I need help with a Dual 1219 that rumbles?

This brings back memories of my first hi-end system. I was 16, and bought a Dual 1215-S turntable in 1971 I think it was, along with KLH 17 speakers and a Harmon Kardon receiver after studying Consumer Reports. The whole thing cost me about $300. A lot of lawns cut to pay for that system!

After I hooked everything I realized the table had both wow and flutter. Dual at that time was located in Mt. Vernon, NY, about 20 minutes from where I lived. I took the table there and told the service guy, an older German guy, that I just bought this turntable and it had wow and flutter. He sort of laughed at me, then took the table to the back room, and came back a short while later to say I was right. He replaced both the platter and motor. It was fine after that and ran well for years.

Thanks, that sounds encouraging. Maybe I will see the end to this problem. thanks Markus

I would replace the idler wheel or have the one you have restored. The rubber on them gets old and hard. Any flat spots will give a thump sound or rumble that can be heard in quiet passages.

I believe Turntable Needles has a program to restore old and worn idler wheels.

You could try Ebay too, but may not see much improvement...but send the worse one for restoration.

Markus1,

I have a Dual 1229.  It's the same as a 1219, but with a strobe.  I run this table everyday, and it's absolutely dead silent. I can't hear even hear the motor when it's running.  

You either have a bad idler wheel, or the motor needs to be pulled apart and lubed.  This is something I personally do every few years.  I also keep the plater bearing set in synthetic grease and make sure the plater bearing race gets plenty of oil.

I have rebuilt many Dual turntables.  Email me and I will help you sort it out.  My Dual 1229 (I replaced the tone arm with a Grace 747), is better than my Garrard 301.   Honestly, it's one of the best turntables I've ever heard.  

Norman

I have a 1229 and a 1219.  Both are dead silent.  I can put a stethoscope on either while playing a record and cannot hear any rumble.

My 1228 on the other hand has a old, tired idler wheel and the rumble is apparent.