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Dual 721 - Harman Kardon T-60 - which TT to keep?

I have a Dual 721 which needs a little work – noisy RCA cable that has some hum and cutout on the left channel, and an ugly dust cover.
I also have a Harman Kardon T-60 in quite nice shape (but cracked dust cover).
I'm leaning toward keeping the HK, repairing the Dual's problems and selling it.
Before doing so, I want to know if I am missing something. Is one of these TTs markedly better than the other in some way?
The Dual is direct drive and some reviewers have raved about how very quiet it is. The HK is belt drive and reviews keep describing it as "the poor man's Linn Sondek".
I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks in advance.
craig_c
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Jump on the Dual .
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I've owned both, the T-60 is better, sounds very much like a Linn Basik. Put a Nagoka MP-150 on it and you got 90% of what you can get at 10% of the cost.
Cheapest table I've heard that IMO worth buying over a T-60 is 2K Pro-ject Perspective with their killer 9cc tonearm.
oceanman
2 posts
 
I bought my T60 new in 1980 ....still looks new.
It IS the baby Linn Sondek....
There is no question the belt driven T60 blows the other away!
No direct drive TT from that email. can compete with a belt driven TT for quietness.The only one I know of in present day is the new VPI D.D....AND it costs $35,000 !
oceanman
2 posts
 
* era
sorry about auto spell...
timlub
2,039 posts
 
I really don't think either of these 2 tables will 'BLOW" the other away.  However.  If you are willing to do just a bit of tweaking,  I believe the Dual will out perform the HK by a tad... The Dual's arm's need to be tightened down,  they tend to work loose after years,  but tighten it down and put a little dampening material on the bottom tonearm mount and it goes along way with this arm.  Also,  If I recall correctly, the Dual arm is Height adjustable. and the HK is not,  Helps if you want to experiment with record mats & such.  
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