If I was doing the refurb myself, I would go for it. It would a fun project. If I wasn't handy or didn't have time and had to pay for the refurb, I would buy something new. The scraping noise makes me nervous. There could be bearing wear or damage which won't be corrected by lubrication.
Dual 1229Q turntable vs new entry-level
A friend found a Dual 1229Q turntable, which could be mine for $10 and shipping from MI to WA. It lacks the dust cover, makes some scraping noises (needs lubrication?) and is missing one of the RCA connectors. It has a Stanton D680 cartridge. I'm guessing that I would want to send this somewhere for refurbishing. I found some suggestions in an online review: http://www.audioreview.com/cat/analog-sources/turntables/dual/1229q/PRD_124511_1597crx.aspx#review0 (review 10 of 17, on 2nd page, by drcobb). Looks like that could run a couple hundred. That's the route I would take, since I just don't have time for any new projects now.
Should I jump at the opportunity to grab this Dual? I have two boxes of vinyl that would be nice to hear someday, but it's not urgent. I could get a new table by the likes of Rega (P1, P2), Pro-ject (Debut III?), Music Hall (MMF-2.2 LE), or even NAD or Denon -- with no issues, no tweaking required. That wouldn't cost a whole lot more than the refurb and extra shipping for the Dual. The rest of my system is: NAD CD player, AR LS 3b / D130 combo, Vandersteen 1b.
Should I jump at the opportunity to grab this Dual? I have two boxes of vinyl that would be nice to hear someday, but it's not urgent. I could get a new table by the likes of Rega (P1, P2), Pro-ject (Debut III?), Music Hall (MMF-2.2 LE), or even NAD or Denon -- with no issues, no tweaking required. That wouldn't cost a whole lot more than the refurb and extra shipping for the Dual. The rest of my system is: NAD CD player, AR LS 3b / D130 combo, Vandersteen 1b.
4 responses Add your response