Upgrading from Dual 704 to Technics 1300G – Worth it for Sound Quality?


 

 

 

I’ve been using a Dual 704 with an Audio-Technica 440MLb cartridge for many years. I’ve been considering replacing the Dual with a Technics 1300G, but I keep going back and forth on the idea. Would I actually notice an improvement in sound quality?

One of the reasons I’m looking at a different turntable is that the Dual limits my options when it comes to cartridge choice, while the Technics offers far more flexibility in that regard.

What are your thoughts?

naish
I always think capacitance is much more of an issue with MM cartridges
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Of course, @lewm you are correct, thanks! I was thinking backwards. Mea culpa!

I like the idea of the Technics 1300G, and while I like the AT440 (using one in my office), I encourage you to try an AT160ml with beryllium cantilever. 

I took a chance on a used one from this seller, it sounds fabulous.

https://reverb.com/item/91712802-audio-technica-at-160ml-mm-cartridge?utm_source=aw&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hifishark.com&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=536903&awc=67144_1755381383_29688edf2ef929fb5f0059985a87575d

The V15Vxmr version of the shure another member recommended had a beryllium cantilever, I loved mine until I broke it, that's why I took a chance on an AT160

I don't see any listed, but they came with AT headshells with azimuth adjustment, this is aluminum, similar

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265675609487?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=eb315e3a-7aec-11f0-a66f-626131373061

this is carbon

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267273539119?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=484d0e3e-7aed-11f0-9de6-376164373863