Wayne, thank you for explaining the difference (or lack thereof) between the two terms. Also, thank you for going through the history of the direct-drive turntables in a way that's very easy to understand. Poor Matsushita. At least they were able to make a comeback only six years later. Still, it's surprising that they held on that long and then gave up right when the tides were changing.
Bruce, thank you for expanding on the difference between turntables and record players (as well as the warning about not buying any new record players). Would you suggest not buying vintage gear online then? I'll have to give that website a look. You must be a regular over there with your six turntables and all!