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Trying to decide between two turntables

caseyjames

caseyjames

Active Member
Okay, so I'm looking to move on from my Dual 1229. There are two tables that are sort of in my wheelhouse thanks to some AKers and I'm having a difficult time trying to decide.

One is an AR XA that has had the Morin mods. Comes with a Shure M97xe cart (which is what I use on my Dual).

The other is a Technics SL-1100A with a Stanton 681EEE cart.

Now I know these two tables couldn't really be further apart; one is as basic as you can get, an old classic, housed in a nice wooden plinth. The other is more modern (though not modern modern) and has all the bells and whistles (auto return, strobe, etc).

I'm not too concerned with having features though there is something to be said for having auto-return. But really, it is not a deal breaker one way or the other.

I guess what I'm after, here, is overall quality between the two. Are they both going to deliver essentially the same performance?

Oh, and then there is a Rega Planar 2 with TangoSpinner sub-platter and R200 tonearm.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Get the SL-1100A. I don't believe it has auto return. Mine had an aftermarket tonearm.

Forget about the Rega.
 
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What is wrong with the Dual??? The 1229 is one formidable super performer idler / changer with all the features one may want. Perhaps a thorough refurb job or at least a half century service is due?
I'd go with the Morinified AR, only if it was Morinified by M. Morin. I'd swap the M97xe with the 681eee if possible. I have no love for that thing. The 681eee is a world apart from it.
 
The Dual refurb (if needed) and a stylus upgrade (stock N97xE can be improved upon) is one way to go.

I have a Marc Morin AR and it produces better sound than my 1019 idler and is a low risk path to success. Simply put, if Marc does the work it will be correct. He understands the engineering design details of what to do and what not to do.

The upgraded arm with Technics wand and headshell will support many cartridge options.
 
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If it was me I would be buying the Morinified XA. Marc does a great job on those tables. They may look simple, and a bit basic, but the reality is its a remarkable machine. I have one he did, and it came very close to the sound quality of my Thorens TD124, which even used cost about 7 or 8 times as much as the XA.

The Technics does look massive and formidable. In theory the speed regulation is a nice option. But that big hollow chassis has resonance issues. I honestly believe the modified XA is a better sounding table. The Technics arm wand swap is a great option to have, if its not done I would consider getting it done. An XA/XB done by Morin or Frosten is one of the great under the radar deals in audio.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
Mister Pig said:
The Technics arm wand swap is a great option to have, if its not done I would consider getting it done. An XA/XB done by Morin or Frosten is one of the great under the radar deals in audio.
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So you'd recommend a total arm swap? The one I'm thinking about has had the arm tube changed to accept SME type headshells.
 
I suggest getting the 1229 serviced and updating it with a high end AT cart. Dualcan did wonders with my 1219 and it runs like it is new out of the box.
 
Kyluckyman said:
I suggest getting the 1229 serviced and updating it with a high end AT cart. Dualcan did wonders with my 1219 and it runs like it is new out of the box.
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I had my 1229 serviced about 2-3 years ago. It's a fine table, I have no hesitation in saying that. I'm just looking for something...different.
 
bobins08 said:
What counter weight and cartridge are on that beauty?
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Oh its a 50 some grammer one, whatever Marc worked up for me. Actually its too small, I need a heavier one for that cartridge. Which happens to be an Ortofon Cadenza Red.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
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