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Dual 1237 vs Technics BL-300

T

ThatFuzzyB

New Member
Hey all,

I’m in NYC, where turntable deals are thin on the ground. But I’m looking for a new automatic tt as an upgrade from my AT LP-60.

I’m looking at three tt’s, all going for about $150: a Dual 1237, a Technics BL-300, and a Technics SL-DD33, which would be mostly for jazz and electronic music. All have newish AT cartridges in, though I might put it a new one anyway just to start fresh. I know direct vs belt is a whole other issue, but just in terms of sound quality, what are people's thoughts/experiences?

Does anyone have thoughts on which would be better, or is neither enough of an upgrade to be worth it?

Thanks!
 
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ThatFuzzyB said:
Hey all,

I’m in NYC, where turntable deals are thin on the ground. But I’m looking for a new automatic tt as an upgrade from my AT LP-60.

I’m looking at three tt’s, all going for about $150: a Dual 1237, a Technics BL-300, and a Technics SL-DD33, which would be mostly for jazz and electronic music. All have newish AT cartridges in, though I might put it a new one anyway just to start fresh. I know direct vs belt is a whole other issue, but just in terms of sound quality, what are people's thoughts/experiences?

Does anyone have thoughts on which would be better, or is neither enough of an upgrade to be worth it?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Welcome to the AK turn table forum. :music:
 
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Stay away from the Dual 1237. They are rim drive/idler drive and will be noisy and unreliable UNLESS it's refurbished by a Dual expert. I did not find any information on the BL-300 but the SL-DD33 looks like a decent starter turntable. It's Direct Drive so very very quiet. At $150 that's a bit high, but maybe not in NYC.
 
jeffpaletz said:
Stay away from the Dual 1237. They are rim drive/idler drive and will be noisy and unreliable UNLESS it's refurbished by a Dual expert. I did not find any information on the BL-300 but the SL-DD33 looks like a decent starter turntable. It's Direct Drive so very very quiet. At $150 that's a bit high, but maybe not in NYC.
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I think you are mistaken. The Dual 1237 is a belt drive (not an idler).
 
I have a Dual 601 (belt drive) that I picked up for around $75. I would think the 601 is a peg or two up from the 1237. Mine does have the motor speed issues, but I won an auction on Ebay for the 1237 motor (for $22). I'll replace it one of these days. I also need a new steuerpimple pad as well. I have it paired with a Denon DL110 and I listen to a lot of Jazz and some rock. Through my system this blows me away how good it is. Disclaimer, this is my first TT so take my statement with a grain of salt.
 
A dual 1019 would be a nice table and is an idler drive. If you look local there should be something for you and they are very easy to work on
 
Yeah slim pickings this week. I'll keep looking. What's your max budget? Has to be auto? Everyone seems to think they've stumbled upon the holy grail on there now.
 
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