Technics SLQ 300 vs Dual 1257

[tillmbil]

I currently have a the Technics in one of my systems, and was wondering if the Dual 1257 would be any better. There is one for sale near me for $65 working, with a Shure 95 cartridge. I like the Technics and just purchased a new cartridge for it, but I have read a lot about the Dual tables. I also read that the 1257 is there lower end and plastic, but have never owned one so I thought I would ask.
If it would not be noticeably better than I will wait on a better deal.
THANKS

 

[Balifly]

I currently have a the Technics in one of my systems, and was wondering if the Dual 1257 would be any better. There is one for sale near me for $65 working, with a Shure 95 cartridge. I like the Technics and just purchased a new cartridge for it, but I have read a lot about the Dual tables. I also read that the 1257 is there lower end and plastic, but have never owned one so I thought I would ask.
If it would not be noticeably better than I will wait on a better deal.
THANKS

The Technics SL-Q 300
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/technics/sl-q300.shtml

is technically more advance than the

Dual 1257
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/dual/cs-1257.shtml

 

[moodydan]

I don't think the 1257 would let you down as far as its performance, if it's been serviced recently. I don't think it would be an improvement over the Technics, either. If you're interested in Duals, I'd look for a 1219/1229/1229Q. I like the 1209 as well, but it's got the smaller platter that may be a turn off for you!

 

[spicer]

I currently have a the Technics in one of my systems, and was wondering if the Dual 1257 would be any better. There is one for sale near me for $65 working, with a Shure 95 cartridge. I like the Technics and just purchased a new cartridge for it, but I have read a lot about the Dual tables. I also read that the 1257 is there lower end and plastic, but have never owned one so I thought I would ask.
If it would not be noticeably better than I will wait on a better deal.
THANKS

Noticeable better... I wouldn't want to offer that but personally I like those mechanical duals, like the way the mechanism works, even the way it sounds when indexing or returning after play. I like their tone arms too... the gimbaled tone arm support, the clockspring to apply the tracking force instead of counterweight. In terms of plastic, Technics made a whole series of turntable that were just about all plastic.... which isn't to say they weren't good... Pioneer went through a period of making many of their turntables out of plastic too. I'd get the Dual just to have the experience with a Dual. Just about anything on one of those can be fixed barring brute force damage. Obviously I like them and they have a certain German mechanical charm about them and they work quite well, very smooth and balanced mechanical functions including the controls. (assuming everything is in good order)

 

[illini]

Noticeable better...

Due to the cartridge availability for standard mount versus p-mount.

 

[spicer]

Due to the cartridge availability for standard mount versus p-mount.

Yeah... was thinking that along with the qualifier.... if it's set up right. One thing about P-mounts is the overhand was supposed to be standardized... don't know how that actually worked out though but it did narrow cartridge options.

 

[tillmbil]

Spicer
I was thinking along those lines myself. For $65 you really cannot not go wrong and I like the aesthetics. Who does not need another TT right?

 

[tillmbil]

Here is the cartridge and needle. I read on this Forum that the single screw mount is good, Any body know if this is a good cartridge?

 

[Montycat]

That's a Shure M95 which is an excellent cartridge.

The single screw mount can actually be more of a problem than advantage as it limits you to a very narrow range of rare Ortofon/Dual cartridges. However that Shure is mounted courtesy of an adaptor that allows standard 1/2" cartridges. That's handy to have.