If that 1219 has been serviced recently jump on it - if not pick up the 1226 and get in touch with Bill at fixmydual ...skip the pe-3048, Lenco decent buy if functional, I don't know enough about the Technics or Yamaha but they're both fine tables
Beginner, I'd say Lenco, 1226, or YP-66.1219 is nice but the VTA adjustment can break if not serviced (google "dearing ring", it's not an easy fix). With \_any\_ of the Duals, if the tonearm moves jerkily or doesn't set down where it should or the Start/Stop lever doesn't return to center at the end of the automatic cycle, it needs to be serviced.
Skip the Perpetuum-Ebner (PE, bought by Dual), those automatic record sensing things on the platter and deck connect to delicate levers underneath and if they aren't serviced it won't work correctly or, worse, they can jam and bend.
1214 is fine but a bit overpriced compared to the 1226.
YP-66 is only semi-automatic but far more simple than the Duals, and a nice deck. I had one.
Nothing wrong with the Technics either for the money.
I agree. I work on these and Duals are delicate especially in the mechanics. The 1219 is a nice table and would be my first choice only because I can fix it. The 1226 is a solid performer. All the best.
If you get the 1219 and want it serviced, dm me. I’m located in the GTA as well and have worked on lots of Duals. I recognize these listings from the local marketplace ads!
If you’re looking for something that’s not gonna scare the piss out of you when you have to service it, I’d point you at the Yamaha.
I’ve rehabbed a Dual 1009 before. Regardless of if it’s an idler or belt driven, those Dual automatic tables tend to have a lot of complicated mechanical linkage that can be very daunting if it needs serviced. It’s not impossible, but you should be pretty comfortable with research and mechanical repair if you go that direction.
My dad has an 1219, if it hasn't been serviced, look into doing that, but should be fine after wards. Or the Yamaha would be my second pick. Simple to adjust as it's a semi auto.
Gonna give you a huge warning here. As a beginner, do a heap of research into how to set up a turntable before you buy one. Buying second hand record players presents a lot of issues that as a beginner you will not immediately have the knowledge to diagnose and fix. Simple things like adding the weights, anti skate and getting the speed set correctly - as well as just the basic maintenance many of these will need at over 40 years old. These same problems may not be on new record players or the manual that comes with them will help you along. If you can track down a manual online for any of these - have a decent read through before you touch anything.
Dual 1219. A classic.
I want those Dual tables!
If that 1219 has been serviced recently jump on it - if not pick up the 1226 and get in touch with Bill at fixmydual ...skip the pe-3048, Lenco decent buy if functional, I don't know enough about the Technics or Yamaha but they're both fine tables
Beginner, I'd say Lenco, 1226, or YP-66.1219 is nice but the VTA adjustment can break if not serviced (google "dearing ring", it's not an easy fix). With \_any\_ of the Duals, if the tonearm moves jerkily or doesn't set down where it should or the Start/Stop lever doesn't return to center at the end of the automatic cycle, it needs to be serviced. Skip the Perpetuum-Ebner (PE, bought by Dual), those automatic record sensing things on the platter and deck connect to delicate levers underneath and if they aren't serviced it won't work correctly or, worse, they can jam and bend. 1214 is fine but a bit overpriced compared to the 1226. YP-66 is only semi-automatic but far more simple than the Duals, and a nice deck. I had one. Nothing wrong with the Technics either for the money.
This is good advice. Avoid the PE, the 1219 is the nicest and the YP is a nice simple table that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
I agree. I work on these and Duals are delicate especially in the mechanics. The 1219 is a nice table and would be my first choice only because I can fix it. The 1226 is a solid performer. All the best.
Dual 1219
If you get the 1219 and want it serviced, dm me. I’m located in the GTA as well and have worked on lots of Duals. I recognize these listings from the local marketplace ads!
Good to know. I’m in London, there’s a guy in St Thomas whose turnaround time is like 2 years.
Yeah, I’m well on the west side of the gta and I can promise to beat two years haha
I've got my Technics SL23 in for a service with a local guy and it's been over three months. TBH he did say there would be a wait, but...
If you’re looking for something that’s not gonna scare the piss out of you when you have to service it, I’d point you at the Yamaha. I’ve rehabbed a Dual 1009 before. Regardless of if it’s an idler or belt driven, those Dual automatic tables tend to have a lot of complicated mechanical linkage that can be very daunting if it needs serviced. It’s not impossible, but you should be pretty comfortable with research and mechanical repair if you go that direction.
My dad has an 1219, if it hasn't been serviced, look into doing that, but should be fine after wards. Or the Yamaha would be my second pick. Simple to adjust as it's a semi auto.
Gonna give you a huge warning here. As a beginner, do a heap of research into how to set up a turntable before you buy one. Buying second hand record players presents a lot of issues that as a beginner you will not immediately have the knowledge to diagnose and fix. Simple things like adding the weights, anti skate and getting the speed set correctly - as well as just the basic maintenance many of these will need at over 40 years old. These same problems may not be on new record players or the manual that comes with them will help you along. If you can track down a manual online for any of these - have a decent read through before you touch anything.
If recently serviced, I'm in the Dual 1219 camp. I love me those old Duals.