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Opinions on vintage Dual turntables

Hello All. I have a Dual 1245 currently which is ok. I have been thinking about searching for a "better" Dual. Which models would you recommend? Which ones to stay away from? I always had a soft spot for the vintage Duals for some reason, maybe because my first TT was a 1225 back in the day. I have a Shure V15 IV to mate with it.
Thanks!
128x128beernut
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
What is your budget? I'm a long time Dual fan but I upgraded from a CS5000 to a Rega P3 (years ago) and the P3 really bested the Dual very easilly. There may be some nice competition in the price range you are considering. How many hrs on your cartridge and what is your phonostage?
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
297 posts
 
Good Questions. I really don't have a budget, just looking for value. I will be using the phono section of my McIntosh integrated. The stylus is brand new in the cart which is a Shure Type IV. I always like the German made Duals, very fine tone arms and i found they out performed the Japanese TT's of the day.
lindisfarne
511 posts
 
I recently had a vintage Dual (Direct Drive model) which was fully serviced and up to spec. A Rega P3, maybe even P2, destroys it.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Aside from an emotional, or "soft spot" as you say, attachment there is little value in seeking out older Duals if performance is your primary criteria.

As others have noted, newer products from Rega, MusicHall, etc. will smoke the Duals.

If you're committed to retro, look to Denon, Micro Seiki, Luxman, etc.

IMO
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
297 posts
 
Advise well taken. I like the convenience of the automatics as I'm not always poised to lift the tonearm at the end of the record. Is there a drop-oof in performance, probably. Will I hear it, not sure..
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