Are Dual turntables any good?

[mjcmt]

I don't know anything about Dual turntables. Is the cs1245 any good?
Furthermore, what are various models of Dual turntables that are worth owning, both their cheaper and more expensive models?

[sjam]

This has been discussed before. Please use the search mode and look for: best dual? Sam
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[josephazannieri]

Yo mjcmt:

There is no such thing as a bad Dual, at least not among the ones built since the 1960's. But, some are better than others. You also need to know what purpose the unit is being put to. Are you going to play 78's? If you are, then the belt drives will not serve, and you will be restricted to the idler drive 10 and 12 series. For these, I suggest the 1219 the and the 1228. Both have nice low mass arms, and will work well with almost any cartridge, and will play 78's. You can get a separate cartridge slide for the additional cartridge for the 78 RPM cartridge. Or you can pick a cart that has the ability to take a 78 RPM stylus, like a Stanton or a Shure, and just change the Stylus.

I have had 2 Duals, a 1010 and a 1237. I used the 1010 for 78's and 45's after I bought my first Thorens in 1969. The only issue with the 1010 was the cartridge slide, which had to have the metal contact slides cleaned periodically. Otherwise you get erratic sound due to poor contact. Arm on the 1010 is not great and is pretty much restricted to cartridges that track at 2.5 grams or heavier. 1237 is a belt drive that is restricted to 33 and 45. But arm works great even with low tracking force in tne 1.5 grams oe even 1 gram range.

My kid sister has a CS505 that she really likes that works well with a Shure V-15IV, even with light tracking. But sjam is right. This topic has come up before, but I don't mind pontificating on the subject of Duals. The more we know about your particular desires, like the 78 RPM question, the better we can help.

And good luck from the old pontificator who had dual Duals,

Joe Z.

[mjcmt]

I looked Dual up and there are so many models I'm confused. The obvious best ones are the 5000 and 7000 and many like the 1229 as a changer. Other than that, I'm not sure. Should I just buy any model? I may have a lead on a 1245...what about this one?

[josephazannieri]

Yo mcmjt:

Manual for 1245 is found here:

Is this the one you are looking at? http://www.vinylengine.com/library/dual/1245.shtml

Though I am not familar with the 1245, it is probably similar to 1237, and is a 2-speed 33-45. It will take a lot of good cartridges and will work well if in good shape. Since it is not new, you will need to be sure that it is operating properly, and that cartridge and stylus are good.

ANd good luck from that indecisive old guy,

Joe Z.

[mosin]

I have owned most of them, and I prefer by a wide margin the 1019. It has a presentation the others seem to lack. Also, the build quality isn't bad, either. In a belt drive, the first one they made is pretty good. It is the Model 601. Those are the only two I have kept.

[ATHERMOS]

Ask Alec124c41. He is the expert on Dual TTs here.

[Alec124c41]

Ask Alec124c41. He is the expert on Dual TTs here.

No, I'm not. There are half a dozen (at least) that leave me in the dust without blinking.
I think my specialty is explaining some things to non-experts (gained from some years in photographic retail) so that someday there will be enough up-and-coming LP players to sell my excess turntables to.

Cheers,
Alec

[jake]

The good thing about Duals is they make you appreciate Thorens. Even for entry level, I have bypassed them, and I regularly purchase entry level tables for various friends and relatives.

[lini]

mjcmt: The 1245 was a pretty good, fully automatic belt-drive changer - practically the same thing as the later 1246, but with the older and for my taste nicer design, although the older platter version has only got strobe marks for 33.33 rpm. Personally I'd prefer a 510, though - which is basically the same thing, but without all the extra mechanics for fully automatic and changer use, so that it only sports auto-lift & -stop (= semi-automatic without arm return). That means that in comparison the 510 would be less likely to fail - and maintenance and repair are easier, too. However, if you're located in a country with 110 V / 60 Hz mains power, you'd have to be careful, as many 510ers might still have the SM840 instead of the SM860 motor - no problem over here, but in 110 V / 60 Hz operation the SM840 is known to be rather likely to cause trouble sooner or later.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

[punkaroo]

I have a Dual CS5000 on loan, and I'm extremely pleased with it.

[mjcmt]

Thanks all for your advice. Sadly, the 1245 possibility fell thru.

I'm lately wanting to get a TT again after 1.5 years w/o one. Especially since of late, I picked up a '91 Mac c37 preamp, I'm anxious to try out its phono stage. I would like it stay somewhat vintage as my system has morphed that way, including Altec Model 15 loudspeakers. My first choices are Thorens and Linn but I can't seem to swing the cost, hence the interest in Dual. The nicer ones do look tempting. Any other TT recommendations?

[jsawyer09]

Thanks all for your advice. Sadly, the 1245 possibility fell thru.

I'm lately wanting to get a TT again after 1.5 years w/o one. Especially since of late, I picked up a '91 Mac c37 preamp, I'm anxious to try out its phono stage. I would like it stay somewhat vintage as my system has morphed that way, including Altec Model 15 loudspeakers. My first choices are Thorens and Linn but I can't seem to swing the cost, hence the interest in Dual. The nicer ones do look tempting. Any other TT recommendations?

WARNING: Shameless plug forthcoming

Just buy my 1219 from the classifieds. Pics are at the AA Classifieds as well.
No, but seriously...the Duals (especially the 1219 and 1229 varieties, IMO) are exceptionally well-made and simply make music; lots of drive and weight. The "fun" factor is all there.

I've owned Linn and Thorens as well; hard to fault either of them (though got really sick of tinkering with Linn; and the brainwashing tactic of owners and dealers with their endless upgrades/recommendations ultimately turned me off the brand altogether — "You need to get a Keel or your 'table just won't perform the way it was meant..." et cetera).

However, the Thorens' are starting to jump up in price as well. If you can find a good condition 125 MKII, snag it. It was one of my favorites.

I do find it odd that so many good vintage decks have started to climb in asking prices, but Duals simply don't. Not sure why that is, given that they're such great turntables.

[pogo]

Yes.