Ok now you have to let use know what you think about how it sounds!:scratch2: I know people talk about it but can you actually notice the difference between how a LP sounds with an idler drive verses say a belt drive or a direct drive? I can imagine all kinds of differences but it might just be in my head, but I figure even if its all an illusion and it makes me happy that's fine by me.
I really suck at reviewing and I haven't really had a good long listening session yet but, from the limited amount of listening so far, what I can say is that it sounds very much like my Thorens TD124 MK1 (go figure
). The bass and lower mids are more pronounced, more "solid", cleaner and played with a little more authority as compared to my belt drives (Thorens TD125 MK2 and AR-XB). My belt drives have a more "airy" kind of sound, bass is more mellow, silkier, less "oomph".
I haven't had a chance to compare with a direct drive yet, but from what I can remember, my direct drives (Technics SL1200 II and Pioneer PL-55X) sounded a bit more "clinical" when compared to my belt drives. The direct drives sounded like a "turntable/cd player hybrid" of some sort. That's the impression I got.
Depending on what's on the platter, each type (idler, belt or direct) has their own attributes, I guess. But my personal preference for all-around listening would have to be the idler, no question (for me anyway). It's like it keeps you immersed into what's playing, you don't get tired (or bored). It's an exciting sound.
See? ...... I told you I suck at reviewing!
Now, if I can lug this thing (weighing close to 70 lbs) upstairs, I would love to hook it up to my main system and compare it to my Clearaudio Champion. We'll see... :yes: