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Dual 1229q vs. Technics SL-1200 M3D vs. Sony PS-X555ES ???

I can reveal that when the Sony and Technics SL-1200MkII (OK, not the M3D - that came later) were sold at the same time in Australia, the Sony cost about 30% more than the Technics (based on a 1985 price list).
 
it depends on what you are using it for. if you're going to use iit to chicken scratch on a record like a lot of DJ's do rhen it really doesn't matter. if you're going to do some serious listening of records then pick the Technics. I dont know anything about the Sony since i was quite happy with my Technics. however i dont have a 1200 series. i opted for the 1900 40 years ago and it still works just fine. the Dual 1200 series are good turntables, but have an audible platter rumble. i know this because i spent a lot of hours at the navy px checking out every turntable there was. i picked the Tecnics 1900 because i didnt want to be forever changing records (it gets old real fast. you think you will be happy now with one record at a time, but you won't).
 
I'd say it just depends on the features. The Sony is fully automatic and the Technics is manual, which do you want more. Personally i'd pick the Technics (and I did).
 
Dual vs Sony vs Technics turntable

oh just great...now all my posts just showed up...lol
 
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Sony drawbacks. Too complex. No spare parts support. Very nice performing when working. Automation sometimes gets in the way. It's a classic. No real tweak or upgrade possibilities. I'd get a pivoted Sony Biotracer over the Linear tracking versions, less to go wrong.

Dual drawbacks. Expensive spare parts. Budget for a Bohhey style overhaul on it every 5 years of use and if you want one buy it from him. Or send yours to him. Cartridge Mount prone to some issues with connections (last style cartridge mount better on this area) Spare mounts expensive a la Thorens headshells ($60 upwards to as much as $100)

Technics drawbacks. Some worked for a living. Some treated better than others. Technics has more advantages than disadvantages. It's durable, reliable, performs well, can be tweaked to amazing levels. It is less stylish, more business like.

General advice, Technics is a more practical solution for many. I like the Sony best in pivoted arm livery, I like the Biotracer arm except for repairing one. Dual is one of the best changers, but leave them for those who need changers. Sony's technology can also be had in JVC and Denon variants too, consider them. Technics will also be best supported on spare parts, service, and upgrades.
 
Montycat said:
Very good answer dlaloum. Right on all counts.

If the Sony works well I would snap it up. The Technics and the Dual are much more readily found if you want to change horses later, but you won't get many chances at the Sony.
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ok...tried to post this 3x so far and i have yet to do this correctly. anyways, i don't know anything about the Sony since that came after I got my Technics and wasn't interested in getting anything else. it depends on what you're going to use it for. if you're going to use it for chicken scratching on records like most DJs do, then it doesn't matter. if you're going to use it for serious listening to music then it does. first, the Dual turntables are good, but have a noticeable platter rumble, and that's why I never got one. I know this for a fact because I spent many hours testing all the turntables that were available at the Navy px about 40 years back. the Dual 1200 series were among them. second, the Technics 1200 series are good turntables, if you don't mind changing records forever. you might think you can live with that inconvenience, but you really won't. it gets old really fast. that's why i opted for the Technics 1900. truth be told, the AR turntable by Acoustic Reseach would have been the better choice since it had better specs and no platter rumble. however, it would have driven me crazy with having to change records all the time. third, in hindsight, the Technics 1900 was the better choice since it's still with me and working after 40 years.
btw..i'm sure there probably are newer, better, and lighter cartridges on the market nowadays, however, i have never had a need to move off of my Shure V15 Type ll cartridge that i still use on the Technics 1900. it's set to track a t 1 gram, which at that time was exceptional. idk what current technology allows.
 
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Given real estate, I can only keep two of the three mentioned. I think it's a shame to store one of the three, the beauties should be appreciated, not hibernate.
 
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