Reminiscing about Dual and AR turntables

My first stereo system included a Dual 1009, then the second system was built around an AR-XA, so I pay attention to mention of either line.

Just check discussion at VinylEngine and you'll find lots of interest in both, each one having its own comment section.

Almost everyone who is old enough went through the cycle of owning an AR-XA and a Dual of some type or other.  I think those turntables can be regarded with nostalgia but not a desire to re-visit them, albeit one or two of the Dual turntables can be brought up to decent performance by modern standards, with a lot of TLC.  Dual made the first direct-drive turntable with the first coreless motor, after all.

@lewm 

So do you think in general, the Thorens are better and easier to buy used?

E