traffic.

Whether you’re getting into DJing or buying a turntable for fun, sooner or later you’re going to hear the terms “belt drive” and “direct drive”. But what is the difference and which one is better? I’ll cover that and more in the ultimate breakdown of direct drive vs belt drive turntables…

In a direct drive turntable, the motor is connected directly to the platter. This increases the torque, but the rumble of the motor is channeled through the platter into the needle. With a belt drive, the motor is offset to the side and connected via a belt. This reduces noise as any rumble is absorbed by the belt.

A quick note on comparing direct drive vs belt drive turntables

Which is better depends on how you use the turntables and to some extent your budget. Because there are several factors that determine whether a turntable is good or not.

Whether it is belt drive or direct drive is definitely not a determining factor in defining the quality of the turntable. Good sound quality can be compromised by things like build quality and even the stylus you use to play vinyl records.

Let’s dive into the importance of belt drive and direct drive to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

What is a belt drive turntable?

All types of turntables must be able to do one thing and that is spin. Otherwise it’s just a table…

As the name suggests, a belt drive uses a belt to spin the platter and keep the record spinning.

This allows the motor to be placed away from the actual platter, usually to the side. The belt connects the motor and platter to keep it rotating.

A belt drive turntable without a platter

Removing the motor from the vinyl platter allows the manufacturer many more design choices. For example, the platter can be much thinner than if the motor were under the platter.

Because the platter is rotated by a belt, it may take a moment to get up to speed. Although for the pleasure of listening this does not matter. Especially when it has an automatic queuing mechanism that moves the needle across the record and makes it drop at the beginning.

A loose belt is a useless belt

Although it will take a while, one downside to belt-driven mowers is that the belt starts to wear out. This can cause speed fluctuations as the belt loosens.

That alone practically writes them off for professional DJing, as you can’t rely on them to maintain the same speed. This is important when DJing, as your deck needs to keep its speed accurate when you mix the second track.

DJs often touch the turntable, either while previewing a track or to slow it down in the mix. Belt drive decks struggle with this as it takes a few moments to recover and get back up to speed.

A plus of belt driven decks is that they tend to be cheaper than direct drives.

Belt drives in the home

While belt driven DJ decks do exist, they tend to be more common in home music systems, 100% accurate speed is less important.

If you turn off the power because there is a direct connection between the belt and the motor, which means the platter will have resistance and not spin freely.

Moving the platter with the motor off or reversing its direction will wear the belt. There is a risk of the belt stretching or slipping. This further reduces speed reliability and the platter rotating at the correct RPM.

To make a belt-drive turntable absolutely reliable, it must be built to extremely precise specifications. Because of this, the cost of a high-end belt-drive turntable can run into the thousands.

Benefits of a belt drive

The rubber strap makes it vibration resistant

The motor, which is offset from the platter, reduces rumble

better clarity and purity of sound

Internal speed corrections are smooth due to the belt

Disadvantages of a belt drive

lower torque (the platter recovers more slowly when touched)

At some point the belt will need to be replaced

How long do belts last?

Despite this talk of slipping and speed unreliability, it’s worth noting that the belts should last a couple of years before you start noticing any variance.

However, if the belt starts to snap, it’s only a matter of time before it needs to be replaced entirely. Performance only degrades the older it gets and the more it is used.

What does direct drive turntable mean?

In a direct drive turntable, the motor is positioned directly below the vinyl platter and is directly connected. There is no belt or other moving parts between the motor and the platter.

This means that all the energy and power generated by the motor is immediately transferred to the platter.

A direct drive turntable without a platter

Because of this direct drive, turntables get up to speed almost instantly. Because the motor is powered, the platter will continue to spin freely when you turn it off. This is what happens when you hear a DJ doing the wind down effect.

Because direct-drive turntables transfer power directly to the platter, they get predictable and reliable speed.

Since the speed is then constant, when you crossfade tracks, you know that both will keep their tempo.

Since the motor is directly connected to the platter, full power is transmitted and more torque is generated.

Check out our recommended direct drive turntable here.

The benefits of higher torque

It is this higher torque that gets the platter up to speed much faster, allowing decks to be used to scratch and to pull the vinyl back in the right direction after manipulation.

Because the platter is free to rotate, DJs can manipulate the record in either direction without fear of damaging their equipment.

This is handy for rocking the vinyl back and forth while waiting to drop it and is also why DJs who scratch always use direct drive turntables.

Since direct drives rev up to full speed instantly, you can tap the platter lightly during mixing to make minor corrections.

All of this combines to provide reliable mixing, scratching and beat juggling.

Belt drives tend to be fairly basic, while direct drive turntables offer some additional features. Some, like the Vestax Controller One, have buttons to jump to specific speeds, as well as a reverse button.

Although of course not many DJs play their songs backwards.

pitch control

Pitch control is more reliable on direct drive turntables

DJ turntables also have a pitch control that allows you to adjust the speed of your track up and down. You’ll find these on belt-drive and direct-drive decks.

Again with direct drive, then you know the pitch control is accurate and instantly reflects the change in speed in the record.

It’s the features and reliability of direct drives that make them the obvious choice for DJs serious about mixing.

However, you can definitely learn as a DJ on belt drive turntables. However, it won’t be long before you start looking for an upgrade. However, this has an advantage.

If you can mix belt drives, you’ll have a much easier time transitioning to direct drives.

Advantages of a direct drive turntable

more resistant to external forces (e.g. how heavy the pen or your touch is on the plate)

more durable because no belt

less maintenance.

Cross of a direct drive turntable

Engine vibration noise can get into the needle

uses a jerk to correct speed corrections

To see my recommended turntable go here.

Turntable for listening pleasure

The vast majority of turntables sold are for listening pleasure despite DJing being such a huge industry. So how does the direct drive vs belt drive turntable debate play out for those looking to just have a single turntable in their home?

Again, this has in part to do with your goals with your vinyl deck.

If you are a true music lover, you want the music to play at the exact tempo intended by the original artist. So a direct drive can still be the way to go, especially on a lower budget.

However, a true audiophile also looks for clarity in their music. So you don’t want the needle picking up unwanted noise and sending it to the speakers.

A platter needle picks up everything in the grooves and platter. To avoid the risk of motor noise or vibration being transmitted into the stylus, you can move the motor away from the platter (via the belt). Otherwise, you may experience “rumble” in your playback.

Any rumble of the motor disappears as it moves through the rubber belt.

The advantages of suspended engines

You may be wondering if direct drive versus belt drive is still valid when both have the motor connected to the turntable body. And still crate rumbling.

However, with high-end belt drives, the motor is suspended to ensure that vibration noise is not transmitted to the platter.

This minimizes the chance of noise getting through the needle and into the speakers.

 But why just hang the motor when you can hang the whole platter??

Is speed stability an issue?

There is a difference in how belt drive and direct drive turntables regulate their speed

Direct drives constantly monitor speed to make small adjustments and keep it at a constant speed.

Pitch controlled turntables running at speeds other than normal require additional monitoring circuitry. Direct drive turntables then shake the platter to compensate for speed variations, although this is rarely noticeable to the untrained ear.

While this will be minimal and inaudible for 99.9% of the time, there will be music lovers who appreciate the subtleties that a belt drive emanates.

This is because belt drives are a bit simpler. Although they also monitor speed, they are much less prone to micro-corrections. Especially if they are not a cheaper mode and have a heavy plate.

A high-quality belt drive nevertheless maintains a constant speed and monitors. The belt means there are much smoother speed changes. This is due to the slightly forgiving nature of the belt.

This will give true audiophiles the feeling that they are getting a purer listening experience as the adjustments are less noticeable.

As mentioned at the beginning, the debate between direct drive and belt drive comes down to what you are trying to achieve and what your budget is.

Conclusions

As you have read, there are many deciding factors in deciding what a ‘good’ turntable is. For this reason I have divided the conclusions into sections to guide you according to your goal.

Direct Drive or Belt Drive Turntables: For DJing

If you want to DJ with your turntable, you should go for direct drives. Because of the amount you touch and manipulate the platter while mixing, you’ll appreciate the quick speed corrections.

Direct Drive or Belt Drive Turntables: For Listening

If you’re buying for listening pleasure, want the music to be as pure as possible, and are on a reasonable budget, then you should be looking at a high-end belt-drive turntable.

This is because you only touch the device once to start the vinyl, then sit back and enjoy the music exactly as it was intended.

Direct Drive or Belt Drive Turntable: Price

In the lower budget range, you can save money with a belt drive. While a similarly priced direct drive will arguably be more accurate and durable, in the long run it may erase any price difference.

If you’re on a budget, look at things like build quality and pen/needle quality to see which one works best for your particular needs.

So ultimately, YOU and your needs decide who wins the battle between direct drive and belt drive turntables. Let me know what you think in the comments, I’d love to hear your opinion.

And remember, you can see our recommended turntables here.

Frequently Asked Questions: Direct Drive and Belt Drive Turntables

Can you scratch on belt drive turntables?

They can, but they’re not ideal. Since the platter is rotated by a belt, there may be a delay when the platter spins again. That means they’re not as responsive as direct-drive turntables, and there’s not much you can do to compensate. Ideally, you need a turntable to get back up to speed the moment you take your hand off the platter. Even if you buy a high-end belt-drive turntable that responds from the start, the belt will soon stretch slightly (especially when used for scratching), resulting in an increase in delay time. When it comes to scratching, the ideal is to use direct drive turntables with a high torque motor.

What is the difference between a turntable and a turntable?

You will often see these two terms used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things. Technically, a turntable only refers to the vinyl and stylus assembly itself. It cannot produce sound by itself, they instead require an external amplifier and speaker system to be audible.

However, a turntable is an all-in-one device with a built-in amplifier and speakers. This means that they can be transported and used independently of one another. Turntables are not designed for DJing as they cannot be connected together via an external mixer. However, turntables can feed their audio into a mixer, so two or more turntables can be used to play multiple tracks and build a full DJ set.

Do they still make Technics turntables?

Yes, Technics still makes turntables, but they were eventually phased out of production. Technics was the industry standard for years, falling victim to the rise of CD decks as DJs could easily transport hundreds of CDs compared to vinyl. As a result, Technics were pulled from production in 2010, much to the dismay of hardcore DJ fans who had fought hard and for years for their return.

Finally, in 2016, Panasonic (which owns Technics) announced that they were reviving the classic brand. Their latest iteration, SL1200mk7, was released in 2019.

Do vinyl records sound better?

This depends heavily on personal taste and interpretation. In theory no, both a full resolution digital copy and brand new vinyl should produce the same sound definition. However, it is widely agreed that vinyl tends to sound “warmer” than any other format. This is because there is actually a physical pressing that is interpreted to create the music with vinyl, i.e. the needle reads the grooves of the vinyl and turns them into sound.

After a few plays, the vinyl will wear down slightly, making the music sound smoother as the sharpest points are slightly toned down. Of course, after hundreds of plays, a vinyl will wear out completely and the audio quality will eventually degrade. So at this point it would be hard to argue that vinyl sounds better than a digital copy (which of course never sacrifices quality).

To quote John Peel: “Someone wanted to tell me that CDs are better than vinyl because they don’t have surface noise. I said, “Listen buddy, LIFE has surface noise.”

What now?

No ideas for your DJ name? Check this helpful post to choose one that won’t embarrass you later

Do you dream of being an EDM superstar? Head over to our complete guide to get you on the track in no time!

Sources

When it comes to turntable designs, owners can get bogged down in the “belt drive versus direct drive” issue. Knowing the differences is important, and you can ensure quality playback if you invest properly.

We dive into the anatomy of the turntable and go through the pros and cons of each.

However, this is an issue where some users have a strong preference for a specific type.

The belt drive turntable

Many turntables use belt drives to rotate the unit’s platter. A belt drive is an elastic belt. This belt attaches directly to the turntable’s motor, allowing for fast, precise movement. The player’s turntable rests on a bearing and is isolated from the unit’s motor.

A turntable’s belt drive benefits from the player’s bearings because the bearings allow for both linear and rotational movement. Because a belt drive is incredibly precise, it’s often chosen by turntable owners who need adaptability, reliability, and low maintenance.

Benefits of a belt drive

A turntable with a built-in elastic strap is resistant to vibration. The belt drive itself is made of elastic material. Elastic absorbs shock and can reduce any harsh vibrations generated by the player’s motor.

Because of this, it’s a great option for device owners who want to protect their player’s turntable for years to come.

Reportedly, belt-driven turntables produce better sound quality.

Because a belt drive reduces vibration noise, a turntable’s sound can be cleaner. In fact, many turntable owners focus primarily on reducing motor noise. The more a turntable’s feedback noise is reduced, the clearer its noise.

Disadvantages of a belt drive

While belt drive turntables are incredibly popular, they have less torque than direct drive turntables. While torque isn’t necessarily a critical attribute, it can be a deal-breaker for some. Belt drive turntables also have a slightly less accurate playback speed than direct drive turntables.

Over time, a belt drive may need to be replaced. The belt drive elastic can wear out and eventually break.

The direct drive turntable

The direct-drive turntable, on the other hand, has a platter that is attached directly to the player’s motor. A direct-drive turntable has fast start-up times, slightly smoother speed, and more torque. They are used by many because of their overall reliability and durability.

Advantages of a direct drive

As mentioned above, a direct drive turntable is reliable. You won’t encounter belt wear and your tone will be consistent. Their fast start-up time is a great feature for anyone who uses their player frequently, and their durable design guarantees a good investment.

Disadvantages of a direct drive

While direct drive turntables are reliable, they often have lower playback quality. Their high torque and consistency are an advantage, but they often suffer from engine vibration noise. That means they are not vulnerable to external forces, such as B. the needle of the record – or your own hand.

For most, the unwanted vibration of the direct drive turntable is enough to make them opt for a belt drive. In fact, many direct drive turntable owners buy shock absorbers to reduce the noise. What direct drive turntables have in durability they sacrifice in overall quality.

Which one is better?

At the end of the day, your preferences count. If you want quality sound, consistent playback, and a classic design, you should get a belt drive turntable. However, if you value durability, long-term playability, and ease of use, consider the direct drive turntable.

Audiophiles often debate both choices—and with good reason. Both offer great benefits. Many high-end turntables are belt-driven due to the high quality.

However, direct-drive turntables can generate sales because of their long-life potential and relative ease of use.

The drive quality of a turntable is also subjective. While one power source may sound better to some, others like the other. It’s a good idea to test a turntable before making a choice. You should also set your priorities.

For most, a belt-driven turntable offers coveted sound quality. If you want to make a decision based on playback alone, go for the belt-driven option. However, fully evaluate your options and make sure your budget, long-term needs, and living situation support this choice.

Your music matters, and so does your wallet.

We don’t like O-rings?

The manufactured ones (as opposed to the homemade ones made from superglue string) are generally well formed and seamless.

They also come in all shapes, sizes and flavors.

I was planning to do this for my table project, but if that’s a bad idea, I’d like to know now!

PS since there are also square section o-rings this might be a better solution – this kind seems to be what is used on some tables…

Has your turntable stopped spinning?

Don’t worry, you probably won’t need to buy a new one.

There are many possible causes of a platter not spinning, and most are fairly easy to diagnose and fix.

Often it’s simply because you don’t know how to play a turntable properly.

I’ll help you figure out exactly what’s causing the problem on your turntable and then help you fix it.

For most problems, you don’t need any special skills to take care of the problem yourself. And the best tool you’ll need is a screwdriver, although you probably won’t even need that.

Let’s start by reviewing the most common causes when a turntable has stopped spinning.

Why do turntables stop spinning?

Turntables stop spinning for a number of reasons. To accurately diagnose the problem, it always helps to understand how a turntable works. This is true whether you have a direct drive turntable or a belt drive turntable.

With that in mind, I’ve covered some of the basics of how turntables work, to help you more easily diagnose and solve your particular problem.

Arm does not reset

When your turntable suddenly stops working, it’s only natural to assume the worst, especially if nothing like this has happened before.

While it’s easy to feel like something is broken inside the turntable and that your favorite device is beyond salvage, this is rarely the case with a turntable that has stopped spinning.

A possible problem could simply be that the arm has not reset. If that’s the problem, great! It’s very easy to fix.

Most manual turntables have a tonearm that must be returned to the reset position in order for it to function properly. If it is not reset, the player will not spin.

If it seems like the tonearm isn’t pushed back far enough, simply lift it up and move it to the right. You should hear a clicking sound to indicate it has been reset.

This is a surprisingly common problem that has many turntable users wondering what they did wrong. Always make sure to always reset the arm before you start playing a new record to avoid this problem.

Belt problems

If the turntable is a belt drive model (read between belt drive and direct drive), it’s possible that the belt has become loose or has crumbled. If the belt is out of place or damaged, the platter will stop spinning.

Because of this, it is imperative to first understand where the problem lies. If the strap is just loose or improperly seated, you can fix this problem by repositioning or tightening the strap.

However, if the belt is completely worn out, you will need to buy a new one, as a belt-driven turntable cannot function properly without it. Belt problems are common in belt drive turntables such as Music Hall’s MMF 1.3.

Problem with the direct drive

With direct drive turntables it can be difficult to pinpoint the problem. Another possible cause of a platter not spinning could be problems with the internal mechanism of the direct drive motor.

With direct drive turntables, there are numerous possible reasons for a turntable malfunction. This includes debris and dirt stuck in the engine components and shaft. A jammed platter or a faulty power switch can also cause problems. There’s also a chance that the motor is losing power or (ideally, although you may feel like an idiot) the player is simply not plugged in.

While it’s generally not too difficult to fix these problems yourself, figuring out which parts need replacing and then finding the appropriate replacement parts can be difficult.

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent such problems. Keeping the device clean and free of debris is a good precaution. Regular care and oiling also help to extend the life of a turntable.

How to fix a turntable that spins too slowly

Sometimes the problem isn’t that your turntable isn’t spinning at all, it’s that it’s spinning too slowly. This obviously distorts the sound, so it’s something you’ll want to fix.

The good news is that it’s usually an easy fix. It’s best to start with the simplest solutions and work your way up. And easiest of all is easy cleaning and routine maintenance.

cleaning and maintenance

Often a turntable will not spin at the right speed because of dirt holding it back or too much friction. Therefore, your first step should be a thorough cleaning of the platter along with some extra lubrication.

When you have cleaned everything, put a few drops of oil on the motor shaft and on the area where the spindle enters the housing. Use synthetic oil that weighs twenty.

If cleaning and lubrication didn’t solve the problem, it’s time to take a look at the belt.

Adjust or replace the belt

The first thing you want to do is make sure the belt isn’t rubbing against another part of the turntable. If it doesn’t, it could be that the belt has stretched a bit.

It is not uncommon for the belt to stretch by a few millimeters and that is enough to slow down the turntable. If it does, it’s best to replace it, but you can also try shrinking it back first.

The best way to achieve this is to boil the belt. Just boil some water, then turn off the stove and put the belt in the hot water. Let it soak for 4-8 minutes before removing. It should have shrunk back to its original size.

If the belt is not stretched too much, you can also fix the problem by putting some talcum powder on the inserts and pulley. This increases friction, reduces slippage and brings the belt into closer contact with the pulley.

Fine tune adjustments

If nothing else fixed the speed issue, it’s time to get serious. You need to do some fine tuning on the turntable motor.

To do this, you should find the manual for your model. If you don’t have it anymore, there’s a good chance you can find it online. Manuals are often available on manufacturers’ websites.

If you don’t have an owner’s manual handy, you’ll have to find the adjustment screws yourself. Two common locations are under the turntable and on the underside of the turntable itself.

Turning these screws clockwise speeds up the platter. Turning counterclockwise slows it down. Make sure the device is completely level before making any adjustments.

This process is a trial and error process. Make small adjustments and test. You can test by hearing, but it would probably be more accurate to use a strobe disc to check the rotation speed.

If you have the opposite problem and the turntable is spinning too fast, read this article.

Tips to keep your turntable running

Turntables stop spinning when there is a problem with the motor or belt. Timely maintenance and cleaning will keep the turntable in good condition.

Take the time to oil and dust the turntables and regularly check the condition of the belt. Focus on keeping the power buttons dust free and make sure you cover the turntable with a dust cover.

Additionally, if you feel that the sound quality, pitch, and speed are lacking, check the turntable for signs of belt failure.

Like any other piece of equipment, a turntable needs maintenance. If you take care of your turntable, it will not stop spinning and will produce an amazing sound for a long time. And if it turns out you need to replace the belt, read on…

How to check and repair the belt

You can fix a turntable that won’t spin by checking the condition of the belt. Check that the strap is in the correct position. Also check the condition of the belt and see if it is corroded or needs to be replaced.

Here are ways to tell if the turntable needs a belt replacement. Before the belt completely stops working, it will show you some warning signs indicating that its time is almost up. Most importantly, the turntable spins at the wrong speed and produces poor sound quality.

How to fix a platter that won’t spin by replacing the belt.

To replace the belt and restart the spin cycle, you must first find a compatible belt. The instruction manual contains all the details on the size, width and thickness of the strap required for your model.

If you no longer have the manual, look for it online. Most manuals are available on the Internet. If you can’t find yours, look up the company that makes your turntable and contact them to ask for a manual or to ask directly what type of belt you need.

After you have the belt, start the replacement process. Before you begin, unplug the turntable and remove the plastic cover protecting the platter.

Next, remove the panel from its position. To do this, unscrew the C-shaped clip with a suitable screwdriver. Keep the clip safe for later use.

After the panel comes loose, flip it over to the back. You will notice a circular lid on the inside of the plate. Gently smooth out your belt and slide it over the circular inner lid. Continue moving the strap slowly until it clicks into place. Of course, if the damaged belt is still there, you must first remove it.

Turn the platter over and place it in its original position. Pull the strap out of the access points and pull it over the drive motor. Slide the plate into place and attach the C-shaped clip. The belt and player are now ready for use.

Here is the whole process summarized:

Turn off the turntable to avoid electric shock

Peel off the plastic mat and set aside

Remove the plate

Lay the plate upside down on a flat surface

Stretch the belt across the center of the platter, making sure it is properly seated

Tighten the strap over the small pin near the edge of the record

Turn the plate over and place it on the turntable

Rotate the platter to expose the motor through the access holes

Hook the strap around the motor

Spin the platter in both directions to see if the belt works well

Check the belt to make sure it is installed correctly

Turntable not turning: Related questions

How does a turntable work?

When you get a turntable running, a stylus reads the grooves. A pen is a cone-shaped needle suspended from an elastic metal band. It is located at one end of the tonearm, which moves opposite the side of the platter as the stylus moves with the spiral groove.

As the stylus moves through the grooves, it picks up vibrations that travel with the metal band to a cassette of wires at the end of the arm. The vibrations are converted into electrical signals by a coil in the magnetic field. These signals are then sent to the amplifier. The amplified signals are then converted to sound through the speakers.

Can you fix a distorted vinyl record? As?

Yes, warped records can be fixed with two panes of glass larger than your album but small enough to fit in your oven.

First, preheat the oven to 80°C. Take your warped record and clean it before placing it in the center of one of the glass panes. Place the other sheet of glass on top and place both in the preheated oven.

Allow the inserted record to “bake” for a few minutes before pulling it out and placing it on a flat surface at room temperature. Place heavy books or other heavy objects over the inserted record. Once it’s cooled, remove the glass panes and the record should be back to its old, flat self.

Is it okay to leave a record on the turntable for a long time?

You should never leave a record on the turntable. Always put it back in its case after use and store it properly. If you remove it from the turntable after listening, it remains protected from dust and dirt.

Turntable not spinning: final thoughts

Just because your turntable has stopped spinning doesn’t mean you need to buy a new turntable. Go through the list of possible causes and check each one.

If you cannot determine why it has stopped spinning, there is most likely a problem with the motor. You may need to get a new one that you could replace yourself, although I would suggest taking it to a professional.

Depending on how much your turntable costs, it may even make more sense to buy a new one at this point. But more often than not, the cause is much simpler and something you can easily fix yourself.

Easy Guide To Measuring V-Belts Replacing fan belts annually is a wise investment to ensure they are operating at peak performance. Worn fan belts can cause up to 20% loss of cfm output.

Ordering the correct replacement V-belt is just as easy by taking a few simple measurements.

First, measure the width of the belt to determine what type of belt is on your fan. Most V-belts are Type A, 1/2″ gauge. If the V-belt measures 5/8″, it is classified as a Type B belt. You may see a belt described as Type AX. The X means it has a serrated design or notches in the belt. The serrated profile increases power transfer and is typically only used for industrial applications due to its higher cost.

Next you need to measure the length of the belt. Use a cloth tape measure (not steel tape) and wrap it around the outside of the belt. They also use thin string to take this measurement and place it on a steel band to get the correct length.

Next, for “A” belts (1/2 inch width), subtract two inches from the outside dimension to select the correct V-belt. For example, if the outside measurement is 48 inches and you subtract two inches, the correct belt for your fan would be HSA46.

For “B” belts (5/8″ width), subtract 3″ from outside dimension to select correct V-belt. For example, if the outside measurement is 48 inches and you subtract three inches, the correct belt for your fan would be HSB45.

Hog Slat’s GroBelts range offers manufacturers the highest quality V-belts at an affordable price. GroBelts are made of wear-resistant, high modulus compression rubber embedded with polyester cords to reduce stretch. To order, go to GroBelts.

See also our Laser Pully Alignment Kit. It’s a great tool for accurately checking drive pulley alignment while changing fan belts.

This post contains affiliate links.

Turntables (or vinyl record players, depending on how you think of them) are complicated machines. They’re not as easy to use as “press play” with your iPods, iPhones, and DVD players. Because of this, we came across the question of how tight a turntable belt should be.

The key to determining a turntable’s belt tension is balance. The grip must not be too tight that it interferes with the whole mechanism and creates too much friction, but not too loose that it doesn’t work at all.

In this article, let’s tighten our seat belts and learn how tight a platter belt should be and the processes to determine this.

What is a turntable belt anyway?

Before attempting to answer how tight a turntable should be, we should first learn to define what a turntable belt is. So really what is a turntable belt?

Turntable belts are essential parts of belt-driven turntables, but are not present on direct-drive turntables. The main difference between belt drive turntables and direct drive turntables is that belt drive turntables use platter belts as a method of rotating the platter. The direct drive ones use a motor to drive the coater instead, eliminating the need for belts. (1)

Turntable belts are essential parts of belt-driven turntables, but are not present on direct-drive turntables.

In a belt-driven turntable, the belts are required for the cartridge to navigate through the record, which ultimately helps the turntable read data and express it in the form of sound. If you use a belt-driven turntable, you know the added complexity of using such technology. One of the additional complexities is illustrated and summarized in the question of how dense a turntable should be.

Balance is key: how tight a turntable belt should be

Turntable belts are essential parts of belt-driven turntables, and ensuring their suitability is critical to better sound quality and more stable feedback. Despite its essentiality, many audiophiles still get bogged down in the “appropriateness” of their turntable belt. So we tried to ask ourselves the same question.

With questions like these, it’s quite difficult to define a quick and precise answer. However, we have specific guidelines to help answer how tight your turntable belt should be.

A key to understanding how the standard goes is to know that a platter belt is not balanced. Some turntable belts are thicker while others are thinner, so knowing this “balance” is crucial to overriding such disparate factors. As such, we have defined the general guidelines below.

Platter belts must not be so loose that they lose their grip, because a loose platter belt is no more valuable than a puff of air trying to lift a block of wood. In addition, you must also ensure that it is not over tightened as this risks interfering with the operation of your turntable. To determine proper tightness, make sure the turntable platter rotates evenly and smoothly, with no jerking or signs of tension. (2)

We mostly recommend having your platter belts tighter than loose. However, we always remind other audiophiles that a platter belt that is too tight can damage your gear, so make sure you’re on the right track.

Speaking of damage, the stress caused by tight turntable belts greatly affects the mechanisms, the motor used to turn the belt or bearings, and more. In addition, it can cause your turntable to stall completely and repairs can cost you many times the belt’s original price. (2)

Size matters

We always remind our audiophiles to have a suitable belt diameter for their turntables. It can prevent extra stress on the turntable while reducing the possibility of loose installations.

There are five standard belt diameters to consider for your turntables. Make sure you have the right one. The standard diameters are the following: 128mm diameter belt, 150mm diameter belt, 172mm diameter belt, 206mm diameter belt and 300mm diameter belt.

So next time you look at some of the platter belt diameters available, be sure to constantly evaluate them against the general guidelines as this is how tight a platter belt should be.

Why do people still use belt driven turntables?

If you haven’t noticed, direct-drive turntables offer a much smoother, less clunky experience than belt-drive turntables, and therefore offer a more direct and easier-to-navigate experience. Because belt-driven turntables have significantly larger moving parts compared to the tiny motors of direct-drive turntables, many have wondered why belt-driven turntables even exist.

The price matters

As the direct drive turntables take a smaller approach to their technology implementation, it also bears the cost of miniaturization. Simply put, all this technology and all the engineering marvels required to make the package a little smaller and less clunky will obviously add to the cost of the overall product. For this reason, it is most obvious that the direct drive turntables are significantly more expensive than the belt drive turntables.

Other reasons besides the technology driving up the cost is the inherent cost of the belts compared to motors. Unlike the less complex belts, engines are intricate and complex mechanical components used in many machines today.

As with most audiophiles: it sounds better

The main reason many choose to buy belt drive turntables is of course the sound. For most audiophiles, sound quality should be one of the most important characteristics or variables of audio equipment. In the case of belt-drive and direct-drive turntables, simply put, audiophiles prefer the sound produced by belt-drive turntables. (3)

Why exactly do belt drive turntables sound better than direct drive turntables? The real answer: Engineering. By their very nature, motors are said to be much louder than belts, and for an audio device, any unnecessary noise is a big variable that can significantly affect sound quality. Unlike engines, belts run more smoothly, eliminating or at least mitigating excessive noise.

Although the belt-driven turntables sound better, they still have a sense of bulkiness, as explained by the constant questions “how tight a turntable should be and more”. Speaking of chunky, that leads us straight to our next segment.

Where the direct drive turntables win

As previously mentioned, direct drive turntables and turntables are often much less clunky than their belt driven counterparts. However, these are not the only variables and features that direct drive turntables have significantly improved over their belt-driven predecessors.

Most DJs use direct drive turntables simply because it allows them to change where the turntables spin. It will allow them to achieve the signature DJ “scratching” sound. (3)

In addition, the smaller moving parts on these players also last longer than the belt on belt-driven turntables. In contrast to the more stable engines, belts are more likely to fail and at the same time require more frequent maintenance.

Frequently asked questions about turntable belts

How do I maintain the integrity of my belt driven platter belts?

To maintain the integrity of your turntable belts, always check them from time to time to ensure you are using the correct diameter and thickness. Also, we recommend everyone not to wait until the turntable belt is completely unusable before changing the belt.

How do I replace my turntable belt?

Replacing a turntable belt is not a mentally intense exercise, nor is it physically demanding. We recommend removing the rubber mat first as this will expose the belt. Then lift the plate.

The belt will then be completely exposed and we will have to replace it. Grab your new turntable belt and place it on the underside of the platter, lining it up with the inner circle. Slowly slide the platter upside down and place it back onto the platter, bringing back any parts removed.

How often should I replace my belts?

We recommend replacing them every three to five years, depending on mileage.

Sources

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