Dual 504 questions

[fmueller]

I've been thinking about getting a TT, but know nothing about the things - only had CDs and cassettes so far. Looking at this Dual 504 (http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ele/606808925.html). What questions should I ask the seller?

Many thanks

Frank

[MunkeyQ]

They're nice tables - I have one. Picked it up for £10 at a yard sale.

It had a broken spring in the speed change mechanism, so make sure that all works. There's a very complex system of levers which only allows the speed to be changed when the tonearm is moved AND the platter has made two full rotations. It's not hard to fault-find, but it's very fiddly.

Also ask what cartridge it has.

[fmueller]

That's all? What cartridge it has? Keep in mind that I have never used a TT in my life. So checking it out won't be so easy for me. I only know the plate where the vinyl goes on needs to turn... :worried:

[willyrover]

I had a Dual 504 for a while. Nice sounding table. It has a pitch control but I don't think it has a built in strobe which annoyed the crap out of me.

[Fedallah]

http://www.dual-reference.com/tables/504.htm

You can get a manual here:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/dual/504.shtml

Yeah, it doesn't look like the 504 has a strobe. Makes the pitch adjust a bit pointless. Its sibling the 506 does, however.

[BrassTeacher]

http://www.dual-reference.com/tables/504.htm

You can get a manual here:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/dual/504.shtml

Yeah, it doesn't look like the 504 has a strobe. Makes the pitch adjust a bit pointless. Its sibling the 506 does, however.

I've seen some of the Duals where the strobe was near the spindle, and could only be seen without a record in place. It works fine if you have a fluorescent light light nearby! :D

[fmueller]

Oh man, I guess I am finding out why people by and large pounced on CDs! What on earth does a strobe do in a TT? :sigh:

Thanks for the link to the manual! Reading that will be useful for sure, even if I buy another TT!

[OvenMaster]

What does a strobe do?
When the platter is spinning, you look at the strobe bars with a fluorescent or neon lamp shining on them. In some houses, if you look carefully, even a regular bulb will work.
If the strobe markings are standing still, the platter speed is exactly right.
If the markings are turning slowly clockwise, the platter is turning too fast. Adjust the pitch control more towards "-" until they stop moving.
If the markings are turning slowly counterclockwise, the platter is turning too slowly. Adjust the pitch control towards "+" until they stop moving.

Tom

[OvenMaster]

http://www.audiojunkies.com/blog/1051/turntable-basics-a-beginners-guide-to-turntables-and-vinyl-records
Turntable basics, Frank. :)
Tom

[fmueller]

Great link :thmbsp:

Basics is what I need. In fact, I doubt it could get too basic for me when it comes to TTs right now :yes:

Many thanks!

Frank

[Fedallah]

I should also clarify. The 504 has a strobe in the sense that it has markings on the sides of the platter. What it doesn't have is a little light to illuminate said strobe, therefore necessitating the use of the fluorescent lamp mentioned by OvenMaster.

[fmueller]

The seller has finally got back to me on the Dual 504, and says the Cartridge is an EMPIRE 1000 AE/III. Is anybody familiar with this cartridge?

Frank