stereodctr
Houston we have a problem
Have been offered a Dual 721 in good working condition with dustcover for $75 by a local seller who says price is not negociable. Includes a Shure V15IV with supposedly good stylus. Does this sound reasonable?
Deal or No Deal?
- Thread starter stereodctr
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westend
Audiopile
I'd say a good deal. Here's a link to the specs:http://dual-reference.com/tables/721.htm
StarMover
AlienToAllThingsAudio
I don't see any examples of a 721 on Ebay, even completed items.
I'd say it depends on the overall condition of the turntable in regards to it's operation. Specifically, will it work in auto mode. Will it auto-cue a record? Will it auto-return? Does it come with the tall spindle? Has it been serviced recently, or sitting in an attic for 20 years? If it's been sitting, the grease is all hardened, and the automatic features simply will not work without a re-lube. Is the pinch-roller worn? Does it turn the platter at the correct speed?
Many old examples look nice, but almost always require a professional lubrication and replacement of a handful of little parts that tend to wear out. If you've never done it, beware, it's not exactly a DIY project for an average joe. The mechanisms are very complex. You fix one thing and break three more.
If the seller can demonstrate that all features are working then DEAL. Otherwise, it'll needs $100 (at minimum) of parts and service. If the deal is local then slightlty better becaus you save on shipping and turntables are delicate.
Good luck!
I'd say it depends on the overall condition of the turntable in regards to it's operation. Specifically, will it work in auto mode. Will it auto-cue a record? Will it auto-return? Does it come with the tall spindle? Has it been serviced recently, or sitting in an attic for 20 years? If it's been sitting, the grease is all hardened, and the automatic features simply will not work without a re-lube. Is the pinch-roller worn? Does it turn the platter at the correct speed?
Many old examples look nice, but almost always require a professional lubrication and replacement of a handful of little parts that tend to wear out. If you've never done it, beware, it's not exactly a DIY project for an average joe. The mechanisms are very complex. You fix one thing and break three more.
If the seller can demonstrate that all features are working then DEAL. Otherwise, it'll needs $100 (at minimum) of parts and service. If the deal is local then slightlty better becaus you save on shipping and turntables are delicate.
Good luck!
stereodctr
Houston we have a problem
Thanks for the excellent advice. Now that I know what questions to ask and what to check for, I plan to take a careful look at it tomorrow.
As a Dual 721 owner, I can assure that it was one of the best mass-produced turntables of the mid-70's. The Germany quality and precision simply were not matched by the Japanese at that time. For $75 in proper working condition it is a STEAL. Grab it and you won't be sorry.
