HELP: Considering Dual 1209 Turntable for $99. Worth it?
- Thread starter tubemusic
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cubby01
aka Buck
Is it local to you? As long as it's in very good shape that's a fair price. They can be found for less but if you need/want one then I wouldn't sweat that. The 'Hi Track' stylus was found on several sure cartridges. The carts I've found with hi-track were generally very good and easy to find new styus for.
Make sure it's been either serviced recently or can test the autoplay/return, and that all the levers move freely. The lever grease in that era dual gets 'caky' and the stauerpimple clutch looses grip. IIRC, the other weak link is the RCA cables, but an easy replacement.
Make sure it's been either serviced recently or can test the autoplay/return, and that all the levers move freely. The lever grease in that era dual gets 'caky' and the stauerpimple clutch looses grip. IIRC, the other weak link is the RCA cables, but an easy replacement.
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Yes, about an hour drive. I don't necessary need one, but I saw the "Dual" name, and was hoping it was a super deal for a great unit.
As for needing one, I don't have a big name "turntable." It's a Realistic 420 fully automatic and direct drive. With a low end Shure cart/stylus.RS1000ED
Then I have a Techniques, probably early to mid 80's with a moderate to low cost Pickering Cart. The TT came preset. But still had adjustments for counterweirgt and anti-skatting.
One thing I liked about the DUAL, IT PLAYS 78'S AS WELL. I have a few 78's that we my parents.
As for needing one, I don't have a big name "turntable." It's a Realistic 420 fully automatic and direct drive. With a low end Shure cart/stylus.RS1000ED
Then I have a Techniques, probably early to mid 80's with a moderate to low cost Pickering Cart. The TT came preset. But still had adjustments for counterweirgt and anti-skatting.
One thing I liked about the DUAL, IT PLAYS 78'S AS WELL. I have a few 78's that we my parents.
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bobaloniny
newt
You know, a fully operating, good looking 1209 is probably worth $99.
But..when I went I would be going over that whole thing and the situation around it with a fine tooth comb. I kind of get the jeebies from that ad, to me it exudes a vibe thats not necessarily good. Its like its written by a salesman that almost, but not quite, understands what he is selling. Kind of in the 10% b.s. zone.
"The motor features direct-drive gears (will not slip or lose speed like modern belt driven turntables)."
Maybe I am just too critical, but I would either want to buy from someone who knows exactly what they are selling, or has absolutely no idea, in between but trying too hard to be the expert scares me.
But..when I went I would be going over that whole thing and the situation around it with a fine tooth comb. I kind of get the jeebies from that ad, to me it exudes a vibe thats not necessarily good. Its like its written by a salesman that almost, but not quite, understands what he is selling. Kind of in the 10% b.s. zone.
"The motor features direct-drive gears (will not slip or lose speed like modern belt driven turntables)."
Maybe I am just too critical, but I would either want to buy from someone who knows exactly what they are selling, or has absolutely no idea, in between but trying too hard to be the expert scares me.
Yeah, I was wondering if this was from an estate sale.
bobaloniny
newt
If its all running and working now, then there isnt much of a worry over parts, almost none actually. Basically there are 4 things that could be shaky, rca cables, the idler, the snubber cap and steurpimpel (assuming it has one, which I think it should being 12xx series). Cables are easy enough to replace like any others on any 30 or 40 yr old tt, not Dual specific by any means.
You can either find an idler if need be, or yours can be rebuilt for about $40.
Steurpimpels can either be sourced at eBay,several different Dual parts sellers or fashioned from a Bic pen refill.
The snubber capacitor is an easily attainable couple buck item, again, not Dual specific, any cap of approx the same value would work.
Also being 12xx series, additional cartridge carriers can be obtained for maybe $20 or $30 max.
Any other issues would more than likely be ancient grease hardened up, solved by removal and relubrication.
You can either find an idler if need be, or yours can be rebuilt for about $40.
Steurpimpels can either be sourced at eBay,several different Dual parts sellers or fashioned from a Bic pen refill.
The snubber capacitor is an easily attainable couple buck item, again, not Dual specific, any cap of approx the same value would work.
Also being 12xx series, additional cartridge carriers can be obtained for maybe $20 or $30 max.
Any other issues would more than likely be ancient grease hardened up, solved by removal and relubrication.
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Checked it out. The Cue arm doesn't work and the stop start selector switch doesn't work. Meaning, once the unit is started, there is no way to stop it. Also, after it's finished the last track, and the arm lifts from record and returns back to arm rest, with the album still spinning, the arm/stylus return to the album to play it again. So the unit never stops.
bobaloniny
newt
Maybe the cue needs silicone, or something fell apart underneath.
The other problem is classic hardened grease, lube problems.
So..nice $30 dollar project deck I guess. Otherwise, I am pretty sure you could find something running for the same jingle.
The other problem is classic hardened grease, lube problems.
So..nice $30 dollar project deck I guess. Otherwise, I am pretty sure you could find something running for the same jingle.
I talked him down, what will the $30 you mention be spent towards? For lube? You mentioned silicone, as in a spray? I believe I can work on the unit, I just need some direction.
The cue arm barely lifts arm from record. Then the cue slowly returns to position. The cue effect really doesn't work.
JohnMac
Addicted Member
Hi tubemusic. All of the symptoms that you describe are fixable and it's likely that nothing is broken. Duals are complicated machines and it will require a lot of time and patience to get it running.
You can get a free service manual at vinylengine. That will help identify parts and causes and remedies of the symptoms that you describe.
Turn the table over and familiarize yourself with the parts and what they do. Most of the parts will need to be removed in order to clean the old grease off of them. I've learned that shortcuts rarely work. This can be tricky as you need to pay close attention to the order of assembly. Taking detailed photos and making notes along the way can be helpful.
Proper lubrication is important too. Lubing the wrong parts can cause problems.
When you say "The cue arm barely lifts arm from record" do you mean it doesn't lift it high enough or not at all? There is an adjustment for this, which is described in the service manual. If the arm drops slowly then you may not need to be concerned with the silicone damping fluid.
DO NOT force anything!
Working on a Dual can be an intimidating task but if you're up to it I'm sure you'll find plenty of help here on AK. :yes:
John
You can get a free service manual at vinylengine. That will help identify parts and causes and remedies of the symptoms that you describe.
Turn the table over and familiarize yourself with the parts and what they do. Most of the parts will need to be removed in order to clean the old grease off of them. I've learned that shortcuts rarely work. This can be tricky as you need to pay close attention to the order of assembly. Taking detailed photos and making notes along the way can be helpful.
Proper lubrication is important too. Lubing the wrong parts can cause problems.
When you say "The cue arm barely lifts arm from record" do you mean it doesn't lift it high enough or not at all? There is an adjustment for this, which is described in the service manual. If the arm drops slowly then you may not need to be concerned with the silicone damping fluid.
DO NOT force anything!
Working on a Dual can be an intimidating task but if you're up to it I'm sure you'll find plenty of help here on AK. :yes:
John
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bobaloniny
newt
I was thinking the $30 would be a good purchase price considering its non-operational.
Anyway do go get the manual from VinylEngine. Also here is this http://akdatabase.com/AKview/displayimage.php?album=103&pos=0
Its geared for 1219/1229 but this will provide useful as the basics are more or less the same. There will be some differences of course, but all of the major players are similar enough to where you can apply the principals in the pdf to a 1209. If anything the 1209 should be simpler than a 1219.
I locked the table last night removed the stylus and worked the controls as I watched underneath. It was awesome. Looked like a watch working.