Many thanks for the views and info, it is much appreciated, though I am still as yet undecided. By the time I make up my mind the chance may well have gone. But that's me, Mr Cautious. Especially now when every penny is getting harder to come by. Things are as tight as a duck's arse in the UK and I have to weigh up how much I really need whatever I am buying, which is usually high fi based, against will I be needing the money it would cost in a couple of months time. Think I will buy the Dual 704 though. Or maybe not. I shall have to think about it. by the way, if you are at all interested just how far you can soup-up a Technics SP10 Mk 2, and 3, check out this link:
http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/sp10page.html
They have made the decks works of art, providing of course that you have the necessary deep pockets to pay the thousands of £/$ it costs. The decks pictured are exquisitely finished and look stunning, though interestingly enough there is no real mention on how they sound. but Wow! Do they look good!
Anyway, look after yourself and thank you very much for your valued opinions.