Dual 505 / Stanton 500 upgrade?

[robbartholomew]

I have dusted off my old Dual 505 and started playing vinyl again. However the stylus in the Stanton 500 is ancient and I can't find a replacement. Would you recommend a new cartridge? The recent Goldring E3 review sounded positive. Alternatively, should I accept that the Dual has seen better days and go for something new such as the Rega Planar 3/Elys2?

I'm going into a Quad 44 which seems to have a very flexible phono input, then to a Quad 405. The whole thing is mounted solidly on an Atacama rack. I listed to jazz, rock, classical and folk.

All advice and suggestions will be welcomed.

 

[Al ears]

I have dusted off my old Dual 505 and started playing vinyl again. However the stylus in the Stanton 500 is ancient and I can't find a replacement. Would you recommend a new cartridge? The recent Goldring E3 review sounded positive. Alternatively, should I accept that the Dual has seen better days and go for something new such as the Rega Planar 3/Elys2?

I'm going into a Quad 44 which seems to have a very flexible phono input, then to a Quad 405. The whole thing is mounted solidly on an Atacama rack. I listed to jazz, rock, classical and folk.

All advice and suggestions will be welcomed.

If it's been stashed away for a good while I would recommend a belt change and finding a very light weight cartridge although the Ortofon should be fine. Check the springs to make sure all is well etc.

You may find a new turntable is less hassle and probably better but will not have a sprung subchassis so placement may be more crucial.

If you don't mind tinkering keep the Dual just be aware it's properly been around since the '80s.

http://www.hifinews.co.uk/news/article/dual-cs505--vintage/20176

 

[abacus]

Lubricate the main bearing, adjust the suspension, change the belt and it should be fine.

The cartridge makes the biggest difference, so if the deck works fine I would stick with it.

The counterweight supports a wide range of cartridge weights but the arm doesn’t have height adjustment.

Most Dual 505s came with Ortofon OM cartridges so have a look at Ortofon cartridges as another option.

Bill

 

[Al ears]

Lubricate the main bearing, adjust the suspension, change the belt and it should be fine.

The cartridge makes the biggest difference, so if the deck works fine I would stick with it.

The counterweight supports a wide range of cartridge weights but the arm doesn’t have height adjustment.

Most Dual 505s came with Ortofon OM cartridges so have a look at Ortofon cartridges as another option.

Bill

Most original 505s didn't come with any cartridge prefitted, it was up to you to choose. Ortofons fitted because they are relatively lightweight and cheap.

 

[nopiano]

It looks like you can still get replacement styli for the Stanton 500. I googled a few and they seem to cost around £20 to £25. Try D.J. stores, as that’s where they were most popular The cartridge itself doesn’t wear out - all the moving bits are in the stylus assembly.

I agree about checking everything else though. My old Dual 601 had pretty much seized up after thirty years; I hope you’re luckier!

This old post might help. https://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/renovating-dual-505-turntable-diy

 

[robbartholomew]

Thanks for your tips, Bill/abacus. What should I use to lubricate the bearing? Is 3-in-1 ok?

 

[iMark]

A lot of Dual service manuals can be found online. Unfortunately the service manual doesn't tell us what lubricant to use!

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/dual/cs-505.shtml (you have to sign up for a free membership) or here https://www.vintageshifi.com/repertoire-pdf/Dual.php

 

[nopiano]

Quite a few sellers have turntable oil on eBay. I’ve read that light car engine oil is good, say a 5w-30 or thinner.

However, a long post over on vinyl engine says:-

Dual (various models) - Renotac 342 'tacky oil' (special lubricant for plain bearings)

 

[abacus]

Thanks for your tips, Bill/abacus. What should I use to lubricate the bearing? Is 3-in-1 ok?

3 in 1 is fine, or anything designed for sewing machines is also ideal.

Bill

 

[Al ears]

Thanks for your tips, Bill/abacus. What should I use to lubricate the bearing? Is 3-in-1 ok?

3 in 1 is fine, or anything designed for sewing machines is also ideal.

Bill

Whatever the OP decides to use it is a good idea to try to remove all of the old 'gunk' before applying new oil.