
Dual 1229
Vintage & classic turntables · 1972–1974 Discontinued
£180 typical UK used price
The 1219's successor and the last of the big Dual idler flagships, adding an illuminated strobe and refined arm geometry that adjusts for single or changer mode. Robust and rebuildable, with a strong parts scene.
The definitive vintage Dual — the idler changer collectors actually seek out.
Who it suits
Best suited to: buyers comfortable assessing used condition and budgeting for servicing (drive mechanism, bearing, stylus). Less ideal for: a no-hassle purchase with a manufacturer warranty — buy a current model instead.
Good to know
- No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
- Fully automatic: the arm cues itself and returns at the end of the side.
- This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history — for this drive type, check the idler wheel (a common wear/perishing point) and rumble through the speakers, plus the stylus regardless.
Specifications
| Drive | idler drive |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33/45/78 rpm |
| Operation | fully-automatic |
| Built-in phono stage | No |
| USB output | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Platter | non-magnetic, dynamically balanced (approx 3 kg class) |
| Tonearm | Dual gimballed arm |
| Years | 1972–1974 |
Where to buy the Dual 1229
2 UK merchants handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that merchant’s site.
| Merchant | Type | Delivery | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBay UK | used marketplace | Varies by seller | Search at eBay UK ↗ |
| Vinyl Revival | music retail | UK delivery | Search at Vinyl Revival ↗ |
Compare it
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