I am an absolute beginner and I am looking for a reasonably priced turntable. I had a Jensen jta-230 because a friend gave it to me but it broke so I am looking for something better. I found a craigslist ad for a Dual CS 630Q with no dust cover or cartridge for 35$ and I was wondering if that would be a good buy for a beginner like me. Thank you for the help ahead of time!
Dual CS 630Q
- Thread starter dewzee
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swechsler
Frog Whisperer
The CS-630Q is not a classic Dual (belt or rim drive, sprung subchassis) but is more similar to contemporaneous turntables. Having said that, is't not bad; it's direct drive so you don't need to worry about belt replacements. I'm not sure I'd want one without a dust cover, though, and getting a replacement, if you can find one at all, will probably cost more than the total value of the system. But if you don't care about that, I'd say it's a decent price. Make sure that the headshell is included - this looks like it uses a standard mount, but it's angled rather than straight. They're available, but figure on at least another $25-$30.
Also, be aware that it doesn't have a built in phono preamp like most modern turntables (including your Jensen) do. This means that if your amp or receiver doesn't have a phono input, that's an additional purchase you'll have to make.
Here's a previous thread. And there are several more you can find with a little searching (Google the model number).
Also, be aware that it doesn't have a built in phono preamp like most modern turntables (including your Jensen) do. This means that if your amp or receiver doesn't have a phono input, that's an additional purchase you'll have to make.
Here's a previous thread. And there are several more you can find with a little searching (Google the model number).
THEWEREWOLF
Well-Known Member
The CS-630Q is not a classic Dual for sure. The Dual CS-630Q is a plastic fully automatic turntable that was built essentially for ease of use and nothing more. The Dual CS-630Q is not an audiophile grade turntable by any means.
In the world of vintage audio there are two types of turntables. Audiophile quality turntables like to be managed and Audio Philistine Turntables that like to be used.
Vintage Dual Audiophile quality Turntables require a greater investment in upkeep because they are more like precision instruments that allow for fine adjustments that preserve and respect your vinyl to a far greater degree. These precision vintage Dual turntables like any audiophile quality turntable is great if you enjoy fussing over their myriad of sensitive control and use combinations. Vintage Audiophile Quality Dual Turntables must re properly lubed, some have plastic controls that must be used with care to avoid malfunctions, breakage and more.
Now I am a confirmed Vintage Audio Philistine. My goal is to simply play my vinyl and enjoy the sounds while doing all I can within reason to preserve my records. My Dual CS-630Q is fully automatic Philistine Quality turntable with few things that can break other than the plastic lid.
Despite coming late in the Dual history it is better made than most of its era. The Dual CS-630Q IS NOT Great but it is adequate in every way. The sound of a Dual CS-630Q is adequate for a system whose main recommendation is simplistic all electronic push button design and ease of use. There is no audiophile precision with a Dual CS-630Q. You can make a few minor adjustments but a Dual CS-630Q requires little more of you than pushing appropriate speed, RPM and Start buttons in proper order.
If you want the audiophile experience don't buy the Dual CS-630Q as you will be profoundly disappointed at the shocking lack of things to adjust, fix, conserve, maintain, or fuss over in OCD delight. If you want a fully automatic experience in an old school beginning Audiophile quality Dual I'd suggest the Dual 1229. The Dual 1229 costs more but you get what you pay for there. If you are just a old philistine with money who wants to play their vinyl without any muss or fuss along with, sleek digital displays and push button electronics buy a Dual CS-630Q as it scratches all those itches well. This post is just an old autistic werewolf's 2 cents for all its worth!
In the world of vintage audio there are two types of turntables. Audiophile quality turntables like to be managed and Audio Philistine Turntables that like to be used.
Vintage Dual Audiophile quality Turntables require a greater investment in upkeep because they are more like precision instruments that allow for fine adjustments that preserve and respect your vinyl to a far greater degree. These precision vintage Dual turntables like any audiophile quality turntable is great if you enjoy fussing over their myriad of sensitive control and use combinations. Vintage Audiophile Quality Dual Turntables must re properly lubed, some have plastic controls that must be used with care to avoid malfunctions, breakage and more.
Now I am a confirmed Vintage Audio Philistine. My goal is to simply play my vinyl and enjoy the sounds while doing all I can within reason to preserve my records. My Dual CS-630Q is fully automatic Philistine Quality turntable with few things that can break other than the plastic lid.
Despite coming late in the Dual history it is better made than most of its era. The Dual CS-630Q IS NOT Great but it is adequate in every way. The sound of a Dual CS-630Q is adequate for a system whose main recommendation is simplistic all electronic push button design and ease of use. There is no audiophile precision with a Dual CS-630Q. You can make a few minor adjustments but a Dual CS-630Q requires little more of you than pushing appropriate speed, RPM and Start buttons in proper order.
If you want the audiophile experience don't buy the Dual CS-630Q as you will be profoundly disappointed at the shocking lack of things to adjust, fix, conserve, maintain, or fuss over in OCD delight. If you want a fully automatic experience in an old school beginning Audiophile quality Dual I'd suggest the Dual 1229. The Dual 1229 costs more but you get what you pay for there. If you are just a old philistine with money who wants to play their vinyl without any muss or fuss along with, sleek digital displays and push button electronics buy a Dual CS-630Q as it scratches all those itches well. This post is just an old autistic werewolf's 2 cents for all its worth!
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