Dual Turntables

Hi,

The best way to find out is to buy a bunch of them, and take them apart. I did exactly that on my journey to becoming a manufacturer, and it is my honest opinion that the 1019 is the pick of the litter. I didn't buy every one of the different models, maybe six or seven. Anyway, the 1019 has the best build level of those I did buy. Its weakness is the spindle bearing because it was made for a stack spindle with the option to use a single play spindle. Anyway, the 1019 lacks the accuracy and dynamics of a really, really high-end deck, but she is a reasonably musical old girl who can deliver a fair amount of enjoyment.

Win

Well built and reliable for the most part. The 1019 is perhaps the best of the bunch.

However, they are dated and yesterday's news.

The new models have little to offer in the context of their contemporaries.

Audiofeil
sad but true.
DUAL was a true non-hi-end item in the days before digital and then folded like so many other volume manufacturers, Thorens, comes to mind here.

The Thorens name got 'picked up' again as was DUAL name, but I think Thorens is looking a bit better then DUAL, which seems to battle the affordable lines of Pro-Ject and the likes. Not sure if their comeback will work, but then who knows.

I had some DUAL stereo (speaker fold-up, all in one) like EVERYBODY and his mother had (then living in Germany in the late 60s - early 70s).
They were work-horses but nothing special other then putting a stack of 45s on a pin (worked well though) and just an OK match to most of the other late 'Wirtschaftswunder' HiFi, for everyone to have some sort of vinyl playback. Just a step up from the 'Musiktruhe' = radio set, vinyl (mono), with plastic tone-arm, and furniture piece all in one. Fitting the kidney side tables with 'smoked glass top or mosaic, brass edge trim and thin long conical legs...
Well, that's DUAL for me -- not too inspirational, shame.

Try this site:

http://www.fixmydual.com

and talk with him. He repairs most things Dual and seems to be an expert on those tables. He usually stocks restored ones that are in good shape and can help you find one if you are inclined to still want a Dual.

Good luck,

Rootman

My picks:

1229
1219 (same as 1229 but with out strobe)
1019 (I use this as a dedicated 78 spinner , and its very good)
3 underrated idlers IMO

CS 5000 is OK (belt drive)

701 is a good DD for the money.

Probably all limited by the Dual arms... but still a good place for a "new to vinyl guy" on a budget to start... or someone who is just getting back and wants to test the waters.