Time to upgrade the old Dual turntable, looking for opinions.


I bought my Dual CS-522 turntable new back in 1980 and it's well past time to think about upgrading. This model was more or less at the bottom of Dual's range back then, but it fit the budget. One of its interesting quirks is that the platter was never totally flat (these were stamped platters, not cast ones) and even though I replaced it about 12 years ago years, it's improved but not perfect. Our vinyl collection, comprising well over 400 records, has remained largely idle for many years but it's still with us and really needs to be heard. So, I'm curious to get some opinions about what modern (or for that matter, vintage) TT's might be a significant upgrade. Hoping not to exceed $1500 for this, but can stretch a little in the right circumstances. (Finding a significant upgrade for my ClearAudio Micro Basic phono preamp is a separate project, but we'll get to that).
cooper52
Thanks for the responses. I've certainly looked at the various models of Rega, Music Hall, VPI and Clearaudio among others, but as yet haven't done any active auditioning. At the moment I'm tending toward the used market for this, preferably local, though there is certainly an advantage to buying new, especially with respect to warranty service and possibly (though this isn't a central consideration) resale value if I decide to upgrade even further someday.
I use a Linn Basik/Akito (replaced the cable with a nice Mogami Jelco) rig and it’s so good I’m only considering replacing it because I don’t want to be there when it dies. I’ve concluded the following: Regas don’t allow for VTA adjustment, I understand why, but I refuse to use anything requiring shims. The lack of a dust cover also eliminates some models for me, as having to cough up the extra 350 bucks or so for a cover seems lame. I’m mildly interested in the new Pro-ject "The Classic" simply for its looks and perhaps design (more reviews will help me decide I suppose, although it has had some good press) as otherwise bouncy suspended tables can bounce…plus it’s around a grand with cartridge and all so there’s that.
Cooper52 - one last thought....

Turntables like the Rega - where the belt goes round the sub-platter, require the "Rega Nudge" to get them up to speed in order to minimize  wear on the belt/motor. But only if the platter is heavy like the Rega glass platters

Turntables that have a belt which goes around the outside of the platter get up to speed that much quicker and does not require the nudge regardless of platter weight. It's much less stress on the belt and motor but their belts tend to be a little more expensive.

Is it a BIG deal? - not really and certainly not a deal breaker - just something to consider.

However, if you have those high quality  45 rpm album sets that are out there - having to remove the platter to change speed may be a deal breaker. I have a couple and they do not get played that often.

Does anyone know of a conversion kit for this?

As always - Swings and roundabouts :-)
I have to remove the platter to put my Linn into 45 mode…I know I'll never get that 30 seconds back...*sigh*…and I'm often slightly drunk as I'm forcing dinner guests to listen to a single I played on in 1981…always worth it by the way…great single (released only in Japan).
REGA P3 with a Dynavector 10X5, a 2.5mv high output MC cartridge is ..pure audio excitement!!!!