New Acquisition - Dual 1219

DaveyW · « **on:** 16 Jun 2011, 07:52 pm »

Had a bit of a Score on the old bay.

Was doing a search for some speakers for my daughters midi system and came across a rather poorly described ad;
"Speakers, Dual Turntable and 2 cartridges – all good, working condition"

Hmmm! Could do with another TT for the dining room thought I.

Popped in a small bid and won it for our smallest note - yes £5

Collected the lot yesterday - cleaned 'em up a little and fired the TT up tonight.

As you can see the Dual (turns out to be a 1219) is in superb condition, not a mark on the woodwork, plinth or platter.

Still trying to work out all of the features – this fully automatic, plays anything deck is a far cry from the Sondek.
All seems to work fine (except the platter keeps spinning even though the arm has returned on switch off – not sure if this is right or user error – time will tell no doubt)

It’s come with a pair of Shure’s, one is a fully boxed and original V15 II, plus an original (also in a wooden box) replacement VN15-E stylus.

Oh! And the speakers (basic brand) are perfect – just what I was after.

Not too shabby a deal eh!

Wayner · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Jun 2011, 08:14 pm »

I've had a couple of Duals in my life, and IMO, they are a cluster f _ _ _! However, we do have a Dual expert among us and he is the AVnerdguy, from Minneapolis.

I think he could really help you out getting some of the linkages in tune with the machine functions, like your current problem.

Wayner

DaveyW · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Jun 2011, 09:32 pm »

Thanks Wayner,
To be honest this is more of a curio than a move to oust the Linn.
Also the automatic features offer something I feel comfortable letting the kids loose on - they've already had a go.
I'll try and track down a user/service manual and see if I can get the platter to stop spinning - otherwise all is looking good.
Cheers
Dave

AVnerdguy · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Jun 2011, 09:40 pm »

Indeed, that is a simple fix. There is a push rod that activates a switch. One of 2 things - the push rod has become dislodged or (very common) the switch is gummed up and needs to be cleaned with some non flammable lubricant (tuner cleaner). Unfortunately, I don't have a Dual here to take photos of but you can likely recognize it by carefully watching the actions underneath. BE CAREFUL - these things ran on line AC and there is hazardous voltages in many places!

DaveyW · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Jun 2011, 09:48 pm »

Quote from: AVnerdguy on 16 Jun 2011, 09:40 pm

Indeed, that is a simple fix. There is a push rod that activates a switch. One of 2 things - the push rod has become dislodged or (very common) the switch is gummed up and needs to be cleaned with some non flammable lubricant (tuner cleaner). Unfortunately, I don't have a Dual here to take photos of but you can likely recognize it by carefully watching the actions underneath. BE CAREFUL - these things ran on line AC and there is hazardous voltages in many places!

Great thanks for this - will take a look over the weekend.

It's come with the LP stacker bar - takes me back to my childhood and our old Decca Gramophone

orthobiz · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Jun 2011, 01:06 am »

I bought a 1216 from a friend last year. It wouldn't turn on. So, I took it apart just a bit. Turned it over and touched and moved the linkages (while it was unplugged). Downloaded the user's and repair manuals from vinylengine.com. Played with it some more.

Then, I promptly packaged it up and sent it Bill Neumann at fixmydual! The bottom gear thingy scared the heck out of me. My daughter loves it, though.

Paul

Randy · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Jun 2011, 01:42 am »

Wow, I had one of those 30 years ago, I guess. Looking at the photo brings back memories, not all good ones, however.

DaveyW · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 Jun 2011, 06:25 pm »

OK OK - So there's not too much Love for Dual here

It's an interesting piece of kit though; maybe it's just the Engineer in me that finds all the mechanisms fascinating

Friday afternoon is my time - no one at home so out came the deck from the plinth (surprisingly straight forward).

Everything inside looked fine but was rather dry, so grease and light machine oil applied in the appropriate places.
Still the platter would not stop turning when the arm returned to rest.

I spent a bit of time checking the mechanism and saw that the power shut down lever wasn’t quite making it all the way to depress the switch.

On closer inspection there was a little tag (arrowed below) that was in contact with another part of the mechanism, stopping it moving all the way.
A little tweak with some needle nose pliers and Hey Presto – In Business.

Everything is now working fine.

Thanks AVnerdguy for the prompt.

Oh! I've also changed the shockingly poor RCA cables for a rather more respectable pair.

Cheers
Dave

AVnerdguy · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Jun 2011, 06:43 pm »

You're welcome. If you haven't put it away yes I suggest you clean that switch as well - just a bit of preventative service. Also, some light white lithium lube on those sliding arms/levers wouldn't hurt (and I mean just a light film like from a Q Tip) and will keep the mechanisms moving fluently.

Cheers

DaveyW · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 Jun 2011, 07:21 pm »

Check this little beauty out;

This is the original stylus off the Shure V15 II that came with the deck.
Looks like it's seen a few too many discs

Thankfully the replacement VN 15-E stylus is in pretty reasonable shape

DaveyW · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Jun 2011, 07:31 pm »

Quote from: orthobiz on 17 Jun 2011, 01:06 am

My daughter loves it, though.

Yes that's the sort of path I'm thinking of treading with this.

Pop it on the platter and tap a lever, no risk of miscuing and just as important no risk of seventeen hours of deadwax tracking at the end

eclein · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Jun 2011, 08:58 pm »

DaveyW thanks for starting the thread, when I was a kid my Dad bought he and I a nice stereo, DUAL,Advent,Marantz I cut my rock and roll teeth on that rig and because of your post my buddy here AVnerdguy has decided to clean out the house and send his DUAL my way....very cool having a DUAL again and getting back into trying vinyl, I think we had a 1216 but not 100% positive, I always dug them even if they are not THE TT to have it will be a total blast explaining to my kids how records work, I guess I better start reading up myself. Enjoy your weekend Dave you got another guy going back to vinyl with the thread and I thank you!!!

orthobiz · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Jun 2011, 10:59 pm »

Davey, you are WAY better at diagnostics than me! Congrats!
Paul

DaveyW · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 Jun 2011, 05:59 am »

Quote from: eclein on 17 Jun 2011, 08:58 pm

DaveyW thanks for starting the thread, when I was a kid my Dad bought he and I a nice stereo, DUAL,Advent,Marantz I cut my rock and roll teeth on that rig and because of your post my buddy here AVnerdguy has decided to clean out the house and send his DUAL my way....very cool having a DUAL again and getting back into trying vinyl, I think we had a 1216 but not 100% positive, I always dug them even if they are not THE TT to have it will be a total blast explaining to my kids how records work, I guess I better start reading up myself. Enjoy your weekend Dave you got another guy going back to vinyl with the thread and I thank you!!!

Great News Eclein - it's quite humbling to know that my little post has brought you back to vinyl
Looking forward to seeing some pics when you're up and running

I bet you won't be able to stop yourself smiling when the needle first hits vinyl

Have fun,

Dave

DaveyW · « **Reply #14 on:** 18 Jun 2011, 06:09 am »

Quote from: orthobiz on 17 Jun 2011, 10:59 pm

Davey, you are WAY better at diagnostics than me! Congrats!
Paul

Hi Paul,
PC's and electronics forget it - thankfully this is all mechanical, much more my bag.
I got lucky though with this, everything was actually functioning, just needed a little adjustment.

Talking about mechanics - I got the stacking system to work last night
I still can't believe we used to do this

Using some less loved discs, it was difficult to watch the 2nd disc rub against the spinning vinyl as it dropped down without wincing.

bauzace50 · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Jun 2011, 05:07 pm »

Dave,
the new turntable is impressive, and constitutes a radical best buy in your case

! Best wishes!

I will be taking a trip to Philadelphia starting June 26, until June 30, 2011. Will attempt connecting with neobop, of course. Do you fellows know any other vinyl enthusiast from the area. We might be able to get together for a SHORT music session during Monday, or Tuesday.

Regards,
bauzace50

DaveyW · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 Jun 2011, 08:09 pm »

Quote from: bauzace50 on 23 Jun 2011, 05:07 pm

Dave,
the new turntable is impressive, and constitutes a radical best buy in your case ! Best wishes!

I will be taking a trip to Philadelphia starting June 26, until June 30, 2011. Will attempt connecting with neobop, of course. Do you fellows know any other vinyl enthusiast from the area. We might be able to get together for a SHORT music session during Monday, or Tuesday.

Regards,
bauzace50

Thanks B50,
Have fun in Philly - Hope you can get together with Neo.
Cheers
Dave

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 Jun 2011, 08:12 pm »

Quote from: bauzace50 on 23 Jun 2011, 05:07 pm

Dave,
the new turntable is impressive, and constitutes a radical best buy in your case ! Best wishes!

I will be taking a trip to Philadelphia starting June 26, until June 30, 2011. Will attempt connecting with neobop, of course. Do you fellows know any other vinyl enthusiast from the area. We might be able to get together for a SHORT music session during Monday, or Tuesday.

Regards,
bauzace50

b50,

LetitRoll is in southern New Jersey - not far from Philly at all.

Good to see you around - have been remiss in emailing you a hello of late

John

Nels Ferre · « **Reply #18 on:** 23 Jun 2011, 11:35 pm »

That is a nice looking 1219. Congrats. When I was a teenager, I had a 1229Q. I wish I still had it. Despite what others may say, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a rim drive Dual.

timind · « **Reply #19 on:** 24 Jun 2011, 12:03 am »

That is a nice looking tt. I had one of those back in 74. First turntable I purchased with my own money. No idea what ever happened to it.
That really was a bargain find there.