• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Recommend dedicated 78/Mono turntable

operaman

operaman

Super Member
I'm having a good time with a Dual 1212 serving as my dedicated Turntable for older mono and 78rpm discs. (This is admittedly, a stereo table using Shure stereo cart on which I'm switching between a shure 78s stylus and a shure m35x for mono discs which I have found extremely practical for playing all sorts of beat up things.)

However, the Dual 1212 is a poor turntable, and I could have a better tonearm and quieter platter for just a little more money.

What is the best upgrade for me? Should I stay with Dual and get the 1019, 1219 or 1229? I don't want to spend much more than $200. There are a few nice Garrard things that look interesting.

Must play 78 speed, obvs. - curious what you all think
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
I use the 1019 and the 1229.
The 1229 is a great deck for all three types of music, I'm using it with a shure v15 iv cart(and I have the 78 stylus), its achilles heel is the dearing ring which allows the user to adjust the height of the tonearm for playing multiple records. If that breaks, a replacement ring is very hard to find.
The 1019 is more than adequate for 78's-very heavy platter, excellent tonearm and once serviced it will last forever-Some folks don't like the shorter tonearm, but I can't say I've noticed any deficiencies specific to a shorter tonearm.

I bought my daughter the 1009 and that works very well for her, she like the retro look of the headshell and white controls. the guts and arm are basically the same as a 1019 minus a separate antiskate adjustment

Hope this helps
 
Very helpful - thanks!

One thing that annoys me about the Dual 1212 is the clip-in headshell design. I would much prefer a screw-in style that allows for better connection of the cart to the headshell. Are the 1019, 1229 etc similar?
 
On second thought - removable HS is not the biggest deal. I am happy leaving the Shure cart in there and just changing styli. It's working for me.
 
I use a 1019 for mono/and 78's. Strapped with a Shure M44E(any N44 stylus will work well for mono/older records), you can then get an aftermarket 78 stylus from Esoteric Sounds, the N44-3E, for the M44. Best 78 stylus I"ve used. Elliptical that tracks between 2-7g. Swap out styli, reset tracking weight, and your good to go.

http://www.esotericsound.com/CartStyli.htm
 
For cost and availability, I think the 1019 is what I'm leaning toward.
But those eBay prices are just so darn jacked up...
 
You might check with forum member No Transistors. He's one of the Dual experts around here, and while I believe he does professional repair/restoration only, he might have a lead or 2 on a table available. He's in Brooklyn.
 
I used a Dual 1228 for 25 years as an all purpose deck. When I got more serious about 78's, I longed for a TT with a removable HS instead of the delicate and finicky Dual sled.

I wished I had kept the 1228, but I am happier spinning my 3 Technics, including the SP-10 dedicated to 78's.
 
I modify a decent Technics direct drive and play 78's that way. A good SL D2 will outperform most changers and give you solid playback.

I did have a 1219 for several years, but they go for crazy money now and I figured it would be a matter of time till the tone arm shift died or the guide white disintegrated so I cashed out. It was great but the Technics I use now (1350) will even stack 78's, so I don't look back.
 
Last edited:
sberger said:
You might check with forum member No Transistors. He's one of the Dual experts around here, and while I believe he does professional repair/restoration only, he might have a lead or 2 on a table available. He's in Brooklyn.
Click to expand...

Buy a seized-up 1019 somewhere for $50 or $60 and have No Transistors service it to run like new. That's what I did!

My 1019 sounds spectacular with a Shure M78S @ 2.75 grams. I swap in an N35X stylus for playing microgroove records, and I don't even have to re-calibrate anything!
 
eb2jim said:
I modify a decent Technics direct drive and play 78's that way. A good SL D2 will outperform most changers and give you solid playback. ...
Click to expand...

The Technics belt-drives with S-arms are also solid choices that can be easily modified to spin at 78 RPM. I've seen instructions online for the SL-20/23 series. I use a modified SL-220 in my 78 front end, and it tracks beautifully with a Stanton 500/D5127 cartridge and sounds great.
 
Please excuse a (hopefully) brief side-question:

Frank Sol said:
Technic SL-D1(2) - Do the 78 mod
Click to expand...
eb2jim said:
I modify a decent Technics direct drive and play 78's that way. A good SL D2 will outperform most changers and give you solid playback.
Click to expand...
I bought an SL-D2 recently and didn't know they could be mod'ed for 78. Can you point me to an instructions on how to do this?
 
Get a restored Technics SP-15 and be done with it. Use an Audio-Technica ATP 12-T or ATP 16-T tonearm, and the cartridges you please. Good enough for the Library Of Congress, many a professional archivist, and anybody else. Plays 78 and Mono LP superbly, and plays Stereo and 4 channel too.
 
Keep your eyes open for an Elac, the easier to get along with Dual.
Idler/fully auto and has a cart sled system also, however, its a way more reliable system.
You can definitely come in around budget for a 50HII.
 
beatcomber said:
They do? I bet a fully-restored one would fetch no more than $400.
Click to expand...

Not too long ago you could find a fully functioning example with all its parts for $50-150. When I compare what I could turn up for $400, keeping the 1219 made no sense. Actually I sold it a year ago for I think $350 and I felt like that was steep. But a lot of people wanted it, so good for them. I would never pay that much for one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom