Dual | Vintage-Turntable.com

Dual 1249 Open

The Dual 1249 is a belt driven turntable offered by the German company around 1975. It's retail price when introduced was about $280. It is definitely one of the better looking Dual turntables though I have always been fonder of the CS 5000 for some reason. The 1249 is a dual speed, 33 and 45, table with an anti skate mechanism as well as the ability to stack records when using the longer spindle. Of course, over the years the longer stacking spindles tend to disappear.

Dual 1249 Dust Cover

The Dual 1249 is a very well built turntable. The change mechanism, however, is somewhat complex. Over the years the original grease hardens and the mechanism won't work properly or won't work at all. The old grease can be cleaned off and new grease applied but it isn't the easiest job to do. The original SM-840 motor can also be problematic in that it will suddenly start operating at double speed on occasion. Dual remedied this later with the SM-860 motor. If you do have double speed problems then you'll need to find the SM-860. I've seen them sell for around $50.

Dual 1249 Plinth

Dual had a recall in the early 1980's regarding the faulty motor so a lot of them were replaced with the SM-860. Not all SM-840's fail so if yours is currently working then it probably will work long term. The Dual 1249 tonearm is a low mass arm with automatic set down. The multi / single VTA lever can also be a problem on the turntables. Don't force your lever if it is stuck. It can break and cause many headaches.

Dual 1249 Tonearm

The Steurpimpel is another issue that can occur with the 1249 over the years. It's a little complicated so I'll post a link to a long discussion over on VinylEngine. Beside some of the age related mechanical issues the Dual 1249 really is a beautiful turntable. Nearly all vintage turntables are problematic in one way or another after having been around for 30+ years.

Dual 1249 Headshell

Most Dual turntables are popular with both collectors and vinyl enthusiasts. They are considered higher end mid-fi components and not necessarily top of the line but there are some that would argue that. As mentioned previously their build quality is excellent. If you do find one be sure to have a tech go through it a give it a good cleaning. Once cleaned and adjusted it should perform exceptionally well. A really nice, serviced Dual 1249 will sell for upwards of $400. An unserviced working version will run about $150 to $200.

Vintage German DUAL 1249 Turntable w SHURE M95ED cartridge COVER WiresCables
	$235.00 Time Remaining: 15d 22h 38m Buy It Now for only: $235.00

Dual 1249 Automatic Turntable with Shure V15 Type III Cartridge
	$235.00 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 47m Buy It Now for only: $235.00

Dual CS 1226 1228 1249 Record Player Cover Dust Cover Hood
	$187.92 Time Remaining: 21d 18h 44m Buy It Now for only: $187.92

Dual CS 5000

This is the beautifully styled and sleek Dual CS 5000 with a walnut plinth. There was also a black plinth available but doesn't look nearly as nice as the walnut. Many feel that the CS 5000 is one of Dual's best turntables ever. It originally came out around 1985 and was on the market for about five years with a retail price of $400-$500. It's a 3 speed, semi-automatic, quartz belt drive turntable with computer controlled speed and electronic touch controls.

Dual CS 5000

The Dual CS 5000 tonearm is suspended in a gyroscopic gimbal bearing designed to reduce friction and enhance freedom of movement. Tracking force is applied via a precision torsion spring. The chassis is suspended with four adjustable shock absorbing feet. Overall it is a very well designed turntable.

Dual CS 5000

Below is the CS 5000 in black which to my eye is not nearly as appealing. However, I own a CS 5000 in black that I picked up at a garage sale for $5. I figured for that amount I'd live with the color.

Dual CS 5000 Black

The Dual CS 5000 was probably a top of the line turntable for Dual at the time it was made but Dual wasn't necessarily making great tables at that time so that's not saying much. Still, you'll find quite a few people that really like the CS 5000 so prices are somewhat elevated for a table in good condition. A walnut CS 5000 in excellent working condition will sell from $300-$500.