Dual cs5000

[dr*audio]

I have one too and I love it. Don't be dissuaded by the comments concerning the adjustable VTA headshell. My Astatic MF 200 is as solid as a rock mounted in that headshell. The key is to make sure that the set screw is loosened before you adjust the VTA, then you have to remember to tighten the set screw (don't overtighten) after adjustment and your cart will be solid as ever. The adjustable VTA actually works, too. I've adjusted mine and it totally changed my listening experience.

I did not know about the set screw!

 

[dunhill]

I did not know about the set screw!

I only discovered this by looking in the owners manual after becoming frustrated while trying to adjust the VTA. Something just didn't seem right...

 

[dunhill]

Indeed. And many of the CS 5000 had issues with plastic deterioration. The headshell was also sloppy on this model too. And no upgrade for the arm. This was not a good era for Dual quality, they were cost cut. When $20-$30 difference bought you a Thorens TD 160 Mk III or IV, a foolish purchase. The Thorens was better stock, could accept better tonearms beyond the excellent stock tonearm, was simpler, was better built to begin with, and aged better. The Dual CS 5000 was fairly a US $230 new table.

Well, 30+ years later and there seems to be plenty of nice working examples of these tables out there. They seem to still be holding their value, too!

 

[NoTransistors]

Every one that has been on my workbench had a cracked platter support, broken arm parts, bad connections at the headshell, broken cue parts, other things as well. All things plastic. One even had a top motor bushing carved out in a figure '8'. I have seen this kind of wear on other turntables with small motors, from ADC to Thorens.
I think that most all the good examples up for sale have sat in a closet for ages, rather than actually getting used. Doesn't matter. There are enough used and new turntables for everyone. All sizes. All shapes. All colors. Metal. Plastic. Wood. Flakeboard. Masonite. Marble. Granite. Etc....