advise on a cartridge for a Dual 1219

[slide_advantage_redoux]

I picked up a used Dual 1219 TT at a garage sale recently for a mere $5. It needs an idler arm I believe. Cosmetically it is in very good condition. It came without a cartridge.

Seeing that I have so little invested in a highly rated TT, I figure it well worth getting up and running. After this I will need to choose a decent - but not outrageously priced - cartridge. What are some reasonable choices that will offer me good performance? I am not an audiophile perse, but my musician ears are picky!

Something in the below $100 range hopefully.

Thanks in advance!

[Dave James]

I had a Dual 1019 for quite a few years. I ran an ADC XLM MARK II cartridge the entire time I had it. You can still get these, but they are way over $100. If you have a higher end stereo shop in your immediate vicinity, preferably one that does repairs, I'd just ask them to make a recommendation. There should be lots of options if you're willing to spend up to $100. At the same time you might have them take a look at your 1219.

Those Duals were good quality TT's. If yours is cosmetically sound and there isn't too much wrong with it mechanically, you got yourself a pretty sweet deal even if it didn't have a catrtidge.

Up over and out.

[sidewinder]

I used to use an Ortofon VMS20EMk2 with my old direct-drive Dual many years ago. Don't know if this cartridge is still available - it was quite a good match for the deck.