Fully-manual turntables are obviously easier and cheaper to manufacture than a high quality automatic turntable, and so the manufacturers totally sold us the ‘minimalist is best’ approach because it financially suited their agenda. Some of them don’t even have a control for convenient speed-change (looking direct at you Project and Rega). Crazy how as consumers we just fell for this.
I personally would love to see a return of automatic tables of the 70's and 80's. Like many others I'm tired when I come home from work and forgo playing records due to fear of falling asleep. Issues with not being the ultimate in sound quality aside, many of these things still had good sound for what they were. Would love to see a resurgence of things that Denon, Marantz, Pioneer, Technics, Sony, and Yamaha made during that period. I think there would be a larger market for this type of technology than one would think. For many people having something that simply sounds good is enough.
A very strange move by Dual. Pro-Ject produces the A1 based on the classic Dual automatic mechanism. Creates the Rekkord brand and produces the F400 turntable with a similar mechanism, and also the simpler F100, 110, 300 models. All of them have a mechanism from Dual from the 70s! And then suddenly Dual itself uses Chinese automatics from Hanpin FU700, which is the basis for a number of turntables like the Sony PS-LX300, Pioneer PL-990, Denon DP-200USB. Even in the mid-2000s, Dual had this 1-in-1 turntable - Dual CS 410. Audio Technica AT-LP60 has successfully survived to this day, and recently the AT-LP70 was released with a new design. And the price for these turntables has always been a maximum of $200-220. But here with DUAL CS-429 they have already increased the price to 700-800$ because of the good tonearm, MDF plate and cartridge orthophone. As I understand it, because Dual is assembled in China here and OEM Hanpin is used, and not the mechanism of the German Dual plant, where Rekkord is assembled in Germany and the A1 model for Pro-Ject. How is that possible??? Dual released an automatic not with its own mechanism, but Pro-Ject and the newly formed Rekord Audio with the same German Dual mechanism. Funny, but true. It turns out that Pro-Ject A1 and Rekkord F400 are more genuine Dual than Dual itself now. WOW!
Very nice. Like everything else, automatic turntables vary in quality. They are not all bad. Just like not all manual turntables are good. This one looks good! The WallySkater test is encouraging (that is my next acquisition). Funny how the more "serious" the turntable, the more manual. Somewhat counterintuitive. Then again, high-performance cars usually have manual transmissions (as do bare-bones base models, haha). Not having to run over to lift the stylus is something I miss with my manual turntable. Then again, I love when records have those locked runout grooves (like on Sgt Pepper).
This is a redressed Audio-Technica AT-LP3. Which I have. The whole tonearm/counter weight/anti-skate assembly is exact. Platter and rubber mat look exact as well. That said, great turntable!
I had that one still regret giving it away. But i still have my fully automaticTeac P9 from 1981 which was a higher class at the time. Still works perfectly...
Back in the early '70s I had a fully manual AR XA and a fully auto Garrard Zero 100. I had contemplated the CS429, and then the upgraded CS529 when it came out. But I got dazzled by the Technics SL-1200GR2 and bought it instead. I used it for a while alternating with my TEAC TN-5BB semi-auto, but then I relegated it to my secondary system. It's a great turntable that looks cool but I realized the DJ features are just unnecessary eye candy. Also being fully manual is annoying at the end of a record unlike my TEAC with auto stop/lift. I think I need to sell the Technics and get the Dual. Oh, and I still have my Dual CS5000 from the '90s.
So many great turntables both present and past to consider it's mind-boggling. As happy as I am with my Thorens I still find myself considering others.
Hi Chris. I went from a 1200GR to a Dual CS 618Q with Auto Lift and Shut Off. Basically a Semi-Auto table. I play more records now than ever. The joy has returned. No babysitting required or looking back.
I just purchased the Dual CS-429. Although I don't play 78 records, the motor wines when at 78 speed. Moreover, It does not sound better then my Dual 1219 turntable (in all frequencies) and it has the original Shure Cartridge. Not sure why, but you can feel the bass in the 1219 in your bones. The Dual 1219 also doesn't engage the sound until the needle has hits the record. The newer CS-429 does not have this feature. Seems some vintage equipment is made better and the mechanics in the dual 1219 is truly remarkable. I will mostly use the CS-429 to preserve my older Dual, but break it out when it time show off and rattle the bones.
Yep, had a Dual 1229that was an automatic. It worked great and used it up till about 2 yrs. ago. Did update the cartridge to a 2m blue and it became a new turntable. I have updated to a new P6 and it was like getting a whole new record collection. There's a lot to say about that old Dual. You can't beat quality engineering from an old company but I love the new P6.
i had a Dual CS 704 semi automatic in the 70's the fully auto one was the CS701,i passed the 704 on to my step son when i bought my Thorens TD166Mk 2 in about 2002
For a wife, child or newbie this may be a good choice. The one item I have on my all manual TT is a quality tone arm lifter. I don't have to worry about my cartridge if I get distracted or fall asleep while playing a record, which seems to happen more often as I get older!
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I an using two "Little Fwend" (hate that name) on two different tables. Tried the Audio Technica, but it wasn't reliable and cheaper built.
I love my fully automatic Technics, especially when I am doing other things while listening or in danger of dozing off! LOL! Thanks for the info for when I decide to upgrade, though I tend to favor my direct drive.
A few years ago I had friends over for dinner, played a record, forgot, went to bed, and woke up the next morning with it still spinning. I never forgave myself 😂😂😂
The Dual company that started in 1907 stopped making turntables in 1981. Because the brand-name carries such weight it has been sold over and over again. But the thorough German engineering is history. That doesn't mean these new Dual turntables are bad. But you can't just buy a reputation. The main problem for Dual, besides the CD, was trying to keep making a profit on more and more stripped down models and diversification under pressure of far eastern competition. Same thing for Lenco. And Thorens, although the latter are great, the former not so much. For the real deal there are still some very reputable German and Swiss brands making high-end turntables. But those are not cheap. The real respect and reputation award should go to Pro-ject. They built a company with a reputation during the hard times of the 90-ies. Rega and Linn in the UK, and I guess VPI in the US were already established but they all deserved their own good reputation.
Yes, this is a Chinese “Dual,” which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. Pro-ject now market the output of the Fehrenbacher (old Dual) factory in Germany, which is where their A1 comes from. I owned a similar (real) Dual and wasn’t thrilled with it.
I have the A1 and upgraded the stylus to the 30. I really like it. Some plastic bits, yes, but those keep the cost down. I understand it is still made in Germany as well.
The OG Woodstock soundtrack, when it came out in 1970, was a triple album set, with disk 1 sides 1 - 6, disk 2 sides 2 - 5, disk 3 sides 3 - 4. I use to have a Dual 606 from back in the day miss that one. Currently in my office an Fluance RT85 and in the living room a 25 year old Dennon DP-47F. I wanted to get a new turntable, but the wife likes the fully automatic, she likes to just place her album on and hit the start button.
I do like the Fluance 85, Greg. Great TT. My wife also gets a little anxious with our TT being manual. I bet she'd prefer an fully automatic if given the choice.
First, this table is close to $900.00 with tax where I live, a rather cheaply made Chinese product, thin platter, tiny DC motor at that. A real fully auto Dual turntable like the 1219 with three speeds, a rim drive with a heavy platter, and a hefty synchronous motor that can last a lifetime, and have it fully restored to new condition with a warranty from the best person at doing this, Bill Neumann, from Fix My Dual for I think something like $500.00 is the much better deal, not to mention a better product on every level(I think). Also, have you ever listened to a Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4002, 4004, or 8002? These might change your mind about automatic turntables. I know that B & O products get short shrift by the audiophile community, but the 4004 was my dream turntable in high school and even in the seventies was over a grand simply out of my price range. I own a restored Beogram 4004 and an 8002. Now the 8002 has one of the more unusual drive systems in that it has no moving parts. I like to refer to it as the John Gault motor from "Atlas Shrugged", sort of a miracle of design.
Looks good! I now have to two fully automatic turntables, Pioneer PL-400 and the Technics SL-Q3, and they both work great. But while operating the auto function you can hear some of the underneath mechanisms making some noise. The Pioneer makes more noise than the Technics, but it's mainly using the start function. The Technics is a bit quieter during the return function though. I've seen a review on another fully automatic turntable on a different channel and it was garbage. This one looks and sounds like it's a winner.
Is it possible to get a new turntable: 1) fully automatic like on vintage TTs, 2) S-shap tonearm with counterweight, anti-skate, and vertical adjustment, 3) Standard 1/2" removable headshell. All that for around 300 to 350 dollars US? For me to get all this I went vintage with a Technics sl-1301 and it's GREAT! Also have a vintage HOMC Cart-Dennon dl-160
Thanks for the review. I have this Turn table and it is nice. Can the platter be changed on this? and if so, please provide me a recommendation of a platter that can be used. Thank you
Good to know it exists. Just FYI, Dual it is pronounced in German Do-ahl with a separation of the two vowels, and stress on the second part: do-Ahl. I understand that Duel is how it is pronounced in the US. If you want to have a laugh, check out how car makes VW and BMW are pronounced in German. LOL!
You know, when I was young, I would have killed for an automatic drop-changer. In the early-70's, I went to manual turntables. A few years ago, I got a hankering for an automatic drop-changer. Nobody made these anymore. I found an upgraded Accutrac +6 fully programmable record drop-changer, so I bought it. It was great with 33 1/3 12" LP player but it automatically changed speeds by record size. So, it wouldn't play 10" LP's at all and it wouldn't play 12" LP's that were 45 rpm. Although it could play 7" 45 rpm records, it most often wouldn't recognize the end of the record. So, the search was on for a decent drop-changer which could easily play 7, 10 and 12" records where I could select the proper speed. I play and record lot's of 45's to hard drive and the manual turntable was a hassle. Auto-stop and/or lift was more convenient but still a hassle. The vintage Technics drop-changers fit the bill exactly, so I got one and am very happy with it. I've got a Dual TT in storage which I used for many years and it had auto-stop and lift. The pitch-control belt broke so I could no longer adjust the pitch, which is necessary with a belt-driven TT. I replaced it with a new fully-automatic, single-play Pioneer BD TT which I bought new for $50. in the mid-to-late 80's. It was great! When I see a turntable which has a straight-shaft tone arm, I think of these as a toy, like the record players I had as a kid. The Denon DP-400 is fully automatic and has a real tone arm. Check that one out.
I don't see a switch for the record size. Does the player sense the size of the record placed on the platter or assumes it to be every 12" record a 33.3 rpm and a 7" to be a 45 rpm?
Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT is a great fully automatic, belt drive turntable. It does a better job of setting down the tone arm and returning it better than a human. Once it is playing, the mechanism is out of the loop. High end turntables have too few of sales to develop automatic features so they leave them out and make excuses like compromises quality, and that appeals to the purists.
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Fully-manual turntables are obviously easier and cheaper to manufacture than a high quality automatic turntable, and so the manufacturers totally sold us the ‘minimalist is best’ approach because it financially suited their agenda. Some of them don’t even have a control for convenient speed-change (looking direct at you Project and Rega). Crazy how as consumers we just fell for this.
I personally would love to see a return of automatic tables of the 70's and 80's. Like many others I'm tired when I come home from work and forgo playing records due to fear of falling asleep. Issues with not being the ultimate in sound quality aside, many of these things still had good sound for what they were. Would love to see a resurgence of things that Denon, Marantz, Pioneer, Technics, Sony, and Yamaha made during that period. I think there would be a larger market for this type of technology than one would think. For many people having something that simply sounds good is enough.
Cheers, Ridire! 🍺
I use a coloured sticky label on the platter edge after leaving my tt on for days 😂
A very strange move by Dual. Pro-Ject produces the A1 based on the classic Dual automatic mechanism. Creates the Rekkord brand and produces the F400 turntable with a similar mechanism, and also the simpler F100, 110, 300 models. All of them have a mechanism from Dual from the 70s! And then suddenly Dual itself uses Chinese automatics from Hanpin FU700, which is the basis for a number of turntables like the Sony PS-LX300, Pioneer PL-990, Denon DP-200USB. Even in the mid-2000s, Dual had this 1-in-1 turntable - Dual CS 410. Audio Technica AT-LP60 has successfully survived to this day, and recently the AT-LP70 was released with a new design. And the price for these turntables has always been a maximum of $200-220. But here with DUAL CS-429 they have already increased the price to 700-800$ because of the good tonearm, MDF plate and cartridge orthophone. As I understand it, because Dual is assembled in China here and OEM Hanpin is used, and not the mechanism of the German Dual plant, where Rekkord is assembled in Germany and the A1 model for Pro-Ject. How is that possible??? Dual released an automatic not with its own mechanism, but Pro-Ject and the newly formed Rekord Audio with the same German Dual mechanism. Funny, but true. It turns out that Pro-Ject A1 and Rekkord F400 are more genuine Dual than Dual itself now. WOW!
Very nice. Like everything else, automatic turntables vary in quality. They are not all bad. Just like not all manual turntables are good. This one looks good! The WallySkater test is encouraging (that is my next acquisition).
Funny how the more "serious" the turntable, the more manual. Somewhat counterintuitive. Then again, high-performance cars usually have manual transmissions (as do bare-bones base models, haha). Not having to run over to lift the stylus is something I miss with my manual turntable. Then again, I love when records have those locked runout grooves (like on Sgt Pepper).
Both the WallySkater and the WallyTractor are essential for me now. I use both constantly. 🍺
This is a redressed Audio-Technica AT-LP3. Which I have. The whole tonearm/counter weight/anti-skate assembly is exact. Platter and rubber mat look exact as well. That said, great turntable!
I ❤ my vintage technics from.1979 sl Q3 fully auto .turntable...with repeat function....
I forgot all about repeat functionality!
I have the same turntable. Only problem I have is the size selector occasionally moves when playing 7” records. I have to hold the lever in 7” mode.
I had that one still regret giving it away. But i still have my fully automaticTeac P9 from 1981 which was a higher class at the time. Still works perfectly...
Back in the early '70s I had a fully manual AR XA and a fully auto Garrard Zero 100. I had contemplated the CS429, and then the upgraded CS529 when it came out. But I got dazzled by the Technics SL-1200GR2 and bought it instead. I used it for a while alternating with my TEAC TN-5BB semi-auto, but then I relegated it to my secondary system. It's a great turntable that looks cool but I realized the DJ features are just unnecessary eye candy. Also being fully manual is annoying at the end of a record unlike my TEAC with auto stop/lift. I think I need to sell the Technics and get the Dual. Oh, and I still have my Dual CS5000 from the '90s.
So many great turntables both present and past to consider it's mind-boggling. As happy as I am with my Thorens I still find myself considering others.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords
Yep, me too. I wish I could just be satisfied with what I have and enjoy the music, lol.
Hi Chris. I went from a 1200GR to a Dual CS 618Q with Auto Lift and Shut Off. Basically a Semi-Auto table.
I play more records now than ever. The joy has returned. No babysitting required or looking back.
@@1Hiprascal
A great choice, and it really does make spinning records a more enjoyable experience. Have a nice day.
I just purchased the Dual CS-429. Although I don't play 78 records, the motor wines when at 78 speed. Moreover, It does not sound better then my Dual 1219 turntable (in all frequencies) and it has the original Shure Cartridge. Not sure why, but you can feel the bass in the 1219 in your bones. The Dual 1219 also doesn't engage the sound until the needle has hits the record. The newer CS-429 does not have this feature. Seems some vintage equipment is made better and the mechanics in the dual 1219 is truly remarkable. I will mostly use the CS-429 to preserve my older Dual, but break it out when it time show off and rattle the bones.
Yep, had a Dual 1229that was an automatic. It worked great and used it up till about 2 yrs. ago. Did update the cartridge to a 2m blue and it became a new turntable. I have updated to a new P6 and it was like getting a whole new record collection. There's a lot to say about that old Dual. You can't beat quality engineering from an old company but I love the new P6.
I can imagine the P6 sounds amazing
i had a Dual CS 704 semi automatic in the 70's the fully auto one was the CS701,i passed the 704 on to my step son when i bought my Thorens TD166Mk 2 in about 2002
The 166 is a great TT!
For a wife, child or newbie this may be a good choice.
The one item I have on my all manual TT is a quality tone arm lifter.
I don't have to worry about my cartridge if I get distracted or fall asleep while playing a record, which seems to happen more often as I get older!
Which one have you gone with?
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I an using two "Little Fwend" (hate that name) on two different tables. Tried the Audio Technica, but it wasn't reliable and cheaper built.
I love my fully automatic Technics, especially when I am doing other things while listening or in danger of dozing off! LOL! Thanks for the info for when I decide to upgrade, though I tend to favor my direct drive.
A few years ago I had friends over for dinner, played a record, forgot, went to bed, and woke up the next morning with it still spinning. I never forgave myself 😂😂😂
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords 😳🙄🤣
The Dual company that started in 1907 stopped making turntables in 1981. Because the brand-name carries such weight it has been sold over and over again. But the thorough German engineering is history.
That doesn't mean these new Dual turntables are bad. But you can't just buy a reputation.
The main problem for Dual, besides the CD, was trying to keep making a profit on more and more stripped down models and diversification under pressure of far eastern competition.
Same thing for Lenco. And Thorens, although the latter are great, the former not so much.
For the real deal there are still some very reputable German and Swiss brands making high-end turntables. But those are not cheap.
The real respect and reputation award should go to Pro-ject. They built a company with a reputation during the hard times of the 90-ies. Rega and Linn in the UK, and I guess VPI in the US were already established but they all deserved their own good reputation.
Yes, this is a Chinese “Dual,” which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. Pro-ject now market the output of the Fehrenbacher (old Dual) factory in Germany, which is where their A1 comes from. I owned a similar (real) Dual and wasn’t thrilled with it.
Pro-Ject as a whole will always get a thumbs up from me. Great products across the board (Rega, Linn, & VPI as well).
I have the A1 and upgraded the stylus to the 30. I really like it. Some plastic bits, yes, but those keep the cost down. I understand it is still made in Germany as well.
it seems to be an incredible value, robust quality, beautiful design and looks
If I wasn't a die-hard manual turntable guy, this would be the one I'd go to for fully automatic.
The OG Woodstock soundtrack, when it came out in 1970, was a triple album set, with disk 1 sides 1 - 6, disk 2 sides 2 - 5, disk 3 sides 3 - 4. I use to have a Dual 606 from back in the day miss that one. Currently in my office an Fluance RT85 and in the living room a 25 year old Dennon DP-47F. I wanted to get a new turntable, but the wife likes the fully automatic, she likes to just place her album on and hit the start button.
I do like the Fluance 85, Greg. Great TT. My wife also gets a little anxious with our TT being manual. I bet she'd prefer an fully automatic if given the choice.
First, this table is close to $900.00 with tax where I live, a rather cheaply made Chinese product, thin platter, tiny DC motor at that. A real fully auto Dual turntable like the 1219 with three speeds, a rim drive with a heavy platter, and a hefty synchronous motor that can last a lifetime, and have it fully restored to new condition with a warranty from the best person at doing this, Bill Neumann, from Fix My Dual for I think something like $500.00 is the much better deal, not to mention a better product on every level(I think). Also, have you ever listened to a Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4002, 4004, or 8002? These might change your mind about automatic turntables. I know that B & O products get short shrift by the audiophile community, but the 4004 was my dream turntable in high school and even in the seventies was over a grand simply out of my price range. I own a restored Beogram 4004 and an 8002. Now the 8002 has one of the more unusual drive systems in that it has no moving parts. I like to refer to it as the John Gault motor from "Atlas Shrugged", sort of a miracle of design.
No, the 1219 is only designed to last half a lifetime. Mine went on the fritz last month.
Looks good! I now have to two fully automatic turntables, Pioneer PL-400 and the Technics SL-Q3, and they both work great. But while operating the auto function you can hear some of the underneath mechanisms making some noise. The Pioneer makes more noise than the Technics, but it's mainly using the start function. The Technics is a bit quieter during the return function though. I've seen a review on another fully automatic turntable on a different channel and it was garbage. This one looks and sounds like it's a winner.
It is quiet. It does seem to disengage fairly quickly so as to not affect anything. Cheers!🍺
I play mostly 45s so this could be useful
Is it possible to get a new turntable: 1) fully automatic like on vintage TTs, 2) S-shap tonearm with counterweight, anti-skate, and vertical adjustment, 3) Standard 1/2" removable headshell. All that for around 300 to 350 dollars US? For me to get all this I went vintage with a Technics sl-1301 and it's GREAT! Also have a vintage HOMC Cart-Dennon dl-160
Vintage is often the way to go. I have a feeling VTA and S-shaped tonearms on the same unit will be hard to find on a turntable at that price range.
Thanks for the review. I have this Turn table and it is nice. Can the platter be changed on this? and if so, please provide me a recommendation of a platter that can be used. Thank you
Hi! I’m not aware of any aftermarket platter replacements for the C-429. Being aluminum it’s cast to fit. Great TT though - glad you like it!
Good to know it exists.
Just FYI, Dual it is pronounced in German Do-ahl with a separation of the two vowels, and stress on the second part: do-Ahl. I understand that Duel is how it is pronounced in the US. If you want to have a laugh, check out how car makes VW and BMW are pronounced in German. LOL!
😂 I'll have to check!
I'll take 2 😊. Well done thumbs 👍
🍺🍺
You know, when I was young, I would have killed for an automatic drop-changer. In the early-70's, I went to manual turntables. A few years ago, I got a hankering for an automatic drop-changer. Nobody made these anymore. I found an upgraded Accutrac +6 fully programmable record drop-changer, so I bought it. It was great with 33 1/3 12" LP player but it automatically changed speeds by record size. So, it wouldn't play 10" LP's at all and it wouldn't play 12" LP's that were 45 rpm. Although it could play 7" 45 rpm records, it most often wouldn't recognize the end of the record. So, the search was on for a decent drop-changer which could easily play 7, 10 and 12" records where I could select the proper speed. I play and record lot's of 45's to hard drive and the manual turntable was a hassle. Auto-stop and/or lift was more convenient but still a hassle. The vintage Technics drop-changers fit the bill exactly, so I got one and am very happy with it.
I've got a Dual TT in storage which I used for many years and it had auto-stop and lift. The pitch-control belt broke so I could no longer adjust the pitch, which is necessary with a belt-driven TT. I replaced it with a new fully-automatic, single-play Pioneer BD TT which I bought new for $50. in the mid-to-late 80's. It was great!
When I see a turntable which has a straight-shaft tone arm, I think of these as a toy, like the record players I had as a kid. The Denon DP-400 is fully automatic and has a real tone arm. Check that one out.
Sounds worth checking out!
New to vinyls question.. do i place the vinyls on the rubber mat? Or do i only use the rubber mat for when there is no vinyl on the turntable?
Always records on the mat 🍺
I don't see a switch for the record size. Does the player sense the size of the record placed on the platter or assumes it to be every 12" record a 33.3 rpm and a 7" to be a 45 rpm?
Hi James! I really should have called that out but skipped my mind. It does have a selector for the size of the record right near the cueing arm.
Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT is a great fully automatic, belt drive turntable. It does a better job of setting down the tone arm and returning it better than a human. Once it is playing, the mechanism is out of the loop. High end turntables have too few of sales to develop automatic features so they leave them out and make excuses like compromises quality, and that appeals to the purists.
Nice but I need a repeat button.
Bravo...
Dual isn't the same company as it was
No Thanks.
I knew this wouldn’t be for you Carmine. 🍺