Dual 1219 vs CS 508, is this obvious?

I'm looking for some guidance on a TT choice and I know I will find it here, so thanks in advance.

I'm not really big into vinyl but I do have some imports, half speed masters, and sometimes rip vinyl into CD, so I use my TT infrequently. I currently have a Dual CS 508 that I bought new back in the day with a Pickering XSV 3000 (probably 30hrs on the replacement stylus), which I believe was Pickering's answer to the V-15.

This was working out fine until I came across this 1219 today at the swap meet. I know the 1219 is very popular and this one appears to be all there sans dustcover.

How does these two compare from a strictly performance standpoint? I know that the 1219 is truly vintage and the 508 would be the equivalent of what we call BPC over in the vintage SS forum, but it has worked well for me so far, but this 1219 was something I lusted after back in the day when I was cutting lawns to pay for my all in one with a Garrard TT. Any maintenance concerns with the 1219?

When properly serviced, the 1219 is considered one of Dual's very best.

You'll need to look and see if the infamous white guide part is there under the lever that lifts the tonearm. If it's missing, cracked, crumbled or broken, it will be a bit of work replacing it, as they're not made or sold anywhere that I'm aware of any longer. A homebrew replacement would be in the cards.

The idler wheel needs to be checked for glazing, cracks, hardening, etc.

The motor mount grommets may gave gotten flabby over the years.

The platter bearings will need a few drops of 10W-30 or 40 engine oil, as will the motor.

Others will chime in here, I'm sure.

Tom

I agree, when the Dual 1219 is working good it sounds great, heavy smooth platter motion.

I have a few of this model and it was my 2nd TT growing up.

Pics below.

John.

I was in love with my Dual 1229Q [excellent machine], until a few Dual 1219 came through my workshop. There appeared to be something magical about this model. Last month, I got one at a garage sale. After some very simple repairs were made, it blew the doors off my Q as well as my Dual 701.

Seth
Forever Analog and Covered In Parrot Poop

To paraphrase an old saying, "You can have my 1219 only when you pry it out of my cold dead fingers."

Well, not really but I am a huge fan of the 1219. It has great looks and great performance and was one of my first pieces of quality gear. The 1229 and 1229Q are similar and, imho, just as good.

I like my 1219. Did you end up getting one?

What he said

NoTransistors said:

I was in love with my Dual 1229Q [excellent machine], until a few Dual 1219 came through my workshop. There appeared to be something magical about this model. Last month, I got one at a garage sale. After some very simple repairs were made, it blew the doors off my Q as well as my Dual 701.

Seth
Forever Analog and Covered In Parrot Poop

Click to expand...

I like my 1229. Picked up a 1219 last year and another this year. Love the sound of these. Just got to get the auto part to work. Fall projects.

Eric