Dual 1219 vs 1229: Which Is the Best Option?

Dual turntables are something that many of us remember with affection. These automatic, idler-drive turntables were frontrunners in the mid-to-late 1970s.

Many enthusiasts have resorted to the traditional turntables as the vinyl popularisation shows no signs of decline. The 1229 and 1219 are both excellent options whether you’re a new or old vinyl record enthusiast.

Now your audiophile mind might want the answer to the dual 1219 vs 1229 discussion.

Between dual 1219 vs 1229, 1229 has the upper hand because of the added window and strobe. SNR of 1229 is 63 dB whereas it’s 60 dB for 1219. 1229 is primarily constructed of hard plastic but 1219 is made of metal. Their playback speeds are similar, with a slight variance at 1219. 

Do those represent all the differences or similarities between 1229 and 1219? The truth is that there is almost always more to learn. How about we take a look?

Dual 1219 vs 1229: Head to Head Comparison

Let’s take a quick look at the main difference between these two turntables-

FactorsDual 1219Dual  1229
Signal to Noise ratio60dB63dB 
Playback Speeds33.33,45,78 RPM33, 45 and 78rpm
Wow And Flutter+/- 0.06% +/- .06%
Cartridge Holderremovable, 1/2″ cartridges from 1 to 12g1/2″ cartridges weighing 1-12 grams, with a tracking force of 1-3 grams
Weight6.8 kg7.2 kg
Price$75$225

Dual 1219 vs 1229: A Brief Discussion!

With almost similar specifications to these turntables, you need more details to choose the best turntable. Let us check those details-

Built Quality & Body:

With the exception of plastics and strobe, 1229 is mechanically quite identical to the earlier 1219 model.

Start/stop, speed setting, and plate size controls are of metal on 1219. But these buttons are hard plastic on 1229. Many consider it to be a drawback, or more specifically, an optical drawback.

Dual 1219
Source: vinylengine.com

These plastic buttons frequently break and lose their shape over time. Any one of these buttons can become damaged, making your turntable nearly useless. After some use, they also become stuck.

So, basic record player care and maintenance knowledge can take you a long way.

The tonearms are identical, but because 1229 is a newer model, it has a lower tracking force. It was therefore most likely based on the present pickup mechanisms. 

Let’s look at how the other parameters differ between these two turntables.

Winner: Metal bodies of 1219 are much better than plastic ones.

Signal to Noise Ratio:

When the operation is quieter, a clearer sound can be heard. SNR ratios of 60 dB or greater are frequently regarded as the ideal level for turntables.

As the ratio rises, the signal quality gets better. The 1229 turntable comes with a decent SNR of 63 dB. And the Dual 1219 has an SNR of 60 dB.

Both of these offer good sound with this range. But the 1229 model might have a little upper hand because of that difference.

Winner: Higher SNR makes 1229 the clear winner in this case.

Playback Speeds:

The majority of turntables can play 33-1/3 as well as 45 RPM records. Modern “microgroove” pressings can be played on a 78-rpm record player, but not older vintage records.

Dual 1229
Source: youtube.com

You should get a customized cartridge that can accommodate the wider groove of these increasingly scarce records.

These two dual turntables each have three distinct playback speeds available- 33, 44, and 78 RPM. The playback speed on the 1219 turntable, however, is a little bit more precise at 33.33RPM.

Winner: Although a similar range 1229 is most preferable while playing.

Wow And Flutter:

This specification lets you know how precisely the turntable moves the platter. An audible swaying effect might result from excessive deviation. A lower figure is preferable in this case, ideally under 0.25 percent.

Wow And Flutter
Source: doctordual.ca

A perfect setup is less than 0.1 percent. The human ear may be able to detect a very small pitch change on a steady test tone. But it needs to be above 0.2 percent.

Dual has kept the wow and flutter the same in both of these turntables. Wow, and flutter is at +/- 0.06% for both 1219 and 1229. This is a decent wow and flutter for vintage turntables.

Winner: Both of these turntables have a similar wow and flutter range at +/- 0.06%

Cartridge Holder:

A detachable cartridge holder is included with both models. It is compatible with cartridges measuring 1-2″ and weighing 1-12 grams. And typically, the tracking force ranges from 1-3 grams.

Winner: No specific winner to announce for this aspect.

Weight:

Turntables benefit from weight, therefore the heavier the better. This is because the weight of a turntable improves its ability to absorb vibration. Some of the best  turntables are a little heavier as well.

Turntables like Rega Planar 1 have also been newly designed with this in mind. The same thing happened in the case of more high-end turntables like Pro-ject JukeBox E

Sadly this model Project Juke Box E faces problems from time to time.

Dual 1219 is 6.8 kg in weight. And the subsequent model weighs a little bit more than 1219. Overall, 1229 weighs 7.2 kg.

Winner: 1219 is the winner in this one for being a little lightweight.

Price:

Now, price is always a crucial consideration when buying a turntable. 1229 costs a little more than 1219 in terms of price. Both 1229 and 1219 are typically available on eBay for around $225-250 and $75-100, respectively.

A new dual turntable would cost almost double these prices. Prices could increase based on the condition of the turntables and shipping charges.

Winner: Price wise 1219 definitely seems like the better option. But with 1229 the SNR gets better. And that alone can be the deciding factor for some folks.

Final Verdict

Design changes for the second generation 1229 resolved several concerns and altered the operation of some sections. As a result of which a few parts are not completely interchangeable.

With the exception of a few features and plastic bodies, 1219 and 1229 are almost identical. As a result, we can say that they are more similar than different.

Therefore, you can use either of these turntables and get essentially the same results. However, if you must choose from among these, we advise selecting 1229.

It is worthwhile to spend the extra money if the SNR can be slightly improved. And it’s even better if you get a few other control functions. After all, these are a great addition to your setup for impromptu house party music.

But remember to use higher quality, carefully preserved vinyl records. Otherwise, they get warped easily.

Slightly warped records can still be played. But if the records are too warped then it can be damaging to the turntables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are the New Dual Turntables Worth Buying?

No, these are not the best turntables you can get for your money. The AT-LP5 from Audio-Technica and other decks from Pro-Ject, and Rega are comparably-priced and  less expensive alternatives. These manufacturers provide improved build quality, higher specs, and demonstrably better performance.

How Can an Internal C Clip be Removed Without Leaving Holes?

For  detaching a circlip with no holes on the ends, use a set of thin tip pliers. The snap ring should be firmly grasped by the pliers’ delicate points, allowing for cautious removal.

How Long Does It Take A Turntable Belt to Wear Out?

The closed loop belt used in turntables is made of rubber and lasts for around five years. The belt’s tension, flexibility, and use all affect how long it will endure. A belt will typically last 5–6 years if it’s not being used.

End Words

So that was all about dual 1219 vs 1229 in detail. Dual has been a top contender in the turntable market in the mid and late 70s.

Although new models might not be up to standard, both the 1229 and 1219 models are excellent. We hope our explanation above will help you decide what turntable is best for your collection.

Until next time, have a good day!

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