I just picked up a nice 1209. Seems to be in very good condition. Haven't rotated it in yet. First Dual in the collection, which consists of B&O, Pioneer and Technics. I'm guessing maybe it's a lower end one? Might it be a keeper? First things to check, prior to use?
Opinions of Dual 1209?
- Thread starter Jakeabean
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When introduced it was the top of the line Dual. If not already a member, joining Vinyl Engine.com and reading all that is available in the Dual forum is a must.
Wow... With it having a lower number, I guessed it might be more entry level. How does it compare to the 1229 I hear mentioned so much?
It's just a time progression of the same lineage. The 1209 came first, succeeded by the 1219, then succeeded by the 1229.
A 1209 is a low end Dual. Not high end. Google Dual. There is a web page for Dual. All models listed with specs. Serviced a few. Not bad. Wow and flutter is higher on a 1209. Have a 1219,1019, and a Dual built PE 3046. Wow and flutter are .06,.10 and .12 respectively. This spec measures speed variation. All three are hooked to one system so I can compare. The 1219 and 1019 are good for classical music. The PE you can hear the sound wavering with a classical piano piece. It’s good for rock,country, or jazz. Since it was destined to the landfill, I rescued it. It’s cam the runs the auto cycle was completely frozen. New stuerpimple. Have had it 6 month and it works flawlessly. Replaced the sled with a new BEST sled using a. Shure M91ED.
Back to OPs 1209. Though a low end model, have serviced several. Fewer moving parts. Regreased and cleaned/oil motor pretty much good to go. Fixed up a beat up wood base. Had several I did during the pandemic. Made several plexiglass dust covers. Service that 1209. Once done it will run a long time. My 1219 pictured I did 9 years ago. Another one has 6 years on it. Enjoy.
Back to OPs 1209. Though a low end model, have serviced several. Fewer moving parts. Regreased and cleaned/oil motor pretty much good to go. Fixed up a beat up wood base. Had several I did during the pandemic. Made several plexiglass dust covers. Service that 1209. Once done it will run a long time. My 1219 pictured I did 9 years ago. Another one has 6 years on it. Enjoy.
I was given a 1019 and 1209 several years ago. After servicing them we kept the 1019, although it hasn’t been spun in at least a year, and my daughter has the 1209.
It’s a fine turntable and can serve you well.
It’s a fine turntable and can serve you well.
I have a beautiful early 70's (1970-71) Dual 1219. It's shown in the Allied Radio Shack 1971 catalog for $175. On the next page is the Dual 1209, listed at $129.50. While there are similarities, it's still a mid-line turntable and can't compete with the 1219. I also have a Dual 1218, which has a smaller platter than the 1219, but shares the gimbal-style tonearm. While the motor is still an AC-Synchronous type, it's still not as good as the 1219.
All Dual table models that end with 9 are TOTL, including 1009, 1019, 1209, 1219, 1229, etc. Yes, 1219 replaced 1209 but they were sold at the same time. But that doesn't mean 1209 wasn't TOTL when it was first introduced. It was simply relegated to MOTL when 1219 was introduced.
NoTransistors
Dual Turntables Super-Restorer
As President Elect might say, this is fake information, James.
@NoTransistors, you're one of the experts when it comes to Dual and I've relied upon your advices over the years. Please set me straight, which information is fake?
NoTransistors
Dual Turntables Super-Restorer
Thanks for the compliment.
What I was trying to tell you is 'xxx9' model designation is not necessarily for top units only.
But other members here had already alluded to this.
What I was trying to tell you is 'xxx9' model designation is not necessarily for top units only.
But other members here had already alluded to this.
Interesting conversation about Dual TTs. I recall watching a YouTube interview with Bill from “Fix my Dual” who was identified an expert on Dual TTs.
During the interview he alluded to the 12xx series TTs ending in 9 being better quality, I.e. 1209, 1219, 1229. I think he was being interviewed by Kevin from Skylabs when he made the comment
During the interview he alluded to the 12xx series TTs ending in 9 being better quality, I.e. 1209, 1219, 1229. I think he was being interviewed by Kevin from Skylabs when he made the comment
Jens Sinding
Active Member
The whole 10x9 and 12x9 series have the cast platters, as does the 1228. The 1214, 1215, 1224, 1225 etc. have the lighter pressed steel platters.
In my experience the 1209 is on par with the 1228 but less plasticky and with a much nicer plinth.
So the 1209 is nowhewre bottom of the line for DUAL tuntables, but the 1219 and 1229 do have better specs. The1214 and 1224 often have the one-pole motor and are hardly HiFi, but can do really well with an AT3600L, as it's somewhat resistant to interference from the motor, but don't let a Grado near them.
In my experience the 1209 is on par with the 1228 but less plasticky and with a much nicer plinth.
So the 1209 is nowhewre bottom of the line for DUAL tuntables, but the 1219 and 1229 do have better specs. The1214 and 1224 often have the one-pole motor and are hardly HiFi, but can do really well with an AT3600L, as it's somewhat resistant to interference from the motor, but don't let a Grado near them.
SergioSansui
New Member
Turntable with the right numbers! Keep it!
Here are some measurements:
This Is mine:
Here are some measurements:
This Is mine:
