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Dual 721 turntable - opinions/advice?

I just picked up a Dual 721 for under $20. Seems to run fine. Looking at the strobe, it looks like it is maintaining speed. It has a "supposedly" new AT120E cartridge. Maybe new 20 years ago? Dust cover is thrashed.

I thought I might have someone put new RCA cables on it, a little oil on the bearings, and put my Sumiko Pearl cartridge on it.

• Any advice? Thoughts?
• How does this TT compare to others?
• How does this compare to my Akai AP-Q80 direct drive TT?
• Any ideas where to get a dust cover in decent condition?

Thanks,
Craig
craig_c

Showing 3 responses by craig_c

craig_c OP
21 posts
 
Ekobesky,
Actually, I paid $10.

The dustcover is cracked all the way across the middle, side to side. And I know cosmetics are not critical to function, It would be nice if it looked better.

I don't understand "high compliance" or why the brand new Sumiko wouldn't be a good fit. I'd appreciate whatever you can do to educate me on this topic of matching tone-arms with cartridges. I was worried that the Shure or AT would be too bright for me in the highs. What is a "ULM" arm?

Craig
craig_c OP
21 posts
 
Thanks, very clear information.
Since the owner claimed that it "had a new needle", how can I evaluate the condition of the stylus?

My phono stage is a Proton 1100 preamp. It likely doesn't stack up against preamps in the multi-hundred dollar range, but my understanding is that the innards are essentially identical to a NAK of the same class. So, from what I gather, not a bad little pre.

Now what to do with the Sumiko cartridge.

Craig
craig_c OP
21 posts
 
I misspoke. My Proton 1100 is pretty much identical to a NAD 1130.

Is there a thread here to help a newbie evaluate the condition of a stylus?

Craig
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