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Dual 701 and 704

Montycat

Montycat

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I have had numerous Dual belt and idler drives tables and regularly use my 1019 for example. However recently I have acquired 2 of the Direct Drive models, a 701 and a 704.

Both had blown fuses, which are supposed to be super low amperage at .125a. The 704 had the wrong fuse installed, 1.25 I think, and that lead to it possibly frying other parts in the power supply. I know it smelled smokey.

First test on the 701 found that it had a blown fuse and replacing it (with the proper rating) did not immediately solve anything. I just acquired a quantity of the right rating (0.047) of X2 capacitors so will be replacing that on both. Hopefully that will fix them both up.

Dual 701 by Buhduh, on Flickr
 
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Hmm, for some reason the 701 works today. I thint there's a splice in the power cable that I should fix inside. That might be why it didn't work. But I ain't complaining...

Dual 701 by Buhduh, on Flickr

I also replaced the capacitor in the 704 and it works now too!

I know the 701 is considered better (and has a nicer base) but I like the tonearm height adjustment on the 704. Decisions, decisions...

Dual 704 by Buhduh, on Flickr
 
If one must stay and one must go, myself, I'd keep the 701.

There are always a fair number of Duals available locally where I live but few are direct drive. Of those, 701's seem to sell the fastest and go for a pretty good buck. So maybe one can consider them a better investment from an appreciation stand point.

I have multiple turntables including a 701 and a couple of years ago, got a 721. It was an opportunity buy and of interest only because some opinions I read said it was Dual's best ever turntable. Alternating between the two, it did not really strike me as superlative. I found the 701 to have a better tactile feel to it, felt more substantial and frankly, thought it was better looking. Intangible, but I get satisfaction from owning Dual's first direct drive and that it's motor was unique for the time. I gave away the 721.

My first good turntable was bought new in 1968 and it was a Dual so I've been an aficionado ever since. My mother would take me along when she went looking at console stereos in department stores but if it did not contain a Dual, I told her it wasn't very good. She was basically just furniture shopping. Not that I've never strayed but I can't keep away from Duals.

My total turntable tally is nine, four of which are Duals. Since I think having nine turntables is silly, I am often thinking which to keep. Three seems a comfortable number but which two would be best company for the 701? I really like the original version 1009 I got last June (I've been using it-almost exclusively since then) but I also like my original version 1015 because that's the model I got in 1968. The 1015F is good too, it's been my 78 & 7" 45 player for the last couple of years - stacking spindles included.

But then, I really like the looks of my Garrard Zero 100's. Also, the looks of my fully manual and fully automatic Toshiba direct drives. Those have standardized headshells which is a nice break from cartridge sleds. I also have a silly number of cartridges.

The two I would have the least problem relinquishing are a semi-auto direct drive JVC and a fully auto belt drive CEC.

But I digress. Your choice is easier - keep the 701. If for no other reason than it's more historic.
 
Mc: Imo, the 701 just has more lovers. I.e., to me it would be more like a matter of taste, whether one prefers a 701 or a 704.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
 
Thanks guys.

I expect I'll keep the 701 too. My other favourite is the 1019. I've had many Duals but these are my first direct drive ones.

I do have a few tweaks to do including tonearm bearings and reattaching the paper strobe disc but it's basically good. I've already touched up some scuffs in the black metal parts.
 
Hi all,
I have a Dual 701 and I need a dust cover for it. I have found a used cover for a Dual 704. Will the 704 cover fit the 701?
 
I have a 721, which I believe is similar to the 701, but with a lighter platter and more plastic parts.
I like it so much I made a nice wood plinth for it.
Works wonderful with high compliance carts. Currently running a Pickering XSV3000
 
Max: Have pics?

Generally speaking, over here there were four CS versions of the 701, namely the CS70 and CS70W with CK22 plinth in hazelnut or white (W), CH6 hood and Ortofon M20E as well as the CS701 and CS701W with the CK24 plinth in hazelnut or white (W), CH6 hood and Shure V15III. Whereas the 704 and 721 were offered as CS704/721(S) with the CK26 plinth in hazelnut or black (S (= schwarz)), but also the CH6 hood (and Shure V15III). So in this case the answer would be: Yes, it should fit.

However, there were more possible combinations of original Dual plinths and hoods for a 701. And as far as I'm aware, quite a few Dual models were sold with distributor-provided plinths in North America - which I've got zero experience with, though, also regarding which hoods were used for these. Hence I'd suggest you to post a few pics of your 701 and maybe also a pic of (or link to) that 704 hood.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
 
The CS731Q uses the ulm cartridge was top of the line when I bought mine in West Germany. If you ever see one to purchase they are nice.
 
I have a 704 (...and a1249 and 506 and an odd 1212). I have a Dual problem! Manfred (and many others on zVinylEngine) helped me restore these gems. The 704 is an utterly amazing turntable. And the 1249 is an engineering marvel.

I currently run my Dual 704 into a pair of monoblock Schiit Aegir amps driving a pair of JBL L100ts.

My Dual 1249 goes via a vintage Audiosource preamp into a modern Onkyo TX8270 receiver driving a pair of Acoustic Research AR5’s.

My Dual 506 goes to a Realistic SA1001 integrated amp driving a pair of ADS L520s.

Properly restored you can’t go wrong with a Dual. Easily beats the grey plastic vintage tables!
 
hornbostel said:
I have a 704 (...and a1249 and 506 and an odd 1212). I have a Dual problem! Manfred (and many others on zVinylEngine) helped me restore these gems. The 704 is an utterly amazing turntable. And the 1249 is an engineering marvel.

I currently run my Dual 704 into a pair of monoblock Schiit Aegir amps driving a pair of JBL L100ts.

My Dual 1249 goes via a vintage Audiosource preamp into a modern Onkyo TX8270 receiver driving a pair of Acoustic Research AR5’s.

My Dual 506 goes to a Realistic SA1001 integrated amp driving a pair of ADS L520s.

Properly restored you can’t go wrong with a Dual. Easily beats the grey plastic vintage tables!
Click to expand...
Hello hombostel, I just picked up a 704 in pieces as a project. Since you have both the 704 and 506, would you know if the 704 fits in the 506 plinth?

I have been reviving the Dual turntables for the past few months and really enjoy working on them, they make great puzzles for me and they sound good when tunned properly.
We are playing records all day long.
When I accumulate too many units, my wife sells them on marketplace. I think I am making an average of 20 bucks after all costs in but she has very happy buyers. I am starting to build a reputation here:)
 
Montycat said:
Thanks guys.

I expect I'll keep the 701 too. My other favourite is the 1019. I've had many Duals but these are my first direct drive ones.

I do have a few tweaks to do including tonearm bearings and reattaching the paper strobe disc but it's basically good. I've already touched up some scuffs in the black metal parts.
Click to expand...

The Dual 701 is the best DD Dual. Keep that. Also, pro tip (Klaus Adlhoch recommends it). Replace all the electrolytic capacitors on the DD Dual when servicing them. All of them are long past their prime. Fewer reliability headaches that way. Klaus Adlhoch was the director of service, for Noresco of Canada, the Canadian importer of Dual. He is found on Vinyl Engine. Their Dual section is where he hangs out. His service tips for you are very recommended for keeping your Duals alive and operating at peak performances.
 
KentTeffeteller said:
The Dual 701 is the best DD Dual. Keep that. Also, pro tip (Klaus Adlhoch recommends it). Replace all the electrolytic capacitors on the DD Dual when servicing them. All of them are long past their prime. Fewer reliability headaches that way. Klaus Adlhoch was the director of service, for Noresco of Canada, the Canadian importer of Dual. He is found on Vinyl Engine. Their Dual section is where he hangs out. His service tips for you are very recommended for keeping your Duals alive and operating at peak performances.
Click to expand...

6 years later? Long gone! :)

There is however a 721 available locally that I might grab. I say "locally" but in fact I am away from home right now en route to Halifax. If it's there when I get back I will think about picking it up.
 
soundguy9 said:
Hello hombostel, I just picked up a 704 in pieces as a project. Since you have both the 704 and 506, would you know if the 704 fits in the 506 plinth?

I have been reviving the Dual turntables for the past few months and really enjoy working on them, they make great puzzles for me and they sound good when tunned properly.
We are playing records all day long.
When I accumulate too many units, my wife sells them on marketplace. I think I am making an average of 20 bucks after all costs in but she has very happy buyers. I am starting to build a reputation here:)
Click to expand...
I can’t directly confirm but the plinths are the same size and the shipping screws are in the same place. I also have a 510 and a 1249 and they are also the same size. You should be fine.
 
I sold all my 12xx idler drives in favor of the 701 DD deck...I have many turntables and without regular use there is just too much service work needed on idler drives to keep them gumming up! I did keep a 1019 for one of my consoles however....701 is the keeper deck...Enjoy
 
Byrdsmaniac said:
I would think that the 701 is more durable than the 704. But I may be biased, and I just like it more.
Click to expand...
Depends on how you look at it. The 701 still has germanium transistors to drive the motor. They are notoriously unreliable due to their susception to heat (and they have more drawbacks).
Dual switched to the superior silicium transistors when they made the 721. Same motor, but the electronics are different.
That's also the reason germanium transistors pretty much haven't been used the last 50 years.
So take good care of your 701. Don't hold the platter still when it's on etc.
 
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