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Picked up three turntables this weekend. Dual, Garrard, Technics - and questions.

I put the new belt on the technics tonight and gave it a whirl. My work seems to have been fruitful as all the functions appear to be working. Tomorrow I hope to connect to a stereo and really put it through some paces. Looks like I'll have to make some adjustments to the motor speed as it's just a touch slow. It didn't come with a headshell but I have spare for my 1200mkii that I was able to use for testing. Going to have to find a permanent headshell for it as well as the single spindle. I'll select one of the old cartridges I have floating around (probably a Pickering) and get a stylus. Also need to clean the cover - but after that it should be good to go - and by "go" I mean gifted.

I forgot to mention that this had a nice layer of grime/smoke residue all over it. I very carefully used Dawn Powerscrub spray on it and was amazed to watch the grime just slide off. Thought I would mention it in case it helps someone else.
 
Clean and put all of them in proper working order then decide. The Dual is in my opinion and experience the best performer. The Technics will competently play a record and will be a nice changer. The Zero is the most interesting to look at, most unique by far, the only issue one might find is the dust cover, I don't believe it is hinged and that can become a real pain for regular use. I've serviced many of all three back when they weren't vintage, one of the issues the Z has that is quite rare with the others is one of the wires in the arm will open requiring dissassembly and replacement, not terribly uncommon with the Z and not an easy thing to fix with any of them.
 
Sgt Shultz said:
Only if looking for a DJ'esque table, all butt ugly IMO, plenty out there that perform better while still being eye candy not to have to suffer looking at one of their tables every day.
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I actually have an 1200 in my family room and it's quite the heavy bullet proof machine. But agree I'm not enamored with the look (love the looks of the Dual and Garrard) and honestly the lazy part of me just hates manual tables. LOL.
 
tiga said:
I actually have an 1200 in my family room and it's quite the heavy bullet proof machine. But agree I'm not enamored with the look (love the looks of the Dual and Garrard) and honestly the lazy part of me just hates manual tables. LOL.
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I love to hear the mechanics of the Dual cycling the arm to position, set down or return, and the feel of the levers. It's so, so German, if you know what I mean, has just the slightest smell of a machine. I have a 1245 with a Shure V-15 type three.
 
tiga said:
I actually have an 1200 in my family room and it's quite the heavy bullet proof machine. But agree I'm not enamored with the look (love the looks of the Dual and Garrard) and honestly the lazy part of me just hates manual tables. LOL.
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I had an absolutely pristine still in the box 1200MKII here for a bit, paid $300, I had/have "several" tables so sold it to a young friend for what I paid as his starter table, it's tank like build being perfect for the task.

When I say pristine I mean like new
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I don't buy basket cases, I guess that's why they all work flawlessly, and I always get a great deal.
 
One nice thing about Technics tables is that they tend to just work unless its just absolutely bashed to death. A little cleaning and potentially a new rubber band and away they go.
 
Great find. I am not a fan of electronics in turntables. Not that I don’t like Technics and others with electronics. Fix up the Technics and give to a friend. Had three Zeros. I liked them and should have kept the last one. Your Dual and Zero are a tie. Like both. Gave each to two brothers. One plays it like a radio. Daily. I like that both are mechanical. Service them and they will last a long time. Started with a new Dual 1010S back in ‘67. Had loads of Technics etc til 1999. Found a 1229. Fixed it. Married since. Have 3 1219s,a 1009SK,1019,1010S, and a Dual built PE 3046. All hooked up. Just got a 1009SK. Like the 1000 series. One on two systems. Keep both. Have no room but would get another Zero.
 
Just a quick update I was able to get the Technics fully functional and gave it to my friend. He was thrilled - as this completes a vintage system he was setting up with his dad's old Sansui receiver and speakers. Keeping my fingers crossed that it functions well for him for a long time.
 
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