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Dual 1258 Turntable

BlackSoldier

BlackSoldier

Active Member
hi guys, I have the opportunity to pic up a Dual 1258 turntable with an ortofon TKS52E cartridge for $130 from a local seller. Is this a good price, and is this turntable a good one. I already have a Pioneer PL-510A with a shure M97XE cartridge which I enjoy, so its not like I dont have one. Would this Dual be a step up or a step down? Thanks in advance for all your help.
 
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I'm a big fan (some would say irrationally so) of this series, so no surprise that I like it. It's the last of the metal chassis Duals, and also part of the last series actually produced by the original Dual company. That said, it's pretty much a bottom of the line Dual - not that there's anything wrong with that.

$130 might be a bit high, but if the dealer will give you a warranty perhaps not. Both original and aftermarket styli are still available (I'd put a DN155E on it if it were mine, or one of the better aftermarket substitutes). The Ortofon cartridge is essentially an OM10, still a decent cartridge. The drawback is you can't change it because of the proprietary mounting - unless you get the 1/2" adapter, and good luck with that!

Bottom line: If you like the TT, and are comfortable with the price, go for it. If not, well, nothing too shabby about your Pioneer.:thmbsp:
 
I have several Duals and have (or had :scratch2:) a 1258. If you didn't have a TT I might say it's a bit on the high side but sure, why not. But since you already have the PL-510A, I'd hold out for a better deal. They will sound a bit different but I don't think I'd say it's a step down or up. I'm not as big a fan of the Dual belt drives as I am their idler wheel drives. Bottom line is I think you can do much better for the same cash outlay if you're not in urgent need and you keep your eyes open.
 
The Dual wouldn't be a step up but a side ways step to something different. Better to wait and either pay more for a turntable that is an upgrade, like a micro seiki!
 
Thanks for the great information guys, I will keep my Pioneer and wait till something better comes my way. I will inform the seller that I am no longer interested. I appreciate all the quick and informative posts.
 
BlackSoldier said:
Thanks for the great information guys, I will keep my Pioneer and wait till something better comes my way. I will inform the seller that I am no longer interested. I appreciate all the quick and informative posts.
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Best plan of the day! A Dual might be nice, but as others have stated above, it would just be something different... not better.
 
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