Even when they came out, I always thought there was a very close resemblance to the Denon DP-1000 series.
I wonder if that was coincidental or purposefully or was there some type of connection. 
From what I've read there was some collaboration. Somebody left Denon and went to Victor, or maybe the other way around. Both Denon and Sony had the tape sensor and magnetic strip thing to regulate speed. JVC had some great motors on their top tables. The Goldmund direct drives used JVC motors.
That Sony 8000 and a couple of X series are supposed to be killer. They sure look it. I think the entire X series has BSL motors - brushless and slotless. For some reason I can't access Vintage Knob right now. They have some great info and photos. Lets not forget Kenwood. The L-07D is right up there. The 990 and 770 (and one other) also have coreless motors.
There is a difference in the torque to platter weight ratio among different brands. Also a difference in the abruptness of speed correction. For example, Technics tends to be higher torque and more abrupt correction while Kenwood is smoother. Platter weight matters. A high mass platter can sound ponderous with inadequate drive. Combine a well engineered direct drive with a heavy platter and it doesn't get any better. Well, maybe there are a couple of servo controlled belt drivers like the Goldmund Reference, or a couple of idlers like Saskia that can compete.
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