Choosing upgrade from Dual CS 616 Q

[ZenArcher104]

I have a Dual 616 Q that I've been using for the past 2 years. However, it has a problem with the tonearm. Sometimes it just lifts off the record by itself. I am not a very handy person and I don't want to attempt to mess with the internals to try and fix it.

I'm considering some options and I do not know what to choose (I don't have a lot of knowledge on vintage turntables)

I am torn between 5 options:

- Pioneer PL-340 (belt-drive): €75
- Pioneer PL-112 with AT-VM95E cartridge: €165
- Dual 505-2: €135
- Technics SL-D3 (automatic, direct drive): €150
- Thorens TD280 (OMB 10 cartridge) with broken hinges for the dust cover: €169

I don't really care for automatic turntables, I just want the best longetivity and sound quality possible for the money. Which option would you recommend??

Will these options be better than buying a brand-new turntable, like a Pro-Ject Debut III?

 

[bkatbamna]

SL-D3 will run forever with just basic maintenance.
I've also heard good things about the Dual 505-2.

 

[lini]

(...) Sometimes it just lifts off the record by itself. (...)

The microprocessor-control of the 616Q and its siblings (e.g. 620Q/630Q/2225Q/2235Q) is known to be somewhat susceptible to EMI. I.e., it can act up in combination with modern sources of EMI (e.g. DECT phones et cetera) in too close proximity. Which of course doesn't necessarily have to be the source of your problem, but it might be.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini