How hard is it to change? —B.S., St. Paul, Minnesota A. The Sony PS-4300 is a direct drive turntable, so there is no belt to replace. If the platter does not turn the turntable needs to be repaired.

So if you’ve been pondering the difference between belt and direct drive in particular, let us at least explain a few of the basics. Anyone with even a passing interest in the workings of a turntable ...