Dual 505 Turntable Repair

A common fault on this old classic.

[@derekagnew4587]

Great video!!! Just managed to fix my 4o+ year old turntable by following your instructions and a bit of cleaning/oiling. Brilliant!!! Thank you!!!

[@jimdixon5763]

Very useful video. Had my Dual CS 505-2 in storage for ten years and couldn't understand why it wouldn't work. Found it was the sticking switch as shown here, but luckily only had to work it a bit with my fingers to get it working again.

[@johnvdk9936]

Great advice. Fixed my 30 year old 505-2 and it runs again! Dismounting the switch mechanism and re-lubricating was not even necessary. Just manually clicking it in a few times was enough. Thanks!

[@shivanl1695]

Thank you very much! I repaired mine last year with your video. I inherited the Dual from my father 3 years ago so I am really thankful for your video, it’s still playing like new today.

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

Thanks for this video - it saved my bacon. I thought my old deck was broken but it literally needed this cleaning. One tip to all those out there - it literally needs ONE drop of oil and no more. You really think it might need more but a little goes a long way. Back to enjoying my old vinyl collection again :)

[@philiprobbins6322]

This video was brilliant - thanks for such helpful advice. A local repair shop had failed to sort the problem, telling me that it always worked in the workshop and that I must be doing something wrong. Charged me £56 for replacing a belt, or so they said. My old Dual deck has therefore lain dormant for a couple of years. Followed your advice today, though failed to get the 'e' clip off so just lubricated the pin etc anyway - and it seems to have done the trick. Hundreds of old vinyl albums have suddenly come to life again!

[@mariomelillo3770]

You just saved me a bunch of $, and made me very happy that I get to keep my amazing Dual 505, instead of the PoS I purchased because I thought it was dead! Thank you!!!

[@mariomelillo3770]

@Pixie Pete I think it was an AT-LP60 or some thing very close to that. It just wouldn’t track properly and it couldn’t be adjusted.

[@dobees]

Omg THANK YOU SO MUCH. My Dual 506 has been out of commission for close to three years (avid collector, but know nothing about the machines themselves.. millennial problems) and all I had to do was fiddle with the little gunked up piece and it's working again! I'll definitely use this to properly clean and lube the piece later but I can't believe it was this easy the whole time. You're a lifesaver!

[@jamesbirch4094]

Brilliant. I thought I needed a new switch... but it was just a small disassembly and clean. AND the dreaded clip went back on first time! CHEERS

[@Timbolele]

Thanks so much for posting this - it's given a new lease of life to the treasured old deck that had been laying idle since this problem manifested.

[@meywue]

Than you very much.
In the first instance my main problem was how to remove the turntable to figure out where the problem is.
In the end you gave me the solution for my whole problem in a nutshell and I was able to fix my 505-4's turntable which was not moving - simply awesome!
Thanks!

[@roblane4455]

Fantastic - Easy to follow instructions that really fixed my problem.
Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.

[@grantstott5881]

Superb! Just saved myself a trip to the hifi repair shop!! Works like a dream again! Been without vinyl for weeks!!

[@rattusnorvegicus4380]

Superb vid. Where would we be without youtube! A mate dropped off his Dual 505-2 1/2hr ago, same symptoms......and I could see through the turntable slot that the pitch belt has also snapped, so will be looking into how easy that is to replace too, thanks to your instructions on how to get into the gubbins. Many thanks and best wishes from Blighty.

[@stevetrow8989]

Thanks for this! I had the same issue with mine rescued from the loft after being up there for ages. I couldn’t get the “clip” off though so had to work around using wd40 and a paint brush to get some movement which has worked. Records being played for first time in about 20 years. 👍👏

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Wonderful, detailed video with plenty of explanations, thumbs up. I've heard about these turntables, made in Germany, in the late 1980s, 1990s; legendary name of record players, and one of the best turntables in the world.

[@DaveC45110]

I have had my 26 year-old Dual 505-4 from new and it recently stopped working. As I have had difficulty finding a repair shop near to where I live in the UK, your clear and succinct guidance has be a great help in allowing me to make the repair myself. I had missed the fact that the spring-loaded lever wasn’t fully activating the switch properly. Thank you.

[@lopb74]

Thank you so much! Fixed!!! The problem was the clogged switch all along, thought it was a fuse or something else.Great video. Now my son is happy! All the best to you!

[@pjcdrummer]

Ya!! Happy spinning. !!!

[@obsoletearchive4201]

Thank you for posting this, I have a CS505-4 and your solution saved me a great deal of time taking the deck apart and diagnosing the fault. All repaired now and working in less than 30 minutes, Cheers.

[@miera1029]

thank you so much! I'm a woman with limited technical knowledge, but I fixed it in 10 minutes.

[@waltgv]

Great video. I've had this problem for some time and thought it was a different part of the mechanism getting gummed up. Much appreciated - thanks!

[@keithmackenzie3474]

This is a great video. A screwdriver and a couple of drops of 3 in 1 and my 505-1 is working again. Thanks very much.

[@keirgallacher4374]

Great thanks, fixed up my 40 year old Dual with the help of this video! 5*s

[@antgolden]

2024 and this guide helped me a ton. Nice one

[@U7441DI]

Brilliant! Thanks. Mine was working intermittently and even played backwards on occasion - quite a nice feature! However, I've changed the drive belt and oiled the lever thing in this video and now everything is working properly. Had a bit of trouble with the little washer though - got lost in the mechanism once and then sprang across the room. Third try lucky!

[@stephenhall8232]

Great video! I hadn't used my deck for some time, and was worried about what could have been a serious problem. Sorted in no time thanks to you.

[@davidebutler8906]

Thank you! I thought my 1980s Dual was dead, but I fixed it sude by side watching your video. I used WD-49 fast drying contact cleaner and it worked straight away after a year if intermittent not starting. Thank you.

[@12voltvids]

Right on. Electronic repair can be fun too.

[@jamiewhite4238]

Absolute legend! I am going to do this with my Dual CS 505-2. Thanks very much for sharing.

[@Azeria]

Thanks for the video, helped keep my turntable alive. Personally i didn't have to even take the e clip off, although I imagine doing so is preferable.

[@Bob_Sacamano1975]

Same here. Added a drop of oil and worked it a bit. Good result!

[@zwangsgebremst6455]

This helped me a lot with my 505-2! Great video! Thank you!

[@Nuge17]

Thank you for this excellent repair video

[@travistaylor3186]

when I run into hifi problems, watching a video of yours always helps.

[@Kevin_Hanrahan]

This video was a complete life saver for me today. THANK YOU!

[@pablopenafonseca3624]

for me too thankssss

[@RixTTube]

Fantastic Video! Just what I needed. But very interesting that the belt for fine timing was broken because mine was too. Now we need part two of this video that shows how to replace that belt -- assuming I can get one!

[@jimdixon5763]

I got a replacement from Malvern Audio on Ebay. The original toothed belt is difficult to find, but they provide what they call the "Dual Pitch Belt Solution".

[@DrakenFireen]

so thats whats going on with my dual 505-2, i was wondering why moving the arm repeatedly made it run, now im gonna fix it up right this time, Thanks again for this video, i did not know this was a common issue, i just replaced both belts and that ribbed one for the pitch control.

[@gmtth]

Thank you for an amazing video. Exceptionally clear and instructive. It solved my turntable problem readily and I can now start the long and hopefully enjoyable task of digitalizing my collection of vinyls.

[@richardkuhnhauser457]

Thanks, with the help of your video I could solve the problem of my old beloved Dual turntable

[@etiennelavoie9915]

thanks for this video! i will definitly enjoy my turntable that i just fix with your help!! thanks

[@frankie4thewin]

Great Vid! Quick and to the point, got my table working again, thank you!

[@precariousdave]

Still a helpful video. It solved my problem and the Dual is turning again. Thanks.

[@mokodo_]

thank you so much!! this worked for me without much hassle.

[@christopheicher2832]

Thank you so much!! This video helped perfectly to get my Dual back to work again!

[@ralfhofstatter2968]

Thank you very much, had the same issues with my Dual CS 505-2. Now it works fine again!

[@johnm276]

Really good explanation. Lots of detail and I used to fix my Dual. Thanks 12voltvids

[@cm2881]

Great job as always, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Darryl603]

These days, common sense is not so common...Thanks for the video

[@Ariesstubbornbutt]

Thanks! I just fixed a Dual 506 doing this. I appreciate the video very much.

[@Salamethusayn]

Worked a charm, thanks mate!

[@jeffbecker8716]

Very informative and very similar to the 506 I am working on, but man oh man, I got mine at an auction all smashed up and it isn't even a fraction as dirty as the one in this video.

[@olafstahlschmidt4030]

Very helpful video und good speaker! Well done man. My CS 505-3 works again . Thank you, BR from Germany

[@mikecarter9956]

Mine too now. Anyone want to buy A Dual CS 505 mk 2?

[@nickswann1183]

Thanks. Useful tips. Got my 30 year old deck running.

[@kenbenyon5935]

Brilliant, thanks so much for posting. Problem solved!!

[@Jelle66]

Thanks for your video, I followed exactly your moves in de video and now my 502-2 is working again (but the motor is smelly, I don't trust that part now). Thank you anyway.

[@tomassandstrom602]

Worked for my Dual CS 505-3. Thanks! Now I just need my new belt from ebay. :)

[@jobyscarff443]

Thanks!! Turntable is working again!! Keep up the good work!

[@mikecarter9956]

Magic. Got in, contact cleaner, gun oil and off she goes again. Saved me a fortune!

[@jannali8]

This is fantastic. Thanks so much for putting this up. And to think I was about to chuck the thing out.

[@richardmort5285]

Thanks for your help. my Dual 505 is now playing music again

[@thenickelcinema]

Thank you this worked!

[@pjcdrummer]

Thanks for this video I got it working & all this time I thought the motor was shot.

[@terrasprite]

thanks for sharing. I have this model and will no doubt need to use this information.

[@hsiangsenhan8286]

Thanks for sharing. My Dual 604 need a ground cable. I will use the same way to open my Dual 604, I need wiring ground cable to pre-amplifier.

[@sandykinghorn2248]

Thank so much! Great Explanation...and now it works again! I would never have found this fault without taking the thing apart completely.....and then I would never been able to get it back together!

[@douglasallen9428]

I used to have a very similar Dual 606 direct-drive turntable myself - which I really wish I still had!!!!

[@vespamichl]

Thank you very much! greez from Austria

[@int53185]

I grew up listening to Chick Corea and Return To Forever. Also Tower Of Power and Maynard Furgeson. All on vinyl. A Technics direct drive with an Audio Technica cartridge.

[@jcross88990]

Thank you very good video very helpful well done sir

[@manmansanpablo571]

My 505 has the opposite problem which is always turning the platter...do you have any video on how to fix it. Thank you for your videos it is very helpful

[@spencepan]

hi' i have the 504 which seems very similar, and it doesnt change speed when you switch from 33 to 45 i thought it might be to do with the pitch belt but when i opended it up and looked the belt seems ok and i can see parts moving when turning the switch but something must not be connected, it goes up and down a bit but seems like it needs something to move it forwards and backwards for it to disingage as i can do it by hand, i was wondering if you know what i need to do?

[@crimefite1316]

I just found one of these out on the street to be thrown away. I brought it home to repair it as I've been wanting a turntable for a while. However, someone has cut the back cords off of it! Any idea where I could find replacement plugs for it?

[@aro-rat]

Thanks, extremely useful

[@Andreas0705]

Thanks! I will try this since it's the same problem I think. I need a pitch belt also

[@MervsMovies]

After much jiggling I got the turntable removed as the video shows. I got the corner behind the tonearm started first and the rest followed.

[@gerrydejoseph1257]

I have the Dual 504 Turn Table. The arm is supposed to lift and shut off at end of playing. It no longer does that. I fear it was damaged during transportation. How can I repair it?

[@Chopzification]

hi, I have The Dual CS505-3 with the same problem, did you fix yours ?

[@anthonywillis5249]

Hi 12voltvids. I don’t if you can help me. Like you I picked a DUAL 505-2 Turntable fitted with a Goldring stylus that someone was throwing out. I plugged it in and there was a lot of humming. I knew that problem but while trying to open it I somehow broke the mechanism which changes the speed. I later found a small metal strip that must’ve been part of it. Is there anyway that this can be fixed? Or, show me haw the mechanism works so I can see what needs doing. I do not know if this is your expertise either but I also have a Marantz tt42 turntable with a tone arm that lifts too early on 45’s 7 inch records especially if the side is long. Is there anyway of adjusting this? Just to let you know i live in the UK. I am sure you did not expect someone with this comment 6 years after you posted this video. Hope to get a reply soon.

[@Markinhos_40]

hi, i have the same turntable but my tonearm doesn't lift at the end of the record, have you any idea what cause's it, and if it can be solved?
ty very much

[@patrickearl2038]

Thank you for the video. When you are taking the clip off and putting it back on, you make it look easy. However, getting that little clip off is a pain, and getting it back on is is even worse. How do you do it so easy?

[@12voltvids]

Practice till you can't get it wrong.

[@int53185]

I remember setting my Technics turntable with Audio Technica cartridge to 1.5 g. back in the day.

[@ThetinyhouseNet]

Thank you for this! I am finding that the entire switch box is rocking backwards. I took the cover off and it looks like maybe there’s a screw missing. Any tips?

[@12voltvids]

If there is a screw missing replace it.

[@redemptusrenatus5336]

Someone threw it out? Geez, where do you live that people throw that kind of stuff out :D I've got a Technics SL-Q3 that I bought from a deceased hoarder's sister at a yard sale for $3. I didn't know anything about it, or if it worked. We plugged it in, and it did indeed spin so I took it home for her price of $3. After cleaning it up and taking a look at it, I found out that it was actually a very nice unit and certainly listening to it has been a joy. I'm really looking into getting my first reel-to-reel unit and have been looking at an Akai M-8 so I could learn about and tinker with something that has tubes. Do you have any recommendations for reel-to-reel units? Have you had a chance to service many and are there any you would stay away from? Sorry for picking your brain but being that you serviced many various machines after watching many of your videos, I do value your opinion as there's something to be said for experience. Thanks in advance!

[@12voltvids]

I have an Akai 1710W Reel to Reel with Tube amp, and an auto reverse Akai GX265. I do have service videos up for both.You would be amazed what people toss. I have a nice Thornes turn table that was tossed out too. Just need a new cartridge for that.

[@dergenossaufmrossabuchaka8503]

Thanks u helped me so mutch

[@emilieangelosanto4333]

what to use if i dont have isopropyl alchol? the 3 in 1

[@Boomski65]

Thnx !

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

521 model is similar but includes built-in strobe.

[@mariojavier1623]

thank you for the video. I have the same and I am having a problem getting cartridge for it. the one that came with mine is a P-mount. I like to hear from you to see if you can help me find a cartridge for it.

[@corvetteguy2629]

Is there any adjustments for how fast the tone arm goes down on the record thanks

[@12voltvids]

No adjustment on these old units. They pretty much drop the needle.

[@ilja4420]

Have made my 505-3 ! Thank you so much! Like subscribe

[@josephkearns599]

Just had my 505 checked out and besides belts needing replacement I was told that the motor is shot. How can I be sure that this is the problem? Are they expensive to repair? Would love to save this turntable as it may be old but has never been abused or heavily used

[@apostolost.7868]

I am really thank you.

[@bobricklemyer4342]

THANK YOU!

[@TechGorilla1987]

Old magnetic ballasts used on fluorescent tubes operate (generally) and
twice the mains voltage frequency or 120hz in the US, not 60hz.

[@12voltvids]

No they operate at 60hz. There are 2 pulses of light from each cycle, one for the positive swing and one for the negative, but that is 1 "cycle". If you used a single diode to turn the ac into half wave rectified DC you would get a flickering light stroking at 60 hz. Doesn't matter 120 strobe is a multiple. I was referring to electronic ballasts that operate at 50 to 70 kHz.

[@TechGorilla1987]

I should have used the term "flicker" instead of using the term "operate" also, not mentioning the electronic ballasts for now as they are a different animal. I found the following excerpt and it's citation. I'd drop a link, but that might get my comment held in limbo.
"Flicker Electromagnetic ballasts are designed to condition the 60 Hz
input voltage to the electrical requirements of the lamps. A magnetic
ballast alters the voltage, but not the frequency. Thus, the lamp
voltage crosses zero 120 times each second, resulting in 120 Hz light
output oscillations. This results in about 30% flicker for standard
halophosphor lamps, operated at 60 Hz. The flicker is generally not
noticeable but there is evidence that flicker of this magnitude can
cause adverse effects, such as eyestrain and headache."
*Adapted from the Advanced Lighting Guidelines: 1993 (Second Edition), originally published by the California Energy Commission.*

[@12voltvids]

Yes they "strobe" at twice the line frequency, and that was the point I was making. You need a "strobe" light to see the speed calibration tach engraved on the table. Under incandescent, led or fluorescent light with a HF electronic ballast there will be no strobe effect to synchronize the speed. On camera the strobe effect is detected even under the CFL bulbs due to the 60hz shutter on the camera, but to the eye it is just a blurr.

[@MrBolopanos]

the tonearm has a lot of play... you have to adjust the vertical bearings

[@alexfloyd7366]

Thanks, My bro's 506 wouldn't start, I did what you did except the circlip sproinged out and I can't find it, but reassembled the deck and sure enough the turntable started up and played for the first time in 25 years! But now I can't get the pitch control to work, need new belt? where to get parts?

[@savamac]

For a new belt : gettheneedle.co.uk

[@MrApril1977]

♥ Thank you 👍

[@marcb8874]

merci

[@bynahelemaal]

Hi @12voltvids I have a dual cs 505-3, with an annoying hum that you whether it’s on or off... how do I get rid of it? Already replaced the old rca cables!

[@12voltvids]

Have you tried connecting a ground wire between your amp and the turntable chassis?

[@EddieJazzFan]

I you just flooded the area of that plastic piece behind the spring with oil, wouldn't it work its way in and loosen it up? I have this exact table with the same problem, but don't think I would be able to put it back together after disassembly. Anyway, this was very informative. Thanks.

[@raaawkstaaar]

he used ONE tiny drop, I would advise NOT to use 3 in ONE oil for it will break down plastic, buy some 100% synthetic slick bearing oil. If you don't have a photographic memory take photos using your smartphone of every step before and after you remove each piece.

[@12voltvids]

@@raaawkstaaar
Have never had any plastic parts damaged by 3 in 1 oil. Never, and have been using it for 30+ years. Don't use motor oil. It has detergents in it, and these will attack plastics.

[@raaawkstaaar]

@@12voltvids How do you feel about putting talc on a belt? I say no! Maybe good to store belts for long periods but should be wiped clean before putting on a player IMO. I've seen it throw off the pitch. Just curious as to your opinion!

[@12voltvids]

@@raaawkstaaar never done that no.

[@leehazlewoodism]

I've shortened the spring by a couple of turns - saves taking the assembly to bits and it's then got enough power to activate the motor.

[@MervsMovies]

I have a Dual 604 with 3 packing screws and when lossened, the turntable will not pull up from the base like the video, it feels like something is binding or another part is still securing the turntable. Does anyone have a solution?

[@12voltvids]

The packing screws have washers on the bottom. You have to tilt them out of the slot and it will lift out.

[@quartermoongaming]

I need help with my dual 506 I got it from someone online who told me it worked with no problems. Once I got it I noticed it barely turned. I removed the platter and the belt fell apart. So I ordered a new one and I installed it. It turns just fine now but I noticed changing speeds from 33 to 45 doesn’t really work well. And once changed the tone arm will not go back into the tone arm rest until I change the speeds again. It has a lot of resistance until I cycle the speeds. So really I can only use 33 reliably. I’m new to vinyl and I really want to have a fully functional turn table. I was mainly inquiring to see if you think it’s something I could do easily, or should I take it somewhere. It’s my first record player and I really would love to have it fully functional. The woman I got it from said it was her dads who passed so I don’t just want to store it. I promised her I’d look after it. Please help I can’t find a video anywhere. It would be greatly appreciate thank you for your videos!

[@12voltvids]

It will need the mechanism lubricated. I have done several and show what needs to be done. If the belt doesnt want to change speeds properly it could be too tight.

[@ericdasilva4698]

Great work! I have the same one but it makes a clicking noise each time it goes around. Any advice? Thanks

[@12voltvids]

Likely the end record pickup lever is sticking slightly and every time the platter rotates it touches the trip lever but not enough to activate.

[@ericdasilva4698]

@@12voltvids thanks so much, I'll check that when I get a chance