2. analog
  3. 1282027482

Dual 721 - Harman Kardon T-60 - which TT to keep?

I have a Dual 721 which needs a little work – noisy RCA cable that has some hum and cutout on the left channel, and an ugly dust cover.
I also have a Harman Kardon T-60 in quite nice shape (but cracked dust cover).
I'm leaning toward keeping the HK, repairing the Dual's problems and selling it.
Before doing so, I want to know if I am missing something. Is one of these TTs markedly better than the other in some way?
The Dual is direct drive and some reviewers have raved about how very quiet it is. The HK is belt drive and reviews keep describing it as "the poor man's Linn Sondek".
I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks in advance.
craig_c
skriefal
20 posts
 
A consensus on belt versus direct drive? Not until hell freezes over. They can both be good... or bad. A good direct drive will usually have somewhat better speed stability than a good belt drive, but otherwise there isn't much reason to prefer one over the other.
mmakshak
589 posts
 
I would take a guess that the T-60 might be more "collectible". I believe there are some (former?) users of the T-60 on this forum that can tell you about its sound.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Sell both and look for a well maintained vintage table/arm. Thorens, Luxman, Denon, Technics, etc. represent high value products in today's market.

If you shop carefully, it shouldn't cost much to make a fairly significant upgrade over both of your tables.

IMO
craig_c OP
21 posts
 
Audiofeil,
I thought both of these tables stacked up well against any vintage Thorens, Denon, or Technics. Certainly they are on par with any Technics I've seen. I have been under the impression that the Dual matches most Thorens.

Any one else care to weigh in?
waynefia
156 posts
 
I own a mint 721 and a mint Thorens TD 125 MKII, and also a Kenwood KD 500. The 721 is a great table and the motor is highly respected as one of the better DD motors designed. The problem is the arm, there is a lot of plastic in the base, the height ajustment pieces are prone to breaking. Then the arm is shot. You really cannot change the arm unless you find an old Dual. I think in the long run something like the Thorens 125 MKII is going to be going up in value, and I prefer it to the Dual, you can change arms etc... It is also very easy to modify if that is your thing.
More to discover