When it comes to brands of turntables, there is quite a bit of them that are highly reputable. One of the more highly reputable turntables is the Dual Turntable. The Dual Turntable brand has been around for decades, and most of their turntables are now not commonly found in the market. So far, one of the possible places to find Dual Turntables is on eBay itself. And one of the highly rated turntables, that is no longer in production, is the Dual 1229q turntable. Why is the Dual 1229q highly rated? Let us look into the review of the Dual 1229 turntable.
Dual 1229q Turntable Review
The Dual 1229q turntable is one of the best dual turntables that you can hardly find in most stores. The Dual 1229q is initially developed in the year 1972, and production stopped a few years after that. Considered as a technological marvel, the Dual 1229q was the talk of the talk back then, especially when it comes to audiophiles. Nowadays, you can hardly find Dual 1229q anywhere else. One of the possible places to find it is still on eBay.
One of the top reasons why this vintage Dual 1229q has been highly sought after back in the days is due to its functionality. While some turntables are manual or semi-automatic, it is pretty rare for a high fidelity turntable like the Dual 1229q to be fully automatic. It can automatically switch from one record to another, hence you can simply lay on your sofa or couch and simply enjoy the music that is being played by the turntable. It will truly be an experience for audiophiles.
The sound is also further enhanced due to the low rumble when listening to the music. Of course, some owners might modify their vintage Dual 1229q so that they can manually change the vinyl records. That is fine too, whichever that works better for you.
Features
Indeed, the Dual 1229q Turntable is a fully automatic turntable with a host of features that make it stand out from its competitors. It features a sturdy construction with a die-cast aluminum platter and a heavy-duty motor that ensures smooth and accurate rotation. The turntable also features an adjustable tonearm, anti-skate control, and a cartridge that can be easily upgraded to enhance the sound quality.
The Dual 1229q Turntable also features a built-in strobe light, making it easy to ensure that the turntable is rotating at the correct speed. The turntable also features a pitch control function, allowing you to adjust the speed of the turntable to match the pitch of the music being played.
Design
The Dual 1229q Turntable is a beautifully designed turntable that oozes style and elegance. It features a sleek and minimalist design, with a polished aluminum finish that gives it a high-end look and feel. The turntable also features a dust cover that protects the turntable and keeps it free from dust and debris.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Dual 1229q Turntable is second to none. The turntable produces a warm and natural sound that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophile. The turntable’s anti-skate control and adjustable tonearm ensure that the stylus stays in the groove and tracks the record perfectly, resulting in a clean and distortion-free sound.
The turntable’s heavy-duty motor ensures that the platter rotates smoothly and accurately, resulting in a stable and consistent sound. The turntable’s pitch control function also allows you to adjust the speed of the turntable to match the pitch of the music being played, ensuring that the music sounds as it was intended to be heard.
Platter
As mentioned in the article What Is A Turntable, one of the things to look out for when choosing a turntable is the weight of the platter itself. This goes the same for the Dual 1229q. The weight of the Dual 1229q turntable is heavy, and hence you can expect the rumbling to be at the bare minimum. Also, this means that your music will not be interrupted by random bumps too.
Tonearm
For the tonearm, there is a worry that the long tonearm has an effect on the records, especially since there might be excessive friction involved. Not to worry, as the tonearm itself reduces friction by using a Gimbal style system. If you are unsure what is a Gimbal style bearing system, all you need to know is that the bearing system allows for a seamless movement between parts, hence friction is at the bare minimum, if not negligible.
Durability
The durability of the Dual 1229q is unparalleled when it comes to sturdiness and longevity. I mean, since most of it is built in the early 1970s, it is a cool 50 years since its introduction to the world, and hence most of the Dual 1229q should be damaged or unusable, right? Not quite!
Indeed, with some slight restoration and repairs, most of the Dual 1229q can be used again. And this itself is a testament to the durability of the Dual 1229q.
Specifications
The Dual 1229Q is a variation of the 1229 automatic turntable.
Specifications
- Non-magnetic platter that weighs 6.8 pounds
- RPM at 33, 45 and 78
- Speed accuracy deviation of +-0.06% DIN 45507
- -63dB weighted rumble
- Long tonearm using a 4 point gimbal system
- length of 222mm
- Use cartridges from 1/2″, weighing from 1g to 12g
- Stylus pressure of 3g at the maximum
- Weight is at 7.2 kg
What To Look Out For When Purchasing A 2nd Hand Dual 1229q Turntable
Should you purchase a 2nd hand Dual 1229q from the local dealer, from eBay or other auction houses, there might be a few pointers that you will need to be mindful of. Indeed, you should always check for damages in the following parts:
- Flat spots on the idler wheel
- Hardened grease
- Faulty controls
- Arm not moving to rest position
- Mute contracts
- Arm trip pawl is stiff
- No oil in steuerpimpel
- No bearing in platter roller
As the repair cost for the Dual 1229q can be expensive, please do check before you purchase them.
What To Do If You Wish To Repair Dual 1229Q
While it is honestly not too complicated to refurbish an old dual 1229q turntable, there might be times at which you simply want to seek professional help. In that sense, you can always approach the people at fixmydual.com. They are known to be able to repair the 1229q turntable for a fee.
However, if you wish to repair a Dual 1229Q turntable, there are a few things you can do:
- Determine the problem: First, you need to determine what is causing the issue with your turntable. Is it a mechanical problem, such as a loose tonearm or a warped platter? Or is it an electronic issue, such as a malfunctioning motor or speed control?
- Find a reputable repair technician: Once you have identified the problem, you will need to find a reputable repair technician who is experienced with Dual 1229Q turntables. Look for someone who has a good reputation and has worked on similar turntables in the past.
- Obtain replacement parts: If your turntable needs replacement parts, you will need to obtain them either from a Dual 1229Q parts supplier or from a salvage turntable. Be sure to get the correct parts for your specific model.
- Bring your turntable to the technician: Bring your turntable to the repair technician along with a description of the problem and any replacement parts you have obtained. The technician will diagnose the issue and provide an estimate for the repair.
- Approve the repair: Once you receive the estimate for the repair, you can decide whether or not to proceed with the repair. If you approve the repair, the technician will fix the issue and return your turntable to you in good working condition.
Conclusion
The Dual 1229q Turntable is a classic turntable that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice among audiophiles. Its sturdy construction, elegant design, and exceptional performance make it a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality turntable. If you’re in the market for a turntable, we highly recommend the Dual 1229q Turntable!
