On 17/02/2015 1:04 AM, Sumatriptan wrote:
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.
**The 505 was a disaster. You WILL be sorry. The 505-1 & 505-2 ,etc were
brilliant. The original 505 was a fine turntable with an extremely
crappy 'headshell'. They ALL fail. New headshells have not been
available for a very long time. Before supplies completely dried up, I
had seen them sell for as much as US$40.00 each! The only potential
replacements I've seen recently appear to be 3D printed ones. eBay
sellers have them at around US$20.00 ~ $25.00 each. They look very
flimsy and I doubt they will last. The subsequent 505 models used a far
superior headshell, which doesn't fall apart.
I wish you had consulted us before you purchased.
A reputation for solid, long lasting performance. Made in Germany before
manufacturing went to China in 2000.
**Dual was sold to Thorens. AFAIK, Thorens is still made in Germany.
They still use some of the Dual items in their turntables.
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.
**The drive belt is easy. They can be sourced from a variety of sellers.
The speed control belt is not so easy to source, but that is not a major
problem. The headshell, OTOH, IS a major problem.
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.
**Fitted with a really nice cartridge, the Dual 505-2, 3, etc will
provide excellent results.
--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au
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