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Technics SL1200 versus Dual CS2110

Steve Dual

Steve Dual

New Member
Hi all, I'd like help from any Technics or Dual turntable fans.

I have had a lightweight plastic Dual CS2110 from new, I like the sound it puts out, but I have certainly heard better over the years.

After reading a few forums, reviews etc. I thought I'd bite the bullet and buy something more substantial, the Technics SL 1200 Mark 5.

I was super excited, only to find I wasn't getting a better sound, in fact it just felt functional, but it had a DJ style M44-7 Shure cart/stylus on it... so I stretched my dollars further and put a Shure M97xE cart/stylus on it, which is better.... but.... it still doesn't sound as good as the $40 Ortofon M5P stylus on the stock cartridge that came with the Dual.

Is there something I've done wrong with the set up of the Technics?

Is it straight arm versus curved?

Is it that I subjectively prefer this type of sound?

I hear sharper drums, better stereo separation and richer soundscape with the Dual... I made a short video of the sound difference (through the same amplifier) ... I am noticing the difference especially through headphones, but my speakers also convey a difference when playing aloud.


Any experienced Technics or Dual persons turntable fans, I'd love to know more.

I'm considering maybe a Dual CS5000 (if there is a discernible difference between the CS2110 and CS5000 - or if the difference is just a better plinth?)if I can't reconcile the sound from my Technics to appeal to my ears.

Thanks for any Help..!
 
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Dual CS 5000 is nowhere near as good as a SL-1200 is. Pay attention to your overhang and setup. Also, get a cartridge well matched to the SL-1200 tonearm. To narrow the playing field between Dual and Ortofon, why not buy a $30 or so Ortofon Omega and a headshell, install and set up that, and see what you get, I bet it's much closer to the Dual.
 
Thanks Kent, good advice I will do that ... It might be that I have to try and compare stylus that are similar in cost and same brand... I appreciate the quick feedback too.. Cheers
 
Don't worry, it's not you. I hear it too.

I think part of the problem is Ortofon vs. Shure. You really couldn't find two brands of cartridges with such opposite philosophies in terms of sound. (Ortofon: fast, clean, articulate, lively, crisp. Shure: smooth, balanced, non-fatiguing, flat frequency response, proper tracking one of, if not the main priority.)

It sounds like you'd be more inclined to favor Audio-Technica as an alternative to Ortofon rather than Shure.

Kent's idea is the way to go. Don't give up on the 1200 yet! :)
 
Using the Technics overhang gauge installation and alignment is easy/simple, refer to 1200 owners manual. Where the 1200 will really start to shine is with better cartridges than most new sub $100 examples.
 
empirelvr said:
Don't worry, it's not you. I hear it too.

I think part of the problem is Ortofon vs. Shure. You really couldn't find two brands of cartridges with such opposite philosophies in terms of sound. (Ortofon: fast, clean, articulate, lively, crisp. Shure: smooth, balanced, non-fatiguing, flat frequency response, proper tracking one of, if not the main priority.)

It sounds like you'd be more inclined to favor Audio-Technica as an alternative to Ortofon rather than Shure.

Kent's idea is the way to go. Don't give up on the 1200 yet! :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Empirelvr, I will try a cheaper ortofon as Kent suggested then maybe the Audio-Technica.. I wasn't sure whether to try an ortofon in either the OM range, or maybe a blue or red too? Someone has also suggested a Denon DL-110 which sounds interesting too...
 
majick47 said:
Using the Technics overhang gauge installation and alignment is easy/simple, refer to 1200 owners manual. Where the 1200 will really start to shine is with better cartridges than most new sub $100 examples.
Click to expand...

definitely will have to save my pennies, as in Australian dollars the stylus prices are possibly one and a half time dearer than the US and Europe..!! But I am loving all the feedback thank you.!!
 
Instead of doing half steps save up for a cartridge that will shine, I have had a DL-110/160, obviously the 160 was better but now out of production, 110 was very good and will work with the 1200, should be plenty of posts on AK re the DL-110 and 1200 saying so. Understand prices in Australia are very dear, shipping/mailing especially so.
 
I will definitely look up the best price for Denon later today, of course our washing machine just went bang... So might be saving that bit longer..!! I will have a good look at any videos featuring the denon too just to hear the difference...
 
Well, I have dug deep and ordered the Denon DL 110... I look forward to trying it out... Thank you all very much for your input and advice, it has been very much appreciated!! I'll let you know how it went in a week or so when the cart arrives..!! Cheers
 
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