Howdy Folks,

I am getting back into the groove with vinyl after 18 years of only CD's. I'm wondering if its worth fixing an old turntable I got or get a new one.

I recently inherited a Dual 1019 stacker, I like it but the quick release headshell needs repair that I'm too inept to do (one of the contacts is faulty as sound cuts in & out of right channel), it needs a new cartridge, needs single play spindle, otherwise all features seem to work fine. Its from 1967 and I'm sure its hasn't been serviced since the early 70's if ever and its been sitting completely unused since the late 80's. I could easily get the headshell fixed and put a new cartridge in but I'm worried (actually my wallets worried) that it would just become a machine that something new would go wrong every few months meaning it would be better to get a complete overhaul now but that would cost over $200 with shipping considered plus some more for the cartridge and spindle.

I've also been eyeballin an Audio Technica AT-PL120 which I'm guessing is a poor mans Technics SL-1200. The AT sells for a little over $200. I'm pretty sure that if setup right it will sound "good enough" for me but I'm more curious as to its build quality and reputation. Any comments on this model from you pros?

I'm not going to be a heavy vinyl user just a semi-crazed enthusiast whose looking to spin the old collection as well pick up a few new lp's here and there. Did I mention that I'm cheap?