"Sumatriptan" wrote in message
...
Yesterday, I got a Dual 505 on Ebay for £77. I know there are Denons,
Thorens etc. around but I have a budget...

Here's why I chose it:

The price was right! I've seen them on sale for £120+ and another Dual 505
on Ebay for 'spares or repairs' went for £60 just after I snagged mine.

A reputation for solid, long lasting performance. Made in Germany before
manufacturing went to China in 2000.

Unlike the 506, the headshell will take standard cartridges which brings
me to..

It has a M55E cartridge which the seller tells me was recently fitted.

Comes with Dual's ultra low mass tone arm.

With manual and in original packaging.

Support and spares such as belts seem to be readily available, although
the seller says he isn't aware of any issues.

I see a few people doubting if vinyl--digital is worth it. Rationally,
I'm not sure either but I think it will be fun trying.


They are perfectly reasonable turntables although probably not my choice.
Whether it's worth it or not is totally a personal decision but if you're
listening to your LPs anyway then why not copy them while at it?
My suggestion would be to simply keep the turntable and use it to listen to
your albums (assuming you have a moving magnet phono stage on your
amplifier).
Personally I've not been happy with the mastering on the vast majority of
CDs I've bought compared to the vinyl equivalent, yes, the CD format SHOULD
be better but I've not found that. A lot have very compressed dynamic range
which may be good for listening to in a car but not when at home.
--
David