There really isn't a better or best consistantly. there are great units in both, and in all comparative price ranges.
I like all of them. I prefer direct drive if I had to choose one. They just seem meatier to me. I've had Marantz 6300, 6370Q, and my Denon DP-1250. they just have a heft to the sound that I like.
As for belts? I've had an AR-XA, H/K T-35-which was wonderful, crap, I've had a bunch I can't remember. When I think of their sound, it is delicate. Which isn't bad, just not my cuppa tea.
I've had 2 Dual's 1225? 10" platter? And my current 1229. The 1229 is very good, no rumble I can hear, maybe a bit of trouble keeping wow down, not sure, I haven't serviced it and it was in a garage for years before I adopted it. But it is the one I've been listening to the most lately since it is the most convienient.
I suppose the best may be a mix of all three. My Thorens TD-124 has a big-assed motor like a DD motor, which turns a little pulley that turns a small belt, which in turn turns an idler wheel. And as for sound, well, ya just gotta hear it to know :yes: