[Merle]

My wife actually asked my to get a turntable. Not one to miss an opportunity like that, I decided I'd like to have a Dual CS5000. I owned one years ago and have fond memories of it. I found one yesterday on Audiogon advertised as "near mint" for $200, less cartridge. I have sent payment for the Dual. Now, my questions. The seller said everything works fine but the table seems a little slow coming up to speed, yet holds speed once there. He say's it just needs a new belt. [$13 from the Needle Doctor] Not knowing much about turntables anymore, does this sound right or should I be more concerned that something else is causing this? Next, can anyone recommend a decent cartridge and phono preamp to use with the Dual? I'd like to keep my total cost around $600 or less, including the $200 I've already spent on the Dual. Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

[Carlman]

My wife actually asked my to get a turntable. Not one to miss an opportunity like that, I decided I'd like to have a Dual CS5000. I owned one years ago and have fond memories of it. I found one yesterday on Audiogon advertised as "near mint" for $200, less cartridge. I have sent payment for the Dual. Now, my questions. The seller said everything works fine but the table seems a little slow coming up to speed, yet holds speed once there. He say's it just needs a new belt. [$13 from the Needle Doctor] Not kno ...

I can't help with the motor/belt issue... but, I'm midway through a long learning experience with vinyl; specifically, choosing what works with what... I have a couple of phono pre's and cartridges I'm comparing now.

With the Ortofon OM20, a pretty good value cartridge ($130), I compared a VPP-1 phono pre from Channel Islands Audio and 2 Bugle pres made by 2 different people with different components.  Of the 3, with the OM20, I prefered one of the Bugles.  I'll be comparing a Goldring 1042 next... which may change what I prefer.

Everyone recommended the Goldring cart's to me for the best per $ cart.  I can't wait to see how much better/different it is than the Ortofon.  I should know this weekend.  I was told the VPP-1 was developed using the Goldring cart.  So, should be interesting.

-C

[WEEZ]

Merle-

You mentioned Needle Doctor as a source for a new belt (which is probably all your turntable needs). Maybe you could ask them for recommendations on a cart. & phono-pre. They sell Dual tables, I noticed.

For me, I like the full-bodied sound of Grado carts. I have owned the cheap ones ($15 at one time) all the way up to my current $500 Sonata. They all have that warm, relaxed presentation. (Of course, more refinement as you go up in price).

Good luck in your search. Let us know how you do..

WEEZ