Dual turntables

[UFObuster]

Thinking about looking for a refurbed classic. Does anyone rember the Dual 1019 or 1219?

Which was the better of the two? I know they are not "hi-end" but how do they compare with other vintage stuff?

[Mike Lindsey]

http://www.dual-reference.com/tables/1019.htm

http://www.dual-reference.com/tables/1219.htm

Well the 1019 (4-spd) was made from 65-71 and is an idler wheel table, and the 1219 (3-spd) which was made from 70-72 is a direct drive table. If you can find a mint 1019 I say go for it (I'm very partial to the idler wheel tables). I bought (and still own) a 721 in 1978, and owned a mint CS-5000 (their last good table) until I sold it recently.

Mike

[dp1954]

I currently own a dual 701 with a shure v15 type III and am very pleased. I've owned a 1219 and a 1229 in the past and had no problems with them either. For the price they sound/play very nice, especially with a decent cartridge. YMMV

Dave

[Mark Hardy]

FWIW: Never been a big fan of Duals. Unnecessarily complex, IMNSHO. If you want/need an automatic tt/changer, then they're pretty good, but for single play you could do better for the $. Again, my NSHO.

I have a 1019, BTW. Had a dump find 1219 and another 1019 and gave them away. The 1019 I kept was given to us by a good friend, so I keep it for sentimental value.

BTW, I don't think the 1219 was direct drive...

EDIT: Nope, the 1219 is also idler (rim) drive: http://www.vinylengine.com/library_model.php?make=Dual&selected_model=1219

Oh, one cool thing about the 1019 (at least). The arm is dynamically balanced, so it can play at absurd angles (or even upside down). Take a look at page 8 of the 1019 manual at: http://www.vinylengine.com/library_model.php?make=Dual&selected_model=1019

If you want idler drive, get a Thorens 124 or a Garrard 301 or 401 :-)

[Mike Lindsey]

Didn't know that about the 1219... knew the 1019 was an idler wheel. If you get one of the older Duals I highly recommend you send it off to The Turntable Factory (http://www.theturntablefactory.com/index.html) and have them go completely thru it. I've heard nothing but good things about those guys.

And I agree about the TD-124 as I have one.... but you'll pay a pretty penny for one as well.

Mike

[Riviera]

FWIW - I am using a refurbished Dual 1219 with a Denon DL301 MkII cartridge through an Auditorium 23 step up transformer with my KHorns and it sounds superb. I have had good experiences with "Adopt-A-Dual" seller on ebay as a good source for these. (I think he may also repair Duals sent to him but I'm not sure.) Good luck with your search!