Dual CS-508 or Dual CS-606: Which do I keep?

[Jfh535]

Hey AK community,
So Im in a dilemma of sorts, and I figured Id get plenty of opinions here to help me make a choice.
I have been spinning a Dual CS-606 for about 2 years now. Its in great condition, and has been serviced by myself recently. Its been super reliable, hence it has become my main deck. However, I recently have come into possession of a similar condition CS-508, which I also serviced myself. They both have the hitch installed, and both have Shure M95HE. I have both decks up and running, but I cant decide which to keep and which to flip.
I know the whole bit about "if it sounds good to your ears", but Im fishing for some additional insight and opinions by Dual fans/ owners out there. If you had these, and could keep only one, which would it be? What do you all think?

 

[hi*ball]

Both turntables have ULM arms.

I would personally keep the CS-606 and drop it into a solid walnut plinth.

Plus, the 606 is a direct drive, semi-auto unit.

The CS-508 is belt drive with a lees appealing (to me) looking plinth.

 

[1tumbleweed]

I don't dislike the 508 the way many others do (I own a 1268, the full auto version), but I have to think the 606 is a better piece.

Yes, both have ULM arms, but the 606 is 1st generation, the 508 is 2nd. Slightly less mass.

If that Shure works with the 508, fine, but I'd think something with less mass would be better.

Cheers,
Larry B.

 

[tw1st]

Slap another cartridge on whichever table you're going to let go, and keep the M95HE as a backup!

 

[EngineerNate]

I'd rather have the 606 personally.

That era of dual (speaking of the 508) isn't overly aesthetically pleasing and I like DD tables.

 

[lini]

Jfh: The 606 is technically the better model, but a 508 could be a pretty good spare table due to its pretty simple drive design with very little electronics. Personally I'd rather prefer a 502, 504, 510, 521 or 505-2/3/4, though - i.e. an otherwise very similar, but either pre-ULM or 3rd gen. ULM model.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[Jfh535]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the extra insight. I was leaning towards the 606. You guys have really helped me make a less burdened choice. Maybe I'll make some upgrades to the 606, and listen to the 508 in the meantime. I think I'm gonna glue some lead sheeting to the inside of the plinth/base, and maybe update the rca's while Im in there.
I also have a Shure m97xe as a backup cartridge, do you think that it'd be an upgrade to switch to that over the m95he?