Help choosing a new turntable?

[Bubbalouie]

I just emailed him, asking for more info on it. If i end up buying this one, i probably wouldn't have the money for a while to replace the stylus, so that could be a deciding factor.

If the 621 has been well taken care of, you may get by using the stylus on the cartridge. I would ask the seller if you could stop by and view the table and to audition the table. This way you can hear the table and listen to the cartridge. It would really help if the seller had a microscope so you can view the stylus. If the seller will agree to the audition, take an album you are familiar with. If you have no vinyl yet, the seller may offer one of his for the audition.

 

[Bailey P]

Depending on the stylus on the V15, the cartridge could be worth two to three times as much as the Dual. Definitely a worthy contender.

Well... it was a false alarm. he thought it was a v15, but when he went to look for what stylus was on he found out it's a realistic/shure RXT5. a p mount cart in a universal adapter.

 

[MCM_Fan]

Well... it was a false alarm. he thought it was a v15, but when he went to look for what stylus was on he found out it's a realistic/shure RXT5. a p mount cart in a universal adapter.

That's kind of like mistaking a Chevette for a Corvette.

I'd just get the Technics and look for a cartridge to go with it. The Technics direct drive turntables from the late 1970s are, in general, very reliable machines. The medium mass tonearms work well with a wide variety of cartridges.

At only $40 CAD for the table, you'd have plenty left over for a cartridge and stylus. You could buy new, or you could buy a used Shure or AT cartridge and then allocate the rest of your budget to the best stylus you can afford.

Edit: I'm not putting down the Realistic cartridges, in general. Most were made by Shure and are the equivalent of many well regarded classic Shure cartridges. I have a Realistic/Shure R47XT and I recently put a NOS genuine Shure Ne95ED stylus on it and it's a great combination.

 

[KRab]

I've run a Grado black on my SL3300, and it sounds good. Right now I'm using an M91e with a N91VL stylus. Sounds pretty good, and these tables are remarkably easy to set up. Replacement head shells are readily available, so you can experiment with different cartridges. Finally, at 7.1kg, the SL3300 weighs in considerably more than the 3.7kg your SLD4 does, which should help in isolation. As for the looks....well.....eye of the beholder, form follows function, all that.....I don't think it all that bad looking, given it's time and pedigree. I think you could buy it, pop on a new cart, set it up in your system, and if you find that it's not what you want, sell it for what you have in it. At 40CAD +cartridge I don't thing you'd lose any money.....

KJR

 

[ferninando]

First of all, we don't know what condition the turntables are in. That makes a big difference depending if any work will be needed. I really think the sleeper in this list will be the Dual

I disagree with your statement that Duals are flimsy turntables. I have a 1219 idler drive and a 721 direct drive. The build quality and craftsmanship is superb and they are built like a tank. A Dual that has been properly restored will last you the rest of your life and possibly your children as well.

If you decide on getting the Dual and if you need help in any way you have two choices. In Canada, there is Doctor Dual, and in the US there is Fix My Dual. If the problem is an easy fix, they could walk you through on how to repair it without sending the table in for repair. Bill Neumann of Fix My Dual is an AK member (Bohhey), and I prefer dealing with members. Bill is a first class gentleman and I enjoy doing business with him.

Do not count out the Dual. Contact the seller and ask what condition the Dual is in, and if you could audition the table before buying. This way you will know if the Dual is worthy.

EDIT:
I forgot to mention that Fix My Dual has the largest parts inventory for Dual tables in the US.

First of all, we don't know what condition the turntables are in. That makes a big difference depending if any work will be needed. I really think the sleeper in this list will be the Dual 621.



I disagree with your statement that Duals are flimsy turntables. I have a 1219 idler drive and a 721 direct drive. The build quality and craftsmanship is superb and they are built like a tank. A Dual that has been properly restored will last you the rest of your life and possibly your children as well.

If you decide on getting the Dual and if you need help in any way you have two choices. In Canada, there is Doctor Dual, and in the US there is Fix My Dual. If the problem is an easy fix, they could walk you through on how to repair it without sending the table in for repair. Bill Neumann of Fix My Dual is an AK member (Bohhey), and I prefer dealing with members. Bill is a first class gentleman and I enjoy doing business with him.

Do not count out the Dual. Contact the seller and ask what condition the Dual is in, and if you could audition the table before buying. This way you will know if the Dual is worthy.

EDIT:
I forgot to mention that Fix My Dual has the largest parts inventory for Dual tables in the US.

well the one i had sure was. cheap plastic junk IMO.

 

[Bubbalouie]

Well... it was a false alarm. he thought it was a v15, but when he went to look for what stylus was on he found out it's a realistic/shure RXT5. a p mount cart in a universal adapter.

Bummer. You will need to get a headshell sled to mount the cartridge. If/when you decide to add other cartridges, get another sled and this will make swapping cartridges very easy. The sled number you need is a TK14 or TK24, which seems to be the most popular and the ones I have. Turntable Needles has the sled for $45, which is about average. However, you may find them cheaper on FleaBay.

A good cartridge for the Dual will be a Shure M97xe or the Shure M91ED.

 

[Bailey P]

Bummer. You will need to get a headshell sled to mount the cartridge. If/when you decide to add other cartridges, get another sled and this will make swapping cartridges very easy. The sled number you need is a TK14 or TK24, which seems to be the most popular and the ones I have. Turntable Needles has the sled for $45, which is about average. However, you may find them cheaper on FleaBay.

A good cartridge for the Dual will be a Shure M97xe or the Shure M91ED.

Hey there, thanks for the advice. What's a headshell sled? If i end up getting the dual, i was just gonna take off the cartridge and adapter on there right now and swap it out for a new one. Can i do that?

I was looking at an AT95e for this, because it's in my budget. would that work well on the dual?

 

[Bubbalouie]

Hey there, thanks for the advice. What's a headshell sled? If i end up getting the dual, i was just gonna take off the cartridge and adapter on there right now and swap it out for a new one. Can i do that?

I was looking at an AT95e for this, because it's in my budget. would that work well on the dual?

I'm not sure how the P-Mount cartridge is mounted on the headshell. If there is a sled, you can use that one to mount a regular cartridge. Looking at the instruction manual, the right sled is the TK24. You'll have to find out from the seller to see if the P-Mount is mounted on the sled.

 

[Bailey P]

I'm not sure how the P-Mount cartridge is mounted on the headshell. If there is a sled, you can use that one to mount a regular cartridge. Looking at the instruction manual, the right sled is the TK24. You'll have to find out from the seller to see if the P-Mount is mounted on the sled.

Ahh yes... it is mounted on the sled. He's using one of those P mount to 1/2 inch headshell adapters to mount it.

 

[Bubbalouie]

Ahh yes... it is mounted on the sled. He's using one of those P mount to 1/2 inch headshell adapters to mount it.

That's wonderful! I am not familiar with the AT-95 cartridge. Looking on LP Gear, there are two models, the 95B and 95E but they are the same price. Let me know if you decide on the Dual.

 

[MCM_Fan]

Hey there, thanks for the advice. What's a headshell sled? If i end up getting the dual, i was just gonna take off the cartridge and adapter on there right now and swap it out for a new one. Can i do that?

I was looking at an AT95e for this, because it's in my budget. would that work well on the dual?

The Technics uses an industry standard 1/2" headshell. Genuine Technics headshells are available for about $20 US. Generics are available for about $10 US. Here's what they look like:

The Dual has a non-removable headshell and uses a proprietary "sled" for mounting the cartridge to the headshell. For the 621, you'd need a TK24 sled. These run about $45 US. Here's what they look like:

You can mount an AT95E to either of these.

Check with both sellers to see exactly what is included.

 

[Bailey P]

That's wonderful! I am not familiar with the AT-95 cartridge. Looking on LP Gear, there are two models, the 95B and 95E but they are the same price. Let me know if you decide on the Dual.

It might be a while before i decide! This is really getting to me... I feel like i SHOULD get the technics if i just want something that's reliable and works, but my heart tells me to go for the dual... I don't know how reliable the 621 is, but i've always had an affinity for duals....

 

[MCM_Fan]

It might be a while before i decide! This is really getting to me... I feel like i SHOULD get the technics if i just want something that's reliable and works, but my heart tells me to go for the dual... I don't know how reliable the 621 is, but i've always had an affinity for duals....

What is it about the Dual that makes it more appealing to you than the Technics? Is it strictly looks? If so what plinth does the Dual have? The standard plinth for the 621 looks like it came in two versions: walnut grain vinyl over particle board and black ash vinyl over particular board. Neither look all that attractive to me. If it has an optional real walnut veneer plinth, that's a different story. Personally, if it's just a vinyl clad particle board plinth, I'd prefer the more utilitarian silver finish of the Technics. I wouldn't buy either one of these turntables based on looks.

 

[Bailey P]

What is it about the Dual that makes it more appealing to you than the Technics? Is it strictly looks? If so what plinth does the Dual have? The standard plinth for the 621 looks like it came in two versions: walnut grain vinyl over particle board and black ash vinyl over particular board. Neither look all that attractive to me. If it has an optional real walnut veneer plinth, that's a different story. Personally, if it's just a vinyl clad particle board plinth, I'd prefer the more utilitarian silver finish of the Technics. I wouldn't buy either one of these turntables based on looks.

Not just the looks, It's a suspended platter, and a much heavier platter, and i think the table overall is heavier. I have problems with feedback and isolation on my awful floors, so i need the best isolating table out of the two. I'd also like something as reliable and maintenance free as possible, which would be better for that? I've also just always loved duals for some reason. I love german stuff, duals included. And of course, i like the looks better. The wooden plinth is very nice IMO. The one i'm looking at is the walnut grain.

Edit: i should add that i won't be swapping cartridges at all. I only ever own one cartridge at a time really.

 

[MCM_Fan]

Not just the looks, It's a suspended platter, and a much heavier platter, and i think the table overall is heavier. I have problems with feedback and isolation on my awful floors, so i need the best isolating table out of the two. I'd also like something as reliable and maintenance free as possible, which would be better for that? I've also just always loved duals for some reason. I love german stuff, duals included. And of course, i like the looks better. The wooden plinth is very nice IMO. The one i'm looking at is the walnut grain.

Edit: i should add that i won't be swapping cartridges at all. I only ever own one cartridge at a time really.

It sounds like you really want the Dual. If that's the case, get the Dual.

 

[Bubbalouie]

Not just the looks, It's a suspended platter, and a much heavier platter, and i think the table overall is heavier. I have problems with feedback and isolation on my awful floors, so i need the best isolating table out of the two. I'd also like something as reliable and maintenance free as possible, which would be better for that? I've also just always loved duals for some reason. I love german stuff, duals included. And of course, i like the looks better. The wooden plinth is very nice IMO. The one i'm looking at is the walnut grain.

Edit: i should add that i won't be swapping cartridges at all. I only ever own one cartridge at a time really.

Cartridges are like fingerprints or snowflakes... Each has their own distinct sound. Just another quirk for analog lovers. I have an AR XB with three cartridges.

 

[SpruceMoose]

Been running duals since the mid-70s. Started with a 1229Q. Been using a 1245 since the late 70s. I have a few cartridges I swap in and out. M91ED, M97xE, 680ee. A couple of others. The only thing I have ever had to do to mine was change the belt about ten years ago. I just can't get to liking the looks of the typical Japanese table. That said, I do have a Pioneer Pl117d and a Mitsubishi of some sort that I painted the plinth orange! ( it was supposed to be red. stupid spray can...)

To round out the collection: a Linn Axis and a couple of B&Os.

 

[Van_Isle]

That SL-3300 needs a dust cover too, doesn't it? Kinda sours the $40 deal doesn't it?

There's a couple others on your kijiji that might be worth investigating:

Technics SL-D202 ... needs headshell and cart $80. There is someone also selling a Technics headshell for $20.

Pioneer PL-115D with a Shure m97HE with original hyperelliptical stylus for $145.If the stylus is in decent shape that's good deal - and a great cart.

 

[Bailey P]

Not just the looks, It's a suspended platter, and a much heavier platter, and i think the table overall is heavier. I have problems with feedback and isolation on my awful floors, so i need the best isolating table out of the two. I've also just always loved duals for some reason. I love german stuff, duals included. And of course, i like the looks better. The wooden plinth is very nice IMO.

Edit: i should add that i won't be swapping cartridges at all. I only ever own one cartridge at a time really.

Been running duals since the mid-70s. Started with a 1229Q. Been using a 1245 since the late 70s. I have a few cartridges I swap in and out. M91ED, M97xE, 680ee. A couple of others. The only thing I have ever had to do to mine was change the belt about ten years ago. I just can't get to liking the looks of the typical Japanese table. That said, I do have a Pioneer Pl117d and a Mitsubishi of some sort that I painted the plinth orange! ( it was supposed to be red. stupid spray can...)

To round out the collection: a Linn Axis and a couple of B&Os.

How often do you lubricate your duals (if at all)?

 

[jnoyes]

well the one i had sure was. cheap plastic junk IMO.

Lots of companies that made decent turntables also made some plastic junk. That doesn't mean everything they made was plastic junk. Your comments like this aren't helpful to anyone.

Jon