I had an old Dual 1218. I put an ad on kijiji, "Free to a good home". 15 minutes later a 17-year-old kid was on the way. I still feel good about that.

I have a very nice Technics SL-D2 that I got for free. also my pioneer single play bought in hong kong 1966. I also am a broadcast engineer so got to keep the old gates, etc tables going. a tip. clean the rubber parts with alcohol.

Bought my Thorens TD 160 Super with a Morch UP-4 arm in ‘85. Still uses it each day.

I still have my Technics SL D2 direct drive turntable from 1978 and it still works

Duals were my favorite. Before them I had a BSR and a Sanyo. My last was a Pioneer linear, but it only lasted 4-5 years before the motorized arm stopped working.

Can never go wrong with a Technics in good shape. The amount of headaches you avoid having a swappable headshell, adjustable VTA, and the most reliable speed you could ask for is worth every penny. Only thing that sucks with the older models is the attached RCA.

I bought a Thorens 160 back in the 70s and lovde it. When i got back into Vinyl, i was lucky to get a pristine Thorens 165 for a great price.

Thorens really got ya' with their head shells!! Even the screws are proprietary. Some people are 3D printing the head shells, also a company in Italy makes replacements and variations that fit. I personally like the 165's anti skate method more than the magnetic version on the 160. The PL series of Pioneers are awesome. The PL35 had it all. Boy an AU series Sansui amp (or receiver) and a PL series deck...Jeesh that's vintage Heaven.

My Dual 701 turntable is great but I have also a Dual 1219, Linn Sondek LP-12 I visited the factory as a dealer in 1983 and all my turntables work great. I have hundreds of LP's in great shape. Working at a stereo store was great.

@xavisixtynine1969

Ай бұрын

Dual 701 is my favorite of all😜

I love your reviews. No bravado, no boasting, just a regular guy who loves audio and tells everyone about his experiences.

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Bryan!

Dual 1219 ,from late 68 !!!

Still spinning vinyl on my original Dual 1257. Solid as a rock even for being the more budget friendly Dual of the time. 43 years and going strong.

@renebollengier1111

Жыл бұрын

Still using my 1257 as well. Just have to give it a spin in the right direction when I start it. Kinda part of its charm

My love in 1985 was the Pioneer PL L-1000 . Loved It

Don't forget about the Dual 1219!!! I have just restored a 1219 my older brother gave me. Solid built.. A nice heavy platter also...

@thorstenromstadt485

Жыл бұрын

The 1219 is the direct predecessor of the 1229. It is about 97 % identical to the 1229. Especially if you compare the latest 1219 to the very first 1229.

Great post! I was a QA tech at the Dual U.S. main distribution location in Mount Vernon, N.Y. back in the late 70's. One of the main features on their turntables was how accurately you could balance the tone arm. At audio shows we would mount the turntable upside down on a rack and play a record. The tone arms were so finely balanced that there was minimal wear on your vinyl. Beautifully engineered.

@michaeladdison5359

Жыл бұрын

My Dual 1218 still works. I purchased it in 1974. When a wrapped record wouldn't play on other tables, the Dual was there to show that it could be played.

@JazzEnthusiast

Жыл бұрын

@@michaeladdison5359 that's the incredible Dual Gebrüder Steidinger's tonearm engineering. It has gyroscopic stability.

vinyl nostalgia. Don't get bamboozled.

Had a AR turntable In the 70's was as reliable as a light switch ,quiet,smooth ,a simple design, no frill machine!!

I’ve had a Marantz 6300 since new in 1977, it is like new and with a good cartridge it hasn’t let me down. Friends are always recommending tables in the thousands, maybe I’ll buy one if the Marantz dies. Great videos, thanks.

I Got my Thorens TD 1500 back in the 80s at a garage sale for 40 Bucks now they are around 2k !

@RUfromthe40s

4 ай бұрын

i got a garage, but in my city and country isn´t that regular so garage sales are very rare, and people try to sell their old things for a fortune

My granddaughters Fisher Price record player spinning Farmer In The Dell. Total audiophile heaven!

Thanks for the post. Good job.

It’s cool to have vintage gear and a repair shop close to home.

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Hey Bruce!

I'm using a DUAL 704 Electronic Direct Drive, with a Nagaoka JT322 cart with a Shibata Naked diamond stylus. In total it cost me less then €500 and I love it! I have a custom made acrylic dust cover on it as well, looks so good. I did go from vinyl to CD during the 90's, but now I use both as they both have their strong and weak points. The thing about vinyl is that it takes more time and effort to properly use it (starts with cleaning any new record), which in turn makes you really take time to sit down and listen to the music.

@BLOVECU

Жыл бұрын

love my modded dual 704 too. with a retipped micro-acoustics 2002e, sweet.

@norbertkuhse3790

Жыл бұрын

The 704 is a Great Turntable , the reason why i use a 606 is , that i love the Ortophon ULM 155 System

My first table was a BSR. 1980 bought a used Duals 1216. I still have it and love it. Since then two 1215S, two 1216, 1218, 1225, 1226, 1229, and two 506 Duals. Love them all

Damn!! A new perspective...bonding with a turntable.

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Lol, pretty soon people will be taking their turntables in to go grocery shopping. You watch.

Bought a Rotel 1100q in 1972. Still using it today.

A sleeper 1982 Hitachi HT-67 owner (Direct Drive, uni-torque with quartz lock, auto, damped arm, electronic no touch photo-sensor return), purchased pre-owned 2013, no issues.

Sent my Dual 1219 to 'Fix My Dual'. Awesome. Glad to hear you give them a heads up.

I have the AR XA, Thorens TD 165, Pioneer PL-41 and the Dual 1229. Looking at the Technics next. Thanks for validating my selections!

LP12 is my favourite.

I totally agree with what you said about “forever” turntables! I’ve had two £1000+ turntables in the last few months and just haven’t gotten along with either of them. I mean they both look great and sound fine, but I couldn’t imagine using them in the long term. I’ve now ordered one of the new Denon DP-3000 NE turntables which has some incredible reviews, so fingers for that one ‘cause it sure ain’t cheap!

I acquired a Dual 1219 from one of my clients for free. $200 in service later and the thing is working like the day it was manufactured. Now I don't wake up to my stylus repeatedly plowing into the label on my record anymore!

My Denon turntable has been packed away in the closet for over 35 years. CDs are a lot more convenient but I understand that people enjoy their vinyl and the equipment.

Realistic Lab-400. Much mystery behind who produced it but it's a rock soild performer. Just installed an Ortifon Blue cartridge and it's a great TT. ❤

Still have my manual Technics SL-20 that I bought in 1977 when I was 17. Simple and dependable.

The Thorens is VERY quiet. As in the background noise from the motor and bearing. I used to spend hours mucking around with it and I've had it so quiet that it couldn't be heard playing blank passages of an album with the volume turned up more than double the setting that I listen to music at what for me is high volume. This is loud enough to be heard out on the street. And at double this volume the turntable was silent. This is absolutely the key to high definition playback. But plonked on a shelf and used as is, this is still a very good table. Mine's simply plonked at the moment and I use it every day. Here in Melbourne, Australia I see Thorens TD160 and 165 come up for sale with Empire MM carts. There must have been a dealer back then who sold these tables with these carts. This is how mine came (second hand 16 years ago)and it's a fantastic combo. I've tried other tables, sometimes for a year or more but when I swap back to the 165/Empire it sounds better. The Empire cart is very clear and tonally a little light on mid-bass. Opposite to the classic Stanton carts. I need this tonal voicing as my speakers are bass heavy transmission line.

Very nice video. I still have my Dual 1216 in a Sylvania case from 1974. Still works great.

I have an Elac/Miracord purchased in 1973. Perfect and still running.

My Pioneer 518 still works like it did in 1978, hooked up to my old Pioneer receiver 780 still

This was very helpful and interesting ; thank you so much.

Just got a recently serviced Dual 1229! This video and your interview with Bill got me hooked. The look, sound, and build quality are top notch.

I very much enjoyed this video. Well done.

You might also wish to try the Rega planar 2 and 3. These are very simple, just a motor, a glass platter and a VERY good tone arm. Made in England and sound great.

@greganderson1681

Жыл бұрын

My P3 rules.

@davidclark8132

Жыл бұрын

Gave one to my son.

@TonyAguirreJazz

Жыл бұрын

Rega Planar 3 with the Ortofon Blue! in one room and a Dual 504 in the other

@JU5T1NH4RTL3Y

Жыл бұрын

Currently using a Planar 2 from 1978 with cherry wood framing with a Nagaoka MP-110 cart and can confirm! It's not nearly as detailed sounding as my Marantz 6170 but it sounds way more powerful and "musical". And the motor is practically indestructible! I'm never going to stop using my Rega! :D

@jamesbrunnette4895

Жыл бұрын

My Rega planar 2 has worked great for over 40 years. Great product!

Love your video , great . Love you flashed my Denon . 40 years old this year . To me the tone arm drop is everything , preserves your vinyl . Thanks , love Dual & Pioneer look . Cut a square hole in a coffee table for looks ( same tone wood )

My sears solid state 1974 non belt auto tone arm with working 8 track still spins perfectly and I can still get diamond flip needle stylus. I love stacking 45s watching the drop.

Dual is perhaps the only manufacturer in history that has made superb idler wheel, belt drive and direct drive turntables.

My duel 721 is 51 years young it's runs like it new

Thank you! Your the only normal record guy on utube I’ve been running a PL-41 for years now just wanted to see if there was a vintage player I was missing out on. Once again, thanks for the down to earth video.

I loved it. Brought back memories. Loved my AR XA. I used to get Garrards at a discount, but they were junk..

Great video thanks. I have a Dual 504 I bought in 1974. It's all original with dust cover and it works great. Glad you like them.

Anthony you are correct!...I've been doing this since the 70s....your statement follows basic principles! always buy the best!!! it holds its values....

I love the Lenco 75 that I re-built. I grew up with a Dual 1219 that my dad bought.

I appreciate your connection with turntables and that "connection" to vinyl. Its something I was blessed to grow up with and it sounds better with the right turntable and amp/speakers. I have a Fluance RT83 with upgraded plate and Ortofon Blue cartridge. Staying with heritage and media that has so much historic meaning in history is so much more than many in our electronically advanced society will truly enjoy. Thanks for sharing!

@stevenjosephs9

Жыл бұрын

Hang Friday & Saturday playing vinyl ( 70's ) pretty much fighting over the next LP

Good look. I have thr P 41 and the Dual 1229, both great tables.

I grew up with a Dual 1229 and was so sad when it bit the dust in 1985! I also loved that it muted during the automatic cycle and the noises that the unit itself made while it cycled! Peace.

@girogio83

Жыл бұрын

I’ll be selling a Dual 1229 I’m very good,shape if you are interested I’ll let you know when it’s ready. Charlie

The feeling and relationship I have when playing a record with my Dual turntable is akin to I'm dressing up and on my way to a live concert...

I have had both belt drive and DD tables, and have been critically listening to records for 55 years. I still hav eexcellent hearing, dispite being a musician ( Earplugs LOL). I was given a Sony PS-FL7II Direct Drive linear tracking table and, after replacing drive and transport belts , was blown away. I dont see you saying much about linear tracking, and they dont seem to have as much cred as standard designs. I'm curious as to why. They are complicated mechanically, but do a better job of tracking the groove than any other type. Paired with my 80s AT 166LCU cartridge upgraded nude diamond stylus it compares to CD quality. Biggest difference is the LT table does not distort the inner grooves like conventional tables do. I'll never be happy with conventional tables again.

I still have my Thorens TD125 with a Stax tonearm from 46 years ago. Still awesome.

The Dual 1219 and 1019 omg such tanks. They'll outlive us all and they're automatics. It shouldn't be possible, but there it is.

Great video! Thank you👍

I'm using an old elac miracord 50h ii and I'm extremely happy with it sounds amazing

@kevinsmith8328

Жыл бұрын

I have one also and enjoy how well it is made.

@Nightrelic

Жыл бұрын

@@kevinsmith8328 I have a Realistic Elac Miracord 46. Never thought I'd like a fully automatic idler wheel TT, but it's awesome.

I just got a very old but in great condition Rek O Kut T12 with a Shure 232 arm. It has that low idler noise floor but this beast is so dynamic and forceful in its music presentation. I'm amazed.

Bisarre choice that you put Rega on line 2, they have dominated the turntable market and won more awards than any other company PLUS they are one of the simplest to work on.

Picked up a Hitachi PS-48 a year ago for a fair price on looks for my spare listening room. Love this TT so much I actually got rid of my Rega.... Love the sound and appearance of vintage....just recently upgraded to a Grado Opus Cartridge and could not be happier 👍

Owned a few in my life,Sony ,Micro Seiki,B&O and an Ariston RD 40 which was my fave.

Cool! I have an SL-110 with an SME arm and Shure V15 type III pickup. I bought it in 1970's after I got my B&W DM2A's at their Worthing shop. My dad was friend's with John Bowers and Roy Wilkins and worked for B&W for a short time.

getting flashbacks to my teen days when i first caught the audiophile bug lol thanks brother

I have a fully automatic Kenwood KD-5070 in the family since 1977. Had it serviced and it still rocks. As a matter of fact, the service tech refers to it as "The Rock"

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Yup! Nice heavy tables!

I am still using the family Philips 312 turntable from 1979. Only issue it ever had was a fractured rca connector. Replaced the cables and sounds better than new.

Wow! I have the SL1200, ARXA and the Dual 1229.

I grew up with Garrard turntables for much longer than any of those listed .

Very cool that you are local only - cheers to your local customers too - when I get the chance to travel to that part of the country, I will definitely stop in

I had a Dual 506 in 1980 and loved it. Long gone. I bought one on EBay a few years back though.

I sold most of the tables you reviewed when I worked for a couple of shops in Harvard square from 72-75. Thorens and Technics were the top picks for people with money. The AR was a best-seller because of price/performance.

great video, thanks!

Great video. I live very close to Skylabs and have been there a few times over the past few years. Always a welcome greeting, happy to chat and answer questions, and the "bench" is in plain sight. They do it all! My 2 turntables are a Technics SL1200 MK2 and a 1972 AR XA which I rehabbed myself. One is a fancy vintage deal, the other probably the world's simplest turntable. Love em both for different reasons.

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, JackT!

I’ve owned many high end and vintage turntables and my FAVORITE one was always the AR XA due to it’s SIMPLICITY and tone arms that would virtually float down towards the vinyl.

The AR was my first turntable in 1972 and still my fave. Still working after heavy use for 50 years. I got other turntables but kept coming back to these. I have 2 now.

@andiman45

Жыл бұрын

Too complicated LOL

I own an AR XB which a building super gave to me. Even has the original box, accessories and paperwork which has a purchase date of December 20, 1975 I also have some Dual turntables.

Audioanalyse AL1 (with Pierre Lurné tonearm)...👍👍 It was considered as "the best turntable of the world" at CES Chicago 1982 !!

I have a dual 721 direct drive. Awesome table.

Good Grief! I found this list pretty amazing. My path too has followed simplicity, design, and manual operation. But, with all the turntables available during these years, I have only had a relative few, but what a list, as least as evidenced by what is covered here. 1964, my first real turntable, ARxa, about $64.00. 1968, Pioneer PL-41, purchased at a PX in Viet Nam and shipped home. 1974, Technics SL1200, initial production model - the first arm, simple single switch for 33/center off/45, lift, speed adjustment controls, fair trade pricing back then, $279.98 I think. 1984, I traded in the SL1200, getting in some fashion what I paid for it ten years earlier - they were still very popular with DJ's - this was mainly a direct drive and torque issue - fast startup onver belts. Took home Harman Kardon T-60, about $475.00 list back then. Then soon after, around 1985 I got out of vinyl when CDs hit, and didn't have a turntable again until 2017. I bought a Haman Kardon T-40 and then added a T-60, both from ebay. Though not 60's-70's, I'll add here that both of these turntables follow the same path - simple and relatively 'clean' design and function.

That´s a nice video! I still have the 1229 I bought new in the 70s, accompanied by a Lenco L78, a Dual 502, and a CEC BD-3200. The nice thing with classic turntables is: when they are well cleaned and properly lubricated, when they have a cartridge that fits to the toneam in its compliance, when the cart is properly aligned, and when you have added a bit of damping and fiddling, then any of those machines sounds really good. So really it is useless to debate which of those is "he best".

Still using my 1229 bought new in '73..been worked over since,but still handles my vinyl with kid gloves..I have a couple others in the rotation but there is something about the Dual that makes it worth using over the others...

I’m an original owner of a Technics SL-1700MKII which is the home version of the SL-1200MKII but with one major difference…the platter and tone arm float like a Thorens . Also have Thorens TD 166 MKII

I too have had many turntables over the years. My current tt is a Harmon Kardon ST7 that I refurbished, with an ADC XLM cart and new stylus, into a EAR clone tube phono preamp and I love it - the looks, how it operates, and how it sounds. Oh la la ...!

Love to impress people with the hammer test on the AR. BANG BANG

Still have and play the sl 1300 with ortofon red cartridge now,but back in 70’s I used the Stanton 681eee with my pioneer 737 and it sounded great ,many parties,many good times.Thanks for the video,loving it.

I had the AR Amplifier, turntable, and AR3 speakers in my dorm room in 1970-72.

I had the AR XB in the early '70s, and also got a Garrard Zero 100 for parties. My stuff from back then got destroyed when a water leak poured down on it. That was a bad day.

I love my pioneer pl 707, was lucky to find it for $100 that was pristine in condition. It goes with my pioneer stack, But I currently have it hooked to the fisher 500c.

Still have the Dual 1229 that I bought in 1972 when I was 18. I love this turntable not only because it’s built extremely well but also has a very high degree of sensitivity. It has the counter weight, of course, for balancing the tone arm, anti-skate, a light strobe function for fine tuning record speed, three settings- 45 and 78 are the two that aren’t normally used and a toggle that allows you to manually very softly drop the tone arm onto the LP.

I started out in around 1973 with AR XB 1a , kept it for years and have it stored now in the original box and foam with the books. Next I went a bit sky high with Linn LP12 Ittok Karma. Then to Sota Star Saphire 2 . Still have that and love it . Two Turntables years ago really did me in though . Nakamichi Dragon and also Thorens Prestige. They are some piece of work there for their day . Just saying how I feel about Turntables.

I recently acquired a refurbished Gradiente DD 200Q. Brazilian made and just a really beautiful turntable! I also have 1970 British built Ariston RD 11S turntable with an upgraded tonearm and platter. You have to switch the belt over to play 45's ! Paid $10 at a yard sale for that one in the 90's !

Great review !

Just found your channel. Thanks for the video's man. I love them.

@skylabsaudio

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jeff!

Running a Goldring G99 with a 12"SME arm .old pinchwheel drive 78rpm45 33&16 speeds Shure N75 takes 78 &33 stylii . pretty cool vintage tech.

I have a Dual 1228. 1973, I believe. It’s… amazing! Got it refurbished by a guy out here in CA. Great value at $190.

I have a 1974 Technics SL 1300 and a 1975 SL 1350. Bought the 1350 new in '75. Both are like new with a little periodic maintenance. Since the tonearms do not have vertical adjustment, I simply swap mats of different thickness for proper tracking. I also have virtually every top Audio Technica cart and stylii from the mid 70s thru early 2000s. Great combinations.

Thank you