[usp1]

I am just getting into turntables, so While I am looking for a quality entry-level turntable, I was able to snipe a Dual CS 530 on fleabay for $60 shipped. It arrived yesterday and seems to be in very nice condition. It has a Grado cartridge (not sure what model). Overall I am pleased with the purchase. The table holds speed very well (at least the strobe indicator seems steady). All functions seem to work well except one (see complaint 1 below). And the table is cosmetically in very nice condition.

But there are a couple of things that could be better, so I am hoping someone here can point me in the right direction:
1. The table is supposed to be fully automatic but I find that the first time I press Start the arm does not automatically go to the start of the record. I have to manually move the arm and lower the stylus on to the record. However, it does return automatically when it reaches the end of the record and thereafter pressing start automatically moves the arm to start position and lowers the stylus. (I am unlatching the arm from its stand before pressing start )

2. the sound is flat. I was hoping to hear that vinyl magic but this thing sounds like my Sony boombox. A Cd played through the same system sounds much better. I can think of several reasons...the phono on the AVR could be crappy; or the cartridge/stylus need to be replaced; or this is just a crappy table.

Any suggestions on where to begin?

[wagnju]

What AVR are you using . Does it have a designated Phono input ? MM or MC input  ( can you switch between MM and MC ) ? Is the Grado a MM or MC cartridge ? Any chance to get more details from the cartridge ? A photo would be great .

Is this the one you have

http://www.dual-reference.com/tables/CS530.htm

[usp1]

I have an onkyo 804 with a phono input. Since it does nto specify I presume it is a MM phono. The cartridge I beleive is a MM cartridge (per the seller). How can I tell by looking at it?

This is the fleabay ad

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUAL-CS-530-FULL-AUTOMATIC-TURNTABLE-NICE-/330835561887?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&nma=true&si=txNCG3O9l28%2BwiSh4mHcn%2FPUYOg%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

[neobop]

Looks like a Grado Black, maybe it needs a new needle or maybe you would prefer a more lively cart.  Welcome to the world of records and players.  Do you have some means of cleaning your records?  If not, you can do it in the kitchen sink. It's extremely important for good sound.

My suggestion is to not worry about the auto start for now.  See if you can get it to sound good.  I have a feeling you would prefer another cart, do you have more money to invest?  You could probably stuff about 5 lbs of plasticlay in that base and improve the sound.  To do this, remove the platter and tie down the arm, turn it upside down and take off the bottom plate. Stuff the clay in there, avoiding any electronics or moving parts. Results should be dramatic on that table.

You can download the service manual here:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/dual/cs-530.shtml

neo

[simoon]

If the phono input does not specify MC or MM, it will be MM.

All Grado cartridges are MM, as far as I know.

I would suspect there is a problem with the cartridge itself. Or it's a low end Grado.

It could be as simple as poor setup (cartridge alignment).

[usp1]

Looks like a Grado Black, maybe it needs a new needle or maybe you would prefer a more lively cart.  Welcome to the world of records and players.  Do you have some means of cleaning your records?  If not, you can do it in the kitchen sink. It's extremely important for good sound.

My suggestion is to not worry about the auto start for now.  See if you can get it to sound good.  I have a feeling you would prefer another cart, do you have more money to invest?  You could probably stuff about 5 lbs of plasticlay in that base and improve the sound.  To do this, remove the platter and tie down the arm, turn it upside down and take off the bottom plate. Stuff the clay in there, avoiding any electronics or moving parts. Results should be dramatic on that table.

You can download the service manual here:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/dual/cs-530.shtml

neo

I prefer not to put any more money into this turntable right now. I am hoping to get something a lot better soon. I have no way of knowing if the cartridge is properly aligned. The seller said something about it being professionally aligned. The clay idea is interesting. I was wondering about the flimsy base... basically the plinth is a thin metal box. I will play with it over the Christmas holidays.

[orthobiz]

If the phono input does not specify MC or MM, it will be MM.

All Grado cartridges are MM, as far as I know.

I would suspect there is a problem with the cartridge itself. Or it's a low end Grado.

It could be as simple as poor setup (cartridge alignment).

I would say all Grado "entry level" cartridges are MM (or moving iron as they like to say). They do have a few MC cartridges as well.

Paul

[usp1]

Looks like a Grado Black, maybe it needs a new needle or maybe you would prefer a more lively cart.  Welcome to the world of records and players.  Do you have some means of cleaning your records?  If not, you can do it in the kitchen sink. It's extremely important for good sound.

My suggestion is to not worry about the auto start for now.  See if you can get it to sound good.  I have a feeling you would prefer another cart, do you have more money to invest?  You could probably stuff about 5 lbs of plasticlay in that base and improve the sound.  To do this, remove the platter and tie down the arm, turn it upside down and take off the bottom plate. Stuff the clay in there, avoiding any electronics or moving parts. Results should be dramatic on that table.

You can download the service manual here:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/dual/cs-530.shtml

neo

I took Neo's advice and stuffed plastic clay into the bottom. The results are indeed quite good. More air around instruments...particularly noticeable on trumpets and saxophones.

[neobop]

Good, glad to hear it.  There are a few things that you can do that will cost nothing that might help.  Also a couple of things that cost very little that you'll still be able to use in future.

Clean your belt and pulley.  Use rubbing alcohol and a q-tip(s) to get deposits off the pulley.  Remove the belt from the table and put some alcohol in your palm and pull the belt through it.  Rub both surfaces of the belt with the alcohol.   After it dries put some talc in your palm and pull the belt through the talc to coat both sides.  Shake excess talc off the belt and reinstall.  Even though you have pitch control, this might improve flutter, or minor speed variations, and make the belt last a lot longer. 

You have to clean the needle.  Deposits build up and get baked on.  A soft stylus brush should be used after every side at the very least.  Always brush from back to front, gently.  This only removes dust.  To clean, you can buy a commercial stylus cleaner or replicate one.  You'll need a stiffer brush like a Last brush.  You can get one from Turntable Basics.  Get a small dropper bottle or squeeze bottle and fill it with 50& alcohol and 50% distilled water, or you can use distilled vinegar and water.  Put a few drops on the brush and carefully brush from back to front.  ALWAYS have your tonearm free - not locked down.  That way you can't put more than the tracking force on the needle/suspension. 

I believe there's a sticky about record cleaning.  It makes a hugh difference.   I recommend a carbon fiber brush for dusting.  Don't hesitate about asking questions.  Like the old saying, the only dumb question is one unasked.
neo 

Edit - I forgot to mention cart alignment.  You can go to Vinyl Engine and download protractors.  I like Baerwald.  You just have to measure to make sure the protractor is to scale.  If you're unsure how to use it, ask.