The 21 best direct drive brands
Thrustmaster, PXN and Fanatec lead our ranking of 21 direct drive brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Direct Drive brands, ranked
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1
Thrustmaster
Thrustmaster's T598 is a mid-range direct drive set for PlayStation, Xbox and PC, with a 5Nm base and pedals.
Top products: T598
Website: thrustmaster.com |Brands like Thrustmaster
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
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3
Fanatec
Fanatec's CSL DD line pairs swappable wheel rims with a separate power supply, aimed at serious PC sim racers.
Top products: CSL DD· CSL Elite· Gran Turismo Direct Drive Pro
Website: fanatec.com |Brands like Fanatec
Popularity 6.1/10
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4
Logitech
Logitech's direct drive base sits in its G line, with interchangeable wheel hubs and a clamp-on mount.
Top products: G RS50· G PRO Racing Wheel
Website: logitech.com |Brands like Logitech
Popularity 4.9/10
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5
Turtle Beach
A wheel-and-base system more often bought by console racers than sim enthusiasts, with a simpler setup.
Top products: VelocityOne Race Wheel System
Website: turtlebeach.com |Brands like Turtle Beach
Popularity 2.9/10
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6
SEGA
The Mega Drive console launched one of Sega's most important eras, and the Japanese company still sells game consoles and controllers. Its catalog also includes anime action figures tied to its games, alongside the hardware it sells. Sega's hardware and collectibles appeal to long-time gamers and retro fans alike.
Popularity 1.2/10
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7
Hori
Hori's wheels are mostly console-licensed models, not high-torque direct drive bases.
Website: stores.horiusa.com |Brands like Hori
Popularity 1.2/10
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8
Akai
Akai produces music production hardware, including MPC workstations, MPK controllers and electronic keyboards, and its MIDI cables and remote controls are sold alongside them for use in studios or on stage by musicians, producers and DJs. Akai's lineup centers on hardware for making and performing music.
Website: akaipro.com |Brands like Akai
Popularity 0.1/10
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9
Fisher
Fisher Scientific Company, Inc. is a global provider of goods and services for molecular biology, genomics, biotechnology research, and the diagnostics business, which supports clinical laboratories. Fisher Scientific also provides a wide range of laboratory equipment, tools, instruments, and consumables...
Popularity 0.1/10
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10
Marantz
Marantz professional makes premium-quality studio equipment for purposes like recording and broadcasting. Their product catalog includes various items, including Microphones and Audio-video streamers. They also sell many other sound accessories which help in high-quality streaming and audio recording. Music studios...
Website: marantzpro.com |Brands like Marantz
Popularity 0.1/10
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11
Onkyo
Onkyo designs home audio equipment, including AV receivers, amplifiers, CD players, and remote controls. The Japanese company focuses on surround sound and home entertainment systems. Its receivers and amplifiers are built to deliver clear sound at home.
Website: intl.onkyo.com |Brands like Onkyo
Popularity 0.1/10
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12
Bang & Olufsen
Bang & Olufsen has been looking at the future and dealing with the future of sound since 1925. They have retraced the pace of history to ensure that their products develop over time. The designs they make for their gadgets...
Website: bang-olufsen.com |Brands like Bang & Olufsen
Popularity 0.1/10
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13
Grundig
Grundig aims to make your lifestyle trouble-free and straightforward by engineering electronic appliances for your home. The company has introduced the world’s first fiber catcher technology in its washing machines that filter synthetic microfibers, for which it has received accolades....
Website: grundig.com |Brands like Grundig
Popularity 0.1/10
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14
Stanton
Stanton builds DJ mixers, turntables, turntable cartridges and DJ controllers for club and studio use. The company is part of inMusic Brands, and its mixers suit scratch and mobile DJs.
Popularity 0.1/10
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15
ADC
Home blood pressure checks are the main job of the ADC Advantage line of digital monitors, which measure systolic and diastolic pressure along with pulse. The Advantage Connect 6024N adds Bluetooth for syncing readings to a phone. ADC also makes...
Popularity 0.1/10
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16
Aiwa
Aiwa, an audio company, still makes speakers, headphones and wireless devices. Its range includes cassette players and stereo radios, and the brand emphasizes clear sound quality. Across these products, audio stays at the center, with cassette players and stereo radios...
Website: aiwa.co |Brands like Aiwa
Popularity 0.1/10
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17
Micro Seiki
Known throughout the world for its superior sound quality and audio processing, Micro Seiki has been a Japanese manufacturer of turntables and electrostatic headphones since the early seventies. Having worked with prestigious brands such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Sharp, their...
Website: micro-seiki.nl |Brands like Micro Seiki
Popularity 0.1/10
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18
Grace
Grace and Honey is UK based company owned by two youtubers that sells candles and mugs inspired by books. Their cups have quotes and designs taken from some of the bestselling books. Their candles are available in different scents and...
Website: graceandhoney.net |Brands like Grace
Popularity 0.1/10
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19
Crosley
Crosley is America's most recognizable, tried-and-true brand. They provide everything you need, from home entertainment systems to refrigerators and washing machines. They are a one-stop shop for all of your home appliance requirements. They are a prominent online merchant that...
Website: crosley.com |Brands like Crosley
Popularity 0.1/10
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20
TEAC
TEAC was born from a simple idea, and the goal was to combine the famous TEAC sound quality with all the features of a modern recording machine - in one device that produces the most delicate audio. And helping listeners...
Popularity 0.1/10
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21
Revox
Revox, the Swiss audio maker, builds studio tape recorders and amplifiers. The company designs its equipment with precision to reproduce the sound of a recording studio at home. Tuners and remote controls complete a line aimed at listeners who value...
Website: revox.com |Brands like Revox
Popularity 0.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster | thrustmaster.com | /ThrustmasterOfficial | – | – | THRUSTMASTERofficial |
| PXN | e-pxn.com | – | – | – | Zoey PXN |
| Fanatec | fanatec.com | /Fanatec | fanatec_official | @fanatec | Fanatec1 |
| Logitech | logitech.com | /Logitech | logitech | @Logitech | – |
| Turtle Beach | turtlebeach.com | /turtlebeach | turtlebeach | @turtlebeach | TurtleBeachVideos |
| Hori | stores.horiusa.com | /HORIUSAINC | horiofficial | @horiusainc | – |
| Akai | akaipro.com | /AkaiPro | akai_pro | @akai_pro | akaiprovideo |
| Marantz | marantzpro.com | /marantzpro | – | @marantzpro | Marantz Professional |
Direct Drive Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
If you are in the market for a new direct drive turntable, you may be wondering what features to look for and what considerations to keep in mind as you make your purchase. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What is a Direct Drive Turntable?
A direct drive turntable is a type of record player that uses a motor to rotate the platter directly, without any additional gears or belts. This type of turntable is preferred by many DJs and audiophiles because it is generally more reliable and accurate than other types of turntables.
Why Choose a Direct Drive Turntable?
There are several benefits to choosing a direct drive turntable:
- Reliability: Direct drive turntables are often more reliable than belt-driven turntables because they have fewer moving parts.
- Accuracy: Direct drive turntables are often more accurate than belt-driven turntables because they are less prone to speed fluctuations.
- Simplicity: Direct drive turntables are often simpler to use and maintain than belt-driven turntables because they require less setup and calibration.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Direct Drive Turntable
When choosing a direct drive turntable, keep the following considerations in mind:
Budget
One of the most important considerations when choosing a direct drive turntable is your budget. Direct drive turntables can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Decide how much you are willing to spend before you begin shopping so you can narrow down your options.
Platter Size
The platter size of a turntable can impact the sound quality and stability of the record. Most turntables come in two sizes: 12-inch and 7-inch. Generally, the larger the platter, the more accurate and stable the sound will be.
Motors
Direct drive turntables come with a variety of motor types, including:
- Synchronous motors: These are the most common types of motors found in turntables. They are reliable and accurate, but they can be prone to speed fluctuations.
- Brushless DC motors: These are more advanced types of motors that are highly accurate and stable. They are often found in high-end turntables.
- Quartz locked motors: These are some of the most accurate and stable motors available. They use a quartz crystal to ensure a precise rotation speed.
Tonearms
The tonearm of a turntable is the part that holds the cartridge and moves across the record as it plays. Direct drive turntables come with different types of tonearms, including:
- Straight tonearms: These are the simplest types of tonearms and are often found in budget turntables.
- S-Shaped tonearms: These are more advanced types of tonearms that offer better tracking and sound quality. They are often found in mid-range to high-end turntables.
- J-shaped tonearms: These are similar to S-shaped tonearms but are designed to reduce resonance and improve sound quality.
- Carbon fiber tonearms: These are some of the most advanced types of tonearms available. They are lightweight and rigid, which can improve sound quality and reduce distortion.
Cartridges
The cartridge of a turntable is the part that holds the stylus and detects the grooves in the record. Direct drive turntables come with different types of cartridges, including:
- Moving magnet cartridges: These are the most common types of cartridges found in turntables. They are affordable and offer good sound quality, but they can be prone to distortion and noise.
- Moving coil cartridges: These are more advanced types of cartridges that offer better sound quality and less noise than moving magnet cartridges. They are often found in high-end turntables.
Top Direct Drive Turntables
Here are some of the top direct drive turntables on the market:
Technics SL-1200MK7
The Technics SL-1200MK7 is a classic direct drive turntable that has been popular with DJs and audiophiles for decades. It offers excellent sound quality, reliability, and durability. The SL-1200MK7 features a quartz locked motor, an S-shaped tonearm, and a moving magnet cartridge. It is a bit expensive, but if you want a high-end turntable that will last for years, the SL-1200MK7 is a great option.
Pioneer PLX-1000
The Pioneer PLX-1000 is a direct drive turntable that is designed specifically for DJs. It features excellent sound quality, easy setup, and a durable construction. The PLX-1000 features a quartz locked motor, an S-shaped tonearm, and a moving coil cartridge. It is a bit less expensive than the Technics SL-1200MK7, but it is still a high-end turntable that is built to last.
Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB
The Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB is a direct drive turntable that is popular with both audiophiles and DJs. It offers excellent sound quality, easy setup, and a durable construction. The AT-LP1240-USB features a brushless DC motor, an S-shaped tonearm, and a moving magnet cartridge. It is less expensive than the Technics SL-1200MK7 and the Pioneer PLX-1000, but it is still an excellent turntable that is well-suited for both home and professional use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right direct drive turntable requires careful consideration of your needs, your budget, and the features that are most important to you. However, with this guide, you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision and choose a turntable that will provide you with many years of reliable and enjoyable listening.
