Dual 701 vs. 704 vs. 721
- Thread starter pbda
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
OvenMaster
Baby, you're my winterblue
http://www.dual-reference.com/tableinx.htm
Each 'table is mentioned separately, most with specs. As far as wow and flutter and rumble specs go, the 701 and the 721 are a dead heat, with the 704 just slightly worse. I myself would pick a 714. The 701 looks to be slightly older than the rest, going solely by the photos. IMHO, then, all the 7's seem to be fairly similar overall. Just my two centavos.
Tom
Each 'table is mentioned separately, most with specs. As far as wow and flutter and rumble specs go, the 701 and the 721 are a dead heat, with the 704 just slightly worse. I myself would pick a 714. The 701 looks to be slightly older than the rest, going solely by the photos. IMHO, then, all the 7's seem to be fairly similar overall. Just my two centavos.
Tom
Last edited:
NoTransistors
Dual Turntables Super-Restorer
The 701 is their 1st; the 721 has a lighter platter, same specs, and a re-designed 701 motor. I have seen both motors, and the 721 motor is made cheaper.
The 704 is not as well regulated as the 1st two.
Funny thing is that it probably cost nearly the same to make a Dual 1225, as a Dual 701. Price- $125 vs $400.
I like my Dual 701, but as I have said, I prefer my Dual 1229Q.
Seth
Forever Analog.
The 704 is not as well regulated as the 1st two.
Funny thing is that it probably cost nearly the same to make a Dual 1225, as a Dual 701. Price- $125 vs $400.
I like my Dual 701, but as I have said, I prefer my Dual 1229Q.
Seth
Forever Analog.
2DualsNotEnough
Addicted Member
The 701 is built like a brick,and heavy as one.Mine occasionally has hum issues,despite taking it to two different techs to repair it.But I wouldnt give it up for the world.I love my 1228,its a good solid machine,but the sound of the 701 blows it into the weeds.If you have the chance to pick one up,by all means dont pass it by.
NoTransistors
Dual Turntables Super-Restorer
The 701 puts out some 'hash', that may be picked up by the cartridge. Also, keep those arm contacts polished.
Seth
Forever Analog
Seth
Forever Analog
NickDanger55
Dancing Madly Backwards in PA
Still going strong
I have a Dual 701 that I bought new in the mid 70's. It has always worked as it should and continues to work well today. Best money I ever spent.
I have a Dual 701 that I bought new in the mid 70's. It has always worked as it should and continues to work well today. Best money I ever spent.
I have a Dual 721 and it is uniformly an excellent turntable. No problems AT ALL! I listen to it every day and the brilliant design and execution of the tonearm is remarkable.
I have a 701 collecting dust around here somewhere but since the 721 was a more advanced design, especially the motor, that's the one I listen to. I have a 606, a later DD model, at the office, but it's not even in the same league as the 721.
The only thing I wish my 721 had was the real walnut base. Then it would be AWESOME!!!
I have a 701 collecting dust around here somewhere but since the 721 was a more advanced design, especially the motor, that's the one I listen to. I have a 606, a later DD model, at the office, but it's not even in the same league as the 721.
The only thing I wish my 721 had was the real walnut base. Then it would be AWESOME!!!
pbda
Super Member
Thanks to all for your comments. I found a 721 in very clean condition. It had a ground loop, which disappeared when I replaced the RCAs.
One thing I do notice is a fair degree of rumble...this is the first direct drive turntable I've owned, and I wonder if this is characteristic. Perhaps the motor simply needs lubrication, though I've got no idea how to accomplish that.
One thing I do notice is a fair degree of rumble...this is the first direct drive turntable I've owned, and I wonder if this is characteristic. Perhaps the motor simply needs lubrication, though I've got no idea how to accomplish that.
danj
modern primitive
Rumble is not a characteristic of a good direct-drive machine and a 700-series Dual is one of the absolute best and an extremely quite machine. What sounds like rumble may be tonearm resonance due to a tonearm mass v. cartridge compliance mismatch or it may be acoustic feedback from your loudspeakers.
dogscanskate
Super Member
could also be a crushed bearing
bohhey
Dualaholic
I feel that without exception, the earlier versions of any Dual model are the way to go. Why? competition. As time went on in the mid 70's, and the Pioneer line was starting to eat Dual's lunch, they HAD to find ways to lower manufacturing costs.
I look at the 1219, and how bulletptroof the construction was. As an example, the 1219's control levers were cast metal- look at the 1229 - the control levers went to a piece of plastic pressed on a brass shaft. Fine, until someone horses it after neglecting maintenance - SNAP!!
Without exception, Dual added more plastic components as time went on. BUT, in fairness to Dual, I don't think that no one in engineering envisioned these units playing 30 years down the road, either.
Stick with the original - the 701.
Versus ANY Dual, and I include the 1229Q, which I own two, I feel that the automatic controls on ther 701 leave all of the others in the DUST in smoothness. Functions are changed electronically, not dependent a mechanical trip switch to drop.
The 701 is all class - Dual's best.
Period.
I look at the 1219, and how bulletptroof the construction was. As an example, the 1219's control levers were cast metal- look at the 1229 - the control levers went to a piece of plastic pressed on a brass shaft. Fine, until someone horses it after neglecting maintenance - SNAP!!
Without exception, Dual added more plastic components as time went on. BUT, in fairness to Dual, I don't think that no one in engineering envisioned these units playing 30 years down the road, either.
Stick with the original - the 701.
Versus ANY Dual, and I include the 1229Q, which I own two, I feel that the automatic controls on ther 701 leave all of the others in the DUST in smoothness. Functions are changed electronically, not dependent a mechanical trip switch to drop.
The 701 is all class - Dual's best.
Period.
pbda
Super Member
Thanks for this comment...I'm fairly sure it's not a tonearm/cartridge resonance issue (I'm using a brand new Shure V-15 Vxmr, which I believe is a pretty good match to the tonearm). It may well be acoustic feedback in that the "rumble" or whatever it is (very low frequency tone) is definitely feeding back through my AR3a speakers, which are located on the (springy wooden) floor, very close to the table on which the turntable rests.
I should probably seek to move the turntable further away from the speakers or perhaps place the TT on some sort of "barrier" to provide better isolation.
I should probably seek to move the turntable further away from the speakers or perhaps place the TT on some sort of "barrier" to provide better isolation.
danj said:Rumble is not a characteristic of a good direct-drive machine and a 700-series Dual is one of the absolute best and an extremely quite machine. What sounds like rumble may be tonearm resonance due to a tonearm mass v. cartridge compliance mismatch or it may be acoustic feedback from your loudspeakers.
white_swan
Active Member
dogscanskate said:
How do you tell if the bearing is "crushed" or is in good shape?
