Picked up a Dual 1019

[kasperhauser]

My first idler-drive turntable. Saw it in a thrift shop, paid the princely sum of $70, and lugged it home.

It seems quite tidy and complete. I haven’t spent any time underneath it yet other than to confirm it looks equally clean. I need to order one of the overpriced little cartridge sleds from somewhere but mostly seems ok so far. It spins, speed changes, etc. Possibly running slow. Cueing lever doesn’t appear to work. Plinth looks original and salvageable.

I know there is plenty of guidance out there on refurbishing these. I would appreciate any “must do” advice from those who know. Thanks.

 

[chartz]

Great deck , one of the best changers. Great bass. Deserves a good cartridge.

Have a look at Dual Board, they are the world specialists. I use Safari’s translator, and ask my queries in English, no worries.
First things first: lubrication, starting with the motor (it should be silent).


They manufacture great idlers in Quebec, the best.

NEW Dual turntable idler wheel for all 10xx/12xx series except 1219/1229/1229Q – Made In Canada – AudioVault

audiovault.ca

The TK headshell can be bought new at Dualfred. He’s Alfred Langer, who engineers new Dual decks.

 

[kasperhauser]

Thanks, I hadn’t come across those resources yet. The Dual Board in particular looks like a great place to seek advice.

As for the cartridge sled, I’m US-based so I just ordered one of the Best Audio 3D-printed ones off eBay. They seem to have some fans.

Hoping to remove the plinth and get started with the clean and lube later today.

 

[chartz]

Keep us posted please, with more pictures!

 

[Craig B]

Assuming it didn't come with one, you'll also be wanting a single play spindle.

BTW, Dual Doctor up here in Ontario recently sold a reconditioned 1019 in the same United Audio 'wedge' plinth for $400.

 

[Martyn Miles]

I recall seeing one at a friend’s house in the mid. ‘70s.
The build quality was very good indeed.
Fitted with an Ortofon cartridge.

 

[Woodface]

Are these supposed to be any good? Always thought Dual was budget end? This does look like a proper thing though.

 

[kasperhauser]

De-plinthed and inverted:

Predictably cruddy:

Platter doesn’t disappoint:

On to the cleanup. Won’t be in any hurry, so probably not much progress to report for awhile.

 

[narabdela]

Are these supposed to be any good? Always thought Dual was budget end? This does look like a proper thing though.

A common misconception. Yes, they did also make budget players, but their classic idlers were excellent.

 

[paulfromcamden]

Being an idler you won't be surprised to learn that one or two folk at Lenco Heaven have tinkered with 1019s.

There are a bunch of 1019 threads but this is probably the longest:

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=25645.0

 

[notevenclose]

Are these supposed to be any good? Always thought Dual was budget end? This does look like a proper thing though.

You thought wrong then. The 505 was a hugely successful budget turntable 40 years ago, particularly in the somewhat myopic UK market, but Dual has a long history of excellent engineering and innovative ideas, even in their budget decks, and made some very serious fine-sounding turntables. I sold a lot of CS701s to customers who for a variety of reasons didn't want a 'wobbly' record player, especially if it was partnered with an arm which bits fell off every now and again (and there were several of those).

 

[Craig B]

De-plinthed and inverted:

Predictably cruddy:

Platter doesn’t disappoint:

On to the cleanup. Won’t be in any hurry, so probably not much progress to report for awhile.

Suggest having a good read of vinylengine member dualcan's post on the subject of servicing the main turntable bearing of these auto-changers (here...). With or without platter drive sorted, this part will ultimately determine how much rumble comes through with these decks. Basically, all of Dual's changers feature a ball race main platter bearing such that the changer spindle can be operated via a shaft through the fixed bearing post (that the platter sleeve bushing rotates round) from below. Pay particular attention to the type of lube used/recommended, as well the order of parts assembly, as these are critical to the continued proper functioning of these parts. The difference between un-serviced and serviced main bearing isn't subtle here. One can spend many hours assuming that the drive train needs further sorting only to find that the deck still sounds 'rough'.