Dual Turntable?

[tweemeterman]

Hey there,

I'm about to buy a second handed Turntable but would like some advice.
I've been mainly looking for Dual tables. Can anyone advice me what is best?
Dual 1224
Dual 1214
Dual 504
Dual CS-515

I also encountered a Denon DP-35F.

What could you recommend?

Thanks!

Marc

[02audionoob]

dp-35f
504
cs-515
1214
1224

[hifitommy]

look at this wite:

http://dual-reference.com/tableinx.htm

it can help you make some decisions.

[poppachubby]

Get the Denon...

[hifitommy]

well poppa,

i dont agree with that servo arm. i couldnt bring myself to get one and wouldnt recommend one either.

otoh, i would recommend the duals in a heartbeat. i can just relate to those more conventional tonearms better.

[02audionoob]

If you're going to own a Dual, it would seem to be best that you know how to repair them. I gave up on a 731Q and sold it on the auction site. Have you seen the wow & flutter numbers on them? The direct-drive fans at AK would have a field day.

[poppachubby]

well poppa,

i dont agree with that servo arm. i couldnt bring myself to get one and wouldnt recommend one either.

otoh, i would recommend the duals in a heartbeat. i can just relate to those more conventional tonearms better.

Yes, assuming he is new to analog, or at the very least inexperienced, I think the Denon will be easier to use and maintain. Once he has a firm grip on whether or not he wants to go further, an old school suspension table would be perfect.

That said, I think only a couple of those Dual models are well regarded anyhow. The CS-515 IIRC has a plastic plinth, which is a no-no for hardcore Dual fans.

I would actually suggest to keep looking beyond ALL models mentioned, but that's not the answer he probably wanted.

[02audionoob]

Speaking of hardcode Dual fans...I think they'd recommend the 1219 or 1229.

[hifitommy]

belt drive TTs will have higher w&f numbers, the 504 though has .09 which isnt bad for belt drive.

the 1229, 1219, 1249 et al are a little more hard core than say the 1214. yes, i would say to avoid the plastic plinths.

back in the day i really wanted a 1019. i ended up with a 1215 which is a poor excuse for a dual.

the website i provided can be a really good resource for a dual owner.

[markw]

Considerig the age of these mechanical units, i'd be more concerned with their condition.