Reminiscing about Dual and AR turntables

My first stereo system included a Dual 1009, then the second system was built around an AR-XA, so I pay attention to mention of either line.

Just check discussion at VinylEngine and you'll find lots of interest in both, each one having its own comment section.

Almost everyone who is old enough went through the cycle of owning an AR-XA and a Dual of some type or other.  I think those turntables can be regarded with nostalgia but not a desire to re-visit them, albeit one or two of the Dual turntables can be brought up to decent performance by modern standards, with a lot of TLC.  Dual made the first direct-drive turntable with the first coreless motor, after all.

@lewm 

So do you think in general, the Thorens are better and easier to buy used?

E

I would avoid the 60’s/70’s AR, the XA and XB---it’s tonearm was not so hot, though the table was fine for what it was. The ES-1, introduced in the mid-80’s with an outsourced arm (Jelco? Audioquest?), the arm weakness of the XA/B cured and therefore a much better total package, can be had for relative peanuts.

I picked up a 1984 AR ES-1 last year for $250.  In good shape and it came with the Grace 707 tonearm and a Grado XF1 cartridge.  I replaced the cart with a new Grado Gold 1 MM and it really sounds lovely for the price and looks awesome (to me) in cherry veneer.