Are Dual turntables any good?

The other plastic part I was referring to is the cover at the base of the tonearm which appears to be aluminum but is actually plastic.

Just bought a 1257 with QLM 32 MK111 cartridge. Any comments? I remember my audiophile cousin had a Dual when I was a kid and I marveled at it. So simple yet it really had a pristine, sweet sound. Then he was drafted, but he sent $ home to have his family purchase LPs.
I purchased the 1257 to play the beat up Lps I pick up at Goodwill. (Just got 4 old Cal Tjader LPs in horrible shape, but the covers are too cool). It sounds pretty good. Any info/comments about this table and cart would be appreciated.

I have passed them up for real cheap $10., would not even want one for that price!
All plastic, even the internal moving parts.
Very overrated in my opinion, a Thorens will step all over Dual.

what cartridge and stylus are the best for the dual 1218?? thanx dan ryan

Stick with the belt drive versions. Even then, they don't compete with today's better brands, but for under $100, if you're on a budget, then they can be a good value.

Dave