Any preferences out there? Looking at purchasing one in the near future
I'd choose the CS-606 - here's why:
The CS-606 was a more upmarket model with better performance, while the CS-505 was the budget model in the Dual hi-fi (single play) turntable range, in the early-1980’s. From Australian Hi-fi’s Stereo Buyer’s Guide Turntables No.10 (year 1981) the CS-505-1 cost AUD $229, while the CS-606 cost $479, so it was more than twice the price. Because of its direct drive, the 606 has much lower noise (rumble) and wow and flutter (speed variations), and is slightly heavier. The 606’s rumble also occurs at a sub-audible frequency, due to the much lower motor speed.
The CS-606 has a very lightweight (effective mass 5.5g) tonearm, so will handle high compliance cartridges very well, but medium or low compliance cartridges less well. A cartridge with an ideal tracking force of less than 1.75g would be best. It also had an adjustable damping system for the low frequency resonance, based on some mechanism inside the main counterweight, which apparently worked reasonably well, according to reviews of the time. Tonearm/cartridge low frequency resonance is one of the worst deficiencies of analogue reproduction which has a great effect on the quality of audio fidelity and cartridge tracking, so some tonearm or turntable manufacturers developed their own systems of damping it.
The CS-505-1 tonearm is also very low mass, but doesn’t have the adjustable damping, and although the platter has stroboscope markings, you needed to supply your own strobe light, as that wasn’t included in a budget model like the 505-1. No doubt that platter was 'borrowed' from a higher level model, possibly the CS-506, that included a strobe.
Personally, I’d choose the CS-606, if it’s working well, as it has better performance, a better tonearm, and a superior method of platter drive, which doesn’t need periodic maintenance (belt changes). It also has useful extra features, such as an inbuilt stroboscope, a greater range of pitch adjustment, and resonance damping for better sound.
I own a 606 that I purchased new in 1979. One of the drawbacks is the ULM head shell. It really restricts the cartridge choices that you have. The original Ortofon Dual spec'd low mass cartridge is good. Finding replacement stylus can be expensive. If you want to change over to a half inch cartridge you have to find a half inch cartridge adapter and add a weight to the tone arm. They are available. The big problem that I discovered is that you may need to replace the head shell wires to ones of a larger diameter as the original ones are of a much smaller diameter. I ended changing the wires and in the process having to take the tone arm apart. Big mistake. I am now in the process of getting this turntable evaluated for a repair. If you are fine with the ULM cartridge, the 606 is a very fine machine.
I really like the plinth. Mine has the cheesy plastic vinyl walnut. Did it come with table?
No mine came with a wrecked particle board vinyl plinth. I got it for $15 off CL. The Piano black plinth I bought from a seller on eBay in Germany.
I think there is a person or two that makes plinths here in the US. I added new audio and power cables as the originals were rusted. Motor squeaked
so it sat it lube for days upon days and stopped finally. I did find a NOS motor for it so that is sitting on the shelf.
Yeah, I noticed, and it is a 606 direct drive. That is why I was questioning it. for now, I just spin the label with my right hand and clean with my left. I love how well the Discwasher D3 system works and I have the vinylstyl system for deep cleaning, you know, the one like the spin clean?The 505 is belt drive: not as much torque as the direct drive PL-540. The Dual should still be able to handle a dry carbon fiber brush. But if you are trying to use something like a Discwasher wet brush, that won't work. Do that on a countertop or on a trash turntable.
Using the D3 cleaning system, you have to push down pretty hard so the record will spin! I never thought of that, but it won't work any other way. My Pioneer PL-540 has awesome torque and I don't have this issue at all...Sorry, I didn't read the whole thread.
Good choice with the 606, BTW. As long as the spindle bearing is robust, no problem with D3 right on the turntable. I did this with my SL-1200 for years before I got my SpinClean.
Before that I had a cheap plastic p-mount Akai, and I think pushing down too hard on the platter with the brush led to its motor malfunction.