Dual 506 with issues...

[gibsona9]

Background: I got a Technics SL-BD20 TT for $5 a few weeks ago at a yard sale, works great. But, I wanted to get a more vintage-looking (woodgrain) TT to match my Marantz 2220...

The good news: This weekend, I picked up a Dual 506 at a yard sale for only $10.

The bad news: it is missing the dust cover (not so bad), the tone arm counterweight (not good) and the entire cartridge (bad).

I know, I know...why did I buy it in that condition? Well, I figured I could pick up a new cartridge and I'd have a decent TT for cheap.

Well, reading on this forum, I have discovered that the 506 requires a special adapter to be able to take standard 1/2 inch cartridges. The adapter is $50 or so, and then I'd still need to get a counter weight and a dust cover.

Do you folks think I should just admit I made a dumb mistake, and keep looking around for a good deal on a vintage TT? Or can I get the Dual working for a reasonable amount (less than $100). I don't want to put too much into it, given that I can get one off the bay for less than $100...

Your ideas/opinions appreciated!

Brian

 

[Andyman]

You can find better, complete turntables with carts for under $100 on eBay all day shipped, so why mess with the 506?? I've had similar Dual models and while they are nice, I don't think I'd stick $100 into one.

Here's a link for you:

Dual 506

 

[Hokieman]

As a 506 owner, I totally concur with Andyman's answer. Cut your losses.

 

[gibsona9]

Guys, thanks for your replies! I think I'll cut my losses and move on.

My wife has gotten her $10 worth making fun of my frivolous purchase!

PS - I am a Hokieman my self - class of '88! Go VT!

Brian

 

[sfox52]

I have one of them critters- It has the dust cover(cracked), the counterweight is there, the belt was replaced about 3 years ago. It has the standard Dual/Ortofon cartridge with the odd mount that is broken & repaired w/ superglue! It does play pretty well, for all of it's faults. I had it out with lots of household junk two weeks back for the big neighborhood yard sale, priced at $10. It's now back in the storage closet, along with the Pioneer 636 receiver that didn't sell either. It would be good for parts, but hardly worth shipping.

 

[Hokieman]

Guys, thanks for your replies! I think I'll cut my losses and move on.

My wife has gotten her $10 worth making fun of my frivolous purchase!

PS - I am a Hokieman my self - class of '88! Go VT!

Brian

Hokie Hi! :thmbsp: :thmbsp: :thmbsp: Class of '78 myself.

 

[billr814]

toss it...........i had a 506..decent, but it had everything...sold it..i never liked the cart mount..weird...

 

[TerryB123]

I have one as my second table. My counterweight broke off, I glued it back on. Got the cartridge adapter and the cheapest Ortofon OM that Garage-A-Records had to offer for maybe $50. New belt, $10. Worked okay for me for awhile but I was having arm issues and replaced it.
Since then I've dug it out, installed an arm off ebay (<$20), and upped the stylus to the Digitrac 200NE (poor man's OM 20). Swapped the leads with Petra video cable (<$4). Know what? This rig sounds terrific! I'll be building a custom apple wood base once the lumber dries.
Point being, however, this was all just dubbing around since I had a good table (music hall 5) to spin in the meantime. If you throw it in the closet to mess with later, be sure to find a copy of the service manual, then get a spare ULM-based dual off ebay for (arm) parts.

My $.02