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New cartridge and stylus needed for Dual 1257 turntable

bluenote79

bluenote79

Member
Hey there everyone,

I'm new here (like Gil Scott-Heron).

I recently picked up a used Dual 1257 turntable. It's my first turntable other than a crappy Crosley that was given to me as a gift. Don't worry. It's in the trash now.

Anyway, I need a new cartridge and stylus and I'm not sure how to go about making sure I get the right product that will fit and work with this system. I talked with someone recently who told me that Dual turntables use a ULM cartridge/carrier assembly unique to Duals and that if I didn't have the original cartridge installed then I might as well buy a new table. Then he mentioned an adaptor part called DUAL PART 269-611. He said that if I have this then it shouldn't be too hard to find a cartridge and stylus.

I've done a few google image searches and it seems like I may have that very part, but I'm really not sure. I've attached some images of my setup. If anyone could tell me what I have and if it's possible to get a new cartridge and stylus I would greatly appreciate it. Also, if you could steer me in the direction of where to get them, that would be fantastic!

Here's a link to the photos: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-kV7FcuMtwmN0V1ZG5TYzJVSmM&usp=sharing

Thanks!
 
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Thank you for such a fast response @Montycat. Are you saying I should keep the cartridge I have, and just replace the stylus?

I had heard that the cartridge was quite a nice one at one point, but I also heard that cartridges should be replaced if they have been around for some time. I know that's true of the stylus, but don't know as much concerning the cartridge. Is there a way to tell if one needs replacing. Obviously, a bad needle can do damage to a record, but what accounts for needing a new cartridge?

Thanks for all the help for a newbie like me!
 
Cartridges rarely fail or need to be replaced. If you get a signal from both sides it should be fine.

The N95ed mentioned at the link is available from eBay and other sources. A real Shure version might not so easy to find (and perhaps expensive) but aftermarket ones from EVG, Jico, Pfanstiehl and others exist and they can be anywhere from soso to very very good. EVG I recommend as good value.
 
For future reference, that particular table does not use the 269-611. It takes one from the previous generation, the 262-186. Looks like you're in good shape for now, but if you ever need another one, that's the one to look for.

Happy trails,
Larry B.
 
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Ok! Thanks guys. @Montycat and @1tumbleweed you have been super helpful. I really appreciate it. Before I made my post, I felt like I was wondering around in a dark closet. I feel like you guys came and turned the light on.
 
Montycat said:
The N95ed mentioned at the link is available from eBay and other sources. A real Shure version might not so easy to find (and perhaps expensive) but aftermarket ones from EVG, Jico, Pfanstiehl and others exist and they can be anywhere from soso to very very good. EVG I recommend as good value.
Click to expand...
Hey guys. @Montycat and @1tumbleweed, I looked for an EVG stylus, since that was the one you recommended, but I wasn't able to find one. Ended up getting one made by Pfanstiehl, but it sits really really low as compared to the stylus I had before. I've included a picture here. To the naked eye, it looks like the plastic shell that holds the needle is touching the record. The photo shows that it isn't actually touching the record, but if I put a thicker (180g) record on, it does seem to bump it. Freaks me out and makes me not want to play anything valuable. Any advice here? I was under the impression that a replacement stylus would fit my cartridge just right. In this case, it does attach to the cartridge and is able to play a record, but in a super sketchy way.File May 26, 11 47 27 AM.jpeg
 
The plastic section doesn't look right. It should be parallel to the record or at least very close to it.

Edit: Malden replied while I was away for a few minutes. I think he's onto something, but I know there are less expensive options I've found.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. Sorry I haven't been quick to answer them. For some reason I'm not getting email notifications even though i'm watching this thread and have my Karma settings set to receive emails.

Anyhow, @malden is definitely onto something. The info that Shure provided is wrong. @Montycat and Malden, do either of you know what I should be searching for, in terms of specs, model #'s, etc. in order to find a cheaper version of the stylus that Malden mentioned above? (http://www.jico-stylus.com/product_info.php?cPath=18&products_id=1039). My budget is more in the $20-$45 range.
 
bluenote79 said:
Thanks for all the replies guys. Sorry I haven't been quick to answer them. For some reason I'm not getting email notifications even though i'm watching this thread and have my Karma settings set to receive emails.

Anyhow, @malden is definitely onto something. The info that Shure provided is wrong. @Montycat and Malden, do either of you know what I should be searching for, in terms of specs, model #'s, etc. in order to find a cheaper version of the stylus that Malden mentioned above? (http://www.jico-stylus.com/product_info.php?cPath=18&products_id=1039). My budget is more in the $20-$45 range.
Click to expand...

Instead of buying a low end after-market stylus for the cartridge, I would suggest getting a new cartridge that fits your budget. By doing so you'll kill a couple of birds with one stone. You'd be getting a new cartridge (and stylus) and you'll also be able to find new OEM replacement styli for it without any problem.

For your Dual turntable, an Ortofon or a Shure M92E would work well.
 
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malden said:
Instead of buying a low end after-market stylus for the cartridge, I would suggest getting a new cartridge that fits your budget. By doing so you'll kill a couple of birds with one stone. You'd be getting a new cartridge (and stylus) and you'll also be able to find new OEM replacement styli for it without any problem.
For your Dual turntable, an Ortofon or a Shure M92E would work well.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input @malden. I am definitely open to that idea. Do you know if the cartridges you mentioned above will fit the DUAL adapter part 262-186 that is on my turntable?

Earlier in this thread, @Montycat mentioned that the cartridge I have is pretty nice, so that's the reason I've been in search for a stylus to match.
Montycat said:
The cartridge is a Radio Shack R47xt which is actually quite good
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In the end, it doesn't matter to me which route I go. I just want to listen to my music and enjoy it, but since I'm putting in the work, I want to be wise about it as well. I am definitely new to this vinyl game, so any and all suggestions are much appreciated.
 
The R47XT is a fine cartridge, yes, but it's really nothing special. Shure made many, many fine cartridges over the years, and they still do. The problem with that particular cartridge is that there is a limited selection of good styli for it. The Jico stylus I linked is the best option available but it is out of your budget. Keep in mind that any cartridge is only as good as the stylus attached to it.

Just about any cartridge with 1/2" mounting centers will fit your turntable.
 
Thank you so much @malden for helping me to understand this game I have found myself in. I'm ordering tonight so that I can finally listen to my records again!
 
So, I ended up purchasing a Shure M92E cartridge per @malden suggestion, and I think I'm good to go. Everything sounds fine to me, but I am curious about the set up, and I want to make sure I've installed everything correctly (as not to damage any records).

I've included photos to show you what the cartridge/sylus look like while playing a record on my turntable. The only issue I have is that, with this new cartridge, there isn't any clearance to lift the tone arm off the record. No matter what position the cuing lever is in, the stylus rests the same, as shown in the photos. This wasn't a problem with my old cartridge. I can live with this as long as I know I'm not doing any damage to records.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks so much!IMG_4192.JPG IMG_4193.JPG IMG_4194.JPG IMG_4195.JPG IMG_4196.JPG IMG_4197.JPG
 
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