ScooterMcTav
I know less than I think
In perusing local classified this weekend, I noticed a fairly nondescript ad for a Dual 1216 turntable, with a nice walnut plinth branded Noresco (the Canadian distributor). However, what really caught my attention was the blue cartridge - and yes, it was a Shure M97xe. I chose a Grado Green over this when I made my first TT upgrade, but have somewhat regretted never giving the Shure a listen, even though I am typically not a fan.
And of course there was something wrong with the TT - "Will not turn off" as per the listing.
I was unable to see the TT in advance, but the seller did let me know the stylus was good. So I e-transfered him the cash, and he was able to drop it off at a hotel I would be staying at.
Well, imagine my surprise when I discovered what looked like a never-used NOS Dual 1216 with a flawless dust cover. Inside, in the proper clips, was the record stacker spindle, plus the single-play spindle. And included was the drop in cutting template, the manual, and a sealed baggie (from new). with different head shell screws.
So although I purchased the TT mainly for the cartridge, due to it's super niceness, I now had to invest some time in its diagnosis and cure. I have typically liked the solid sound delivered by idler drive tables (I own a Garrard Lab 80 Mk II), so this nice Dual deserved some love.
And like most Duals this age, it's issue was hard dried grease and seized pivot points. A mere four hours of disassembly, cleaning, and re-lubing has rewarded me with a perfectly functioning, pitch perfect, fully automatic Dual. Much more than I can say about the frustrating 1249 I have sitting out in the garage due to its various depradations.....
It certainly is an idler drive, with the itinerant bit of background noise. It does also have some low level grounding hum - I may remove the grounding wire from the integrated to see if it helps. And it's VTA does seem a bit high, but that (and some of the idler noise) will be mitigated by the felt mat now on it's way to me via slow boat from China.
Regardless, this is likely an overlooked red-headed stepchild of the 121x family (everyone LOVES the 1219), and I would heartily suggest grabbing one if you find it in nice shape.
As one last observation, I have struggled with Shure cartridges in the past, including an M44-5, an M75, and an M91ed. In fact, my offending 1249 was fitted with the M91ed, which still had a nice Shure Hi Track stylus on it. If you have an old Dual fitted with an M91ed, and if you'd like to perk up the sound, you could do a lot worse that an M97xe. It has a bit more reach up top, a little less screech in the middle, and a better defined bottom end than an M91ed.
And of course there was something wrong with the TT - "Will not turn off" as per the listing.
I was unable to see the TT in advance, but the seller did let me know the stylus was good. So I e-transfered him the cash, and he was able to drop it off at a hotel I would be staying at.
Well, imagine my surprise when I discovered what looked like a never-used NOS Dual 1216 with a flawless dust cover. Inside, in the proper clips, was the record stacker spindle, plus the single-play spindle. And included was the drop in cutting template, the manual, and a sealed baggie (from new). with different head shell screws.
So although I purchased the TT mainly for the cartridge, due to it's super niceness, I now had to invest some time in its diagnosis and cure. I have typically liked the solid sound delivered by idler drive tables (I own a Garrard Lab 80 Mk II), so this nice Dual deserved some love.
And like most Duals this age, it's issue was hard dried grease and seized pivot points. A mere four hours of disassembly, cleaning, and re-lubing has rewarded me with a perfectly functioning, pitch perfect, fully automatic Dual. Much more than I can say about the frustrating 1249 I have sitting out in the garage due to its various depradations.....
It certainly is an idler drive, with the itinerant bit of background noise. It does also have some low level grounding hum - I may remove the grounding wire from the integrated to see if it helps. And it's VTA does seem a bit high, but that (and some of the idler noise) will be mitigated by the felt mat now on it's way to me via slow boat from China.
Regardless, this is likely an overlooked red-headed stepchild of the 121x family (everyone LOVES the 1219), and I would heartily suggest grabbing one if you find it in nice shape.
As one last observation, I have struggled with Shure cartridges in the past, including an M44-5, an M75, and an M91ed. In fact, my offending 1249 was fitted with the M91ed, which still had a nice Shure Hi Track stylus on it. If you have an old Dual fitted with an M91ed, and if you'd like to perk up the sound, you could do a lot worse that an M97xe. It has a bit more reach up top, a little less screech in the middle, and a better defined bottom end than an M91ed.
