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dual 505-3

Yesterday, I picked up an old Dual 505-3 turntable in immaculate condition, save for the stylus.

The table has a carbon fibre ortofon headshell (apparently the original one) and the stylus is of the sort that can be upgraded by simply sliding it off the tip of the cartridge and slipping a better stylus on in its place.

This version of cartridge can take the OM5, OM10, OM20, OM30 and OM40 styli, with the 40 being the top end.

The original cost of the OM40 is $300-400 (CAD), however I can get it for $175. \

Despite this being a good deal on the OM40 stylus, is the table itself too much of a limiting factor to warrant this expenditure, despite the 'deal'? Would it be better to use a new ortofon 2M red instead, purchased for $100?
loose
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
quick answer..it will be worth it.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I would go with the RED. I have one and it is quite good. The headshell is the part of the arm that holds the cartridge, as in this arm has a removable headshell. What you are referring to is the cartridge BODY , as opposed to the stylus, which is the removable part on yours. You can also upgrade the stylus on the RED body later if you want to.
jc2000
92 posts
 
No experience with the Dual 505-3. But if I were in your position, I'd probably be inclined to replace the stylus on the current cartridge. It would be the easiest solution. And also cheaper--the OM10 stylus at Garage-A-Records is about half the price of a new Red cartridge. Plus, I don't know what was originally used by the 505, but the OM series would be closer to original.

Normally, I would not go with the OM40 stylus--it does seem like overkill for a budget turntable. Although, the price you can get does make it very attractive. For less than a new Blue cartridge, you'd get a stylus that's much BETTER than the Blue.

I hope you enjoy the 505--it was, as I recall, considered the best budget turntable in some circles once. A cheap 503 which I bought to play with has--frankly--amazed me.
loose OP
239 posts
 
Thanks for the replies thus far.

I think I will go ahead and simply replace the stylus with the OM40.

However, I may also get the cheaper OM10 as well and swap that in when spinning less than perfect vinyl, as i'm told the om40 would wear out too quickly.

My associated gear is:

Sugden A48b (modified)
Rega Ara speakers(soon to be Epos ES14 with matching stands)
Rotel RCD971 CD player

I'm hoping the Dual will outperform the Rotel as a source, since i'm not overly thrilled with it. No idea how well the Dual will perform, though... We'll see... we'll see.
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