Any thoughts on older Dual/Denon tables?

I generally prefer the belt drive, but Denons are one of the better direct drive models. They are both fine for starter tables, but you will need to move up, if you want to really hear what the fuss about analog is all about. If analog is just a secondary source that is not a big part of your listening, they may suffice for your needs.

My friend has a Denon DP60 with the S and straight arms (detachable) ane refuses to part with it. I've listened to it and it sounds great with the Denon DL103 cartridge. His wife accepts it, too, as it has a lovely dark rosewood base and has (I think) auto lift when the record is complete.

Good products. Dual is no longer in business, right? Parts could be a problem.

Carl

Phasecorrect: if you'd like to see photos of a number of the older Dual and Denon turntables, see my thread below titled "Audio equipment photo collection now open for viewing". The thread contains instructions on how to access a Web site that contains many photos of vintage, classic, and contemporary audio gear, including turntables.

You might also like to look at THE site about Dual turntables, which includes links about repairs and service, etc. Here is the link:
http://www.compassnet.com/concept/index.html

I've owned a Dual 1229 turntable since 1973 and still use it several times a month. It runs as smoothly and efficiently as the day I bought it. I've never had any problems with it. It has never failed to operate and still has all the original parts, except, of course, for the stylus. I recommend it without reservations. It's hard to imagine any other turntable lasting as long as this one has. If you find one in good working order, snap it up!

My 1970 Dual 1219 plays with no fuss whatsoever :^) Vinyl sounds so great I've never felt the urge to splurge for anything wilder. The plastic headshell was the only bit that ever wore out; I was renewing my cartridge once a year. The later, spring loaded, contact pin type shell seems to be more durable. It pays to keep the mating interface in the head tarnish free.

While making tapes about 15 years ago I noticed a low level bump on the tapedeck's meters. I replaced the rubber idler wheel and problem solved! A Dual specialist advised that the best way to keep a 1219 trouble free is to use it often.

Not just the Duals & Denons that sound, work great & ARE reliable - also look at some REK-O-KUT tables.- very nice!
If you don't care about automatic functions working , get a Garrard A type. Better yet get a few of them for around $25 a piece and run them onto the ground, then get another one etc etc. I have two lying around here that I crank up now & then. Belts are nice ( a little pricy to replace).Don't pass up on the idler drive Duals and Garrards. Love to have a REk-o_kut again though. Only problem with those vintage tables is that they'll make you kick yourself for investing $1-2K in those "high end" analog rigs...
PS get a good cartridge too....

Well, even though it aint belt drive, the DP1200 is the bees knees. Tune up a DL103D, and you probably have the best analogue system under 1k. Yeah, you could go rega or something really nice but your wallet would be a lot thinner. Arguably one of the best turntables ever made and they last forever.

I think the Dual 12xx's are overrated. I have a 1229 since 73 and still use it now and again for archival recordings. It has a pleasant warm sound and is easy on my records, but that's about it. Dynamics, transparency, detail retrieval, noise floor, just didn't cut it for me.

Another options would be a used revolver rebel, or NAD table .. both rega knockoffs. I used to own a dual, then went to a Rega planar 3 and it was quite an improvement.