dual 505-3


Yesterday, I picked up an old Dual 505-3 turntable in immaculate condition, save for the stylus.

The table has a carbon fibre ortofon headshell (apparently the original one) and the stylus is of the sort that can be upgraded by simply sliding it off the tip of the cartridge and slipping a better stylus on in its place.

This version of cartridge can take the OM5, OM10, OM20, OM30 and OM40 styli, with the 40 being the top end.

The original cost of the OM40 is $300-400 (CAD), however I can get it for $175. \

Despite this being a good deal on the OM40 stylus, is the table itself too much of a limiting factor to warrant this expenditure, despite the 'deal'? Would it be better to use a new ortofon 2M red instead, purchased for $100?
loose

Showing 2 responses by loose

Thanks for the replies thus far.

I think I will go ahead and simply replace the stylus with the OM40.

However, I may also get the cheaper OM10 as well and swap that in when spinning less than perfect vinyl, as i'm told the om40 would wear out too quickly.

My associated gear is:

Sugden A48b (modified)
Rega Ara speakers(soon to be Epos ES14 with matching stands)
Rotel RCD971 CD player

I'm hoping the Dual will outperform the Rotel as a source, since i'm not overly thrilled with it. No idea how well the Dual will perform, though... We'll see... we'll see.
Just revisiting some of my old threads here...

As a follow-up to this old post, I ended up getting an OM20 for the Dual for a combined cost of $250 and all I have to say is: I never want to listen to CD again, if i can help it.

That is all.