Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or missing the sound of good old turntables, it can be puzzling to pick between the Dual 1219 and the Dual 1229. That’s simply because many people consider them to be among the best record players of all time.
Since the same company manufactures the Dual 1219 and 1229, they’re alike in many ways. Still, there are some key differences between them.
In today’s article, we’ve prepared a detailed comparison of Dual 1219 vs. Dual 1229, so you can pick the suitable record player and enjoy your records just like old times! Let’s dive in.
Dual 1219 vs. Dual 1229
The Dual 1229 is different from its predecessor because its levers and knobs are plastic. Additionally, the Dual 1219 is much more durable, being made of mostly metal.
Moreover, the Dual 1229 features a strobe on the platter’s underside, which isn’t present in the Dual 1219.
What’s the Dual 1219?
The Dual 1219 was released back in 1969. It offered improvements in every aspect of turntables with no sacrifices. It’s a fully automatic idler drive turntable that has three-speed settings.
The Dual 1219 was full of impressive features, like pitch control, adjustable arm height, multiple playing modes, and adjustable overhang.
So, it’s easy to realize why it was considered the best turntable of its time.
The sound that came out from the Dual 1219 was amazing because the manufacturers have improved the distortion and reduced wear on the record groove.
However, what made the Dual 1219 a breakthrough in the world of record players was its automatic playing feature. This means listeners could sit back and relax while the tone-arm did the job.
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What’s the Dual 1229?
The Dual 1229 is one of the most popular idler wheel turntables. Following the success of the Dual 1219, Dual released a new, enhanced model in 1970.
In the early 70s, this newer Dual 1229 was considered the decade’s hit. That’s because it combined the already loved features of the Dual 1219 and added some more.
One of the most advanced technologies the Dual 1229 came with is the fully automatic operation. That means the tone-arm was automated, and at the time, most turntables were manual.
The Dual 1229 could play high-quality music all night long without the need to move a finger. Additionally, the unique design of the Dual 1229 was one of the reasons for its success. Its design is sleek with a unique aluminum plinth and classic wooden details.
Difference Between Dual 1219 and Dual 1229
While both the Dual 1219 and the Dual 1229 share key similarities, they also share key differences.
Plastic Hardware
The major difference between the Dual 1219 and the Dual 1229 is the hardware. To keep it simple, the later model, 1229, features a lot more plastic than the Dual 1219.
This shift to plastic is evident in several parts of the record player. This includes the deck mount control levers and three out of the four knobs.
Strobe
Another distinction between the two turntables is that the Dual 1229 contains a strobe. This strobe ensures that the speed of the turntable is as accurate as possible.
The strobe present in the Dual 1229 is simply a sheet of paper glued underneath the platter. Yet, the Dual 1219 doesn’t have a strobe at all.
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Similarities Between Dual 1219 and Dual 1229
The Dual 1219 and 1229 share many key similarities, making them virtually the same. These similarities include:
- Drive: both record players feature a synchronous continuous-pole motor with a radical elastic suspension.
- Platter: The Dual 1219 and 1229’s platter is non-magnetic and dynamically balanced. They weigh almost 7 lbs.
- Speeds: both record players feature multiple Rpm: 33, 45, and 78 rpm.
- Cartridge holder: a removable cartridge holder that accepts half-inch cartridges up to 12 g.
- Pitch control: the pitch in both record players can be changed up to -/+6%
- Tonearm: though most hardware is plastic on the Dual 1229, both models feature a metal tonearm.
What Makes Dual 1219 Better?
The levers of the Dual 1219 are made of metal. However, the levers of the Dual 1229 are made of plastic. Metal levers tend to last way longer than plastic levers.
In addition, the Dual 1219 has three metal knobs, which aren’t available in the later Dual 1229.
That’s why the Dual 1219 might be the obvious choice for anyone valuing quality and longevity. After all, any plastic hardware is sure to shrink over time. So, any vintage Dual 1229 you might buy will need a hardware upgrade.
What Makes Dual 1229 Better?
Typically, newer models contain enhanced features. Yet, the Dual 1229 was virtually the same as the Dual 1219 except for some key design choices.
Other than the sleek hardware, the Dual 1229 also contains a strobe. While most turntables can function just fine without a strobe, this addition is contemporary and can significantly help in adjusting the play speed.
Why You Should Get Dual 1219
The Dual 1219 is the obvious choice for anyone valuing durability. That’s because all the hardware is metal, including the levers and the knobs. So, this record player is sure to last you much longer than the Dual 1229.
It’s worth noting that you should only purchase your turntable from a trusted source that’s known for safely shipping and handling record players. This way, you avoid your turntable getting damaged during shipping.
Why You Should Get Dual 1229
If you’re all about the style, the Dual 1229 is the record player for you. After all, it combines the beloved features of the Dual 1219 with a modern look. So, it naturally appeals more to users who pay close attention to the appearance.
Furthermore, if you won’t be using the record player all that much, or you don’t mind changing the plastic hardware every now and then, you wouldn’t mind the Dual 1229. It may not even need replacing if you manage to use it carefully and maintain it right.