Vinyl Asylum: Belt versus Rim Drive Experience by rgordonpf

I was at RMAF and heard the comparisons. There were two tables used for comparing: a Teres Model 260 and a VPI Scout with standard VPI motor. The comparisons were done A-B-A-B between the belt and the rim drive on the same turntable. The only thing that was changed was the method of propulsion; i.e. we heard the Model 260 with belt, then the Model 260 with rim drive, then Model 260 with belt, then Model 260 with rim drive. Everything else stayed the same. For the VPI Scout the comparison was the same: we heard the VPI Scout with VPI belt and VPI motor, then the Scout with the Verus rim drive, then the Scout with the VPI belt and VPI motor, then the Scout with the Verus rim drive. Again the only thing that changed was the means of propulsion.

The Model 260 and VPI Scout did have different tonearms, cartridges and cables. However, there was never any comparison between the Teres Model 260 and the VPI Scout.

I discussed what I heard with several other demo listeners. We all agreed that the difference was large. Within the first two seconds of hearing the rim drive we knew that the rim drive was significantly better. The sound with the rim was smoother, more refined, had greater dynamics, sharper initial transients, and the music just sounded more real. Granted, only one LP was used for each demo. A larger sample will have to be done before definitive conclusions can be reached.

Arrangements are being made to supply one of my local Hi End dealers with a Verus Rim Drive Motor. The dealer has twelve different turntables with which the Verus Motor can be utilized. These include Brinkman, Transrotor, Origin Live, and Avid. A listening panel will be assembled and the intention is to do the A-B-A-B comparisons with as many turntables and LPs as time permits. Hopefully, this testing will be done before the end of the year.

At RMAF Teres also announced that all of their belt drive turntables were being dropped from their catalog except for one which will have the Verus Rim Drive Motor available as a $700 option.

Teres also demoed a working prototype of a version of the Verus Motor that is a drop-in replacement motor for the Garrard 301 and 401 turntables. See link below for details.

Replacement motor for Garrard 301 and 401 (Open in New Window)