Fix or upgrade

[justaskin]

Hi, I have an old Dual 503-1 turntable. I think the cable that connects it to the amp id damaged. Every now and again I get a hum from the left speaker.
Question is; is it worth trying to fix or should I replace?? I am on a lower budget only due to time of use. I also have a Rank Domus turntable gifted to me that doesn't seem to work. Again any ideas?

Many thanks in advace

 

[Shrek]

try connecting the left plug to the right side on the Amp see if you still get a hum noise . I would also try connecting the left spear to the right the speaker terminal on the Amp to eliminate the speaker it self .

Its also worth checking the connections on the TT cartridge how old is the stylus and cartridge ?

 

[justaskin]

try connecting the left plug to the right side on the Amp see if you still get a hum noise . I would also try connecting the left spear to the right the speaker terminal on the Amp to eliminate the speaker it self .

Its also worth checking the connections on the TT cartridge how old is the stylus and cartridge ?

I really don't think it is the speakers. If I move the cables around it gets worse or stops.
Stylus and cartridge probably 20 plus years. Just been resurrected from my attic.

 

[Din5]

If its been 20yrs in the attic, it probably needs a good strip-down service, there's plenty of youtube videos to guide you.
I recently serviced my old Dual CS505-1 with good results.
When you have it open, inspect and test continuity of the phono to amp leads (replace with new leads if required), and clean the connections to the cartridge.
Your deck is worth saving ! let us know how you get on..

 

[nopiano]

Hi, I have an old Dual 503-1 turntable. I think the cable that connects it to the amp id damaged. Every now and again I get a hum from the left speaker.
Question is; is it worth trying to fix or should I replace?? I am on a lower budget only due to time of use. I also have a Rank Domus turntable gifted to me that doesn't seem to work. Again any ideas?

Many thanks in advace

Has the cable got visible damage, for example split insulation? Pretty rare to fail unless severely stressed, but highly likely to be at the connections into your amp. Or in the headshell which attaches the cartridge to the arm.

Do you remember how to remove the headshell? Take care of the stylus, preferably fit the little cover if you have it. Then secure the arm in the armrest. Then gently move the finger lift back, and the headshell should release. Those contacts are delicate and likely have corroded in the years that have passed, especially if it’s been stored other than indoors.

EDIT the 503-1 has a collar to release the headshell. My description was for earlier Duals!

 

[justaskin]

I have never tried to service a turntable but I am willing to give it a try. Leads into the deck are soldered so that will be my first challenge!1
Cables don't look damaged externally.

 

[Din5]

Try starting with these two videos part 1 & 2 :

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn4iuWWqb9c&t=2s

and

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngG2IXHUdZ0


Buy a cheap multimeter to test the leads for continuity (they all have an Ohms setting which is what you want).
You may not need to solder anything, but if you do then practice first on some bare wires with a cheap soldering iron.
If you need any help, just ask here...

 

[Gray]

Definitely fix.
You've got nothing to lose by working on it, as long as you:

Isolate the turntable from the mains.

Make sure the cartridge is removed before any multimeter continuity tests.

Have a read / look at some soldering guides (fairly easy to ruin RCA plugs with excess heat for example).

 

[abacus]

Its a common problem with those decks (The cable breaks in one or more of the RCA plugs), just replace it and you will be fine. (You don't need to buy anything fancy)
A good service is a must if it has been standing for that long, (Particularly lubrication and belt) so follow what has been mentioned by others.
I would at least replace the stylus as the mounting has probably gone hard, if you can afford a new cartridge even better, the standard cartridge is made for Dual by Ortofon and according to their website you can go up to a 2M Red with your turntable.

Bill

 

[justaskin]

Thanks very much for every reply I have had. At the moment I'm sat listening to Genesis and then there were three. No problem at all. I will look into everything everyone has suggested. I have seen an after market

 

[justaskin]

Oops!
I've seen an after market Ortofon red cartridge. Are they ok? Less than half the price.

 

[abacus]

Oops!
I've seen an after market Ortofon red cartridge. Are they ok? Less than half the price.

I presume you mean a used 2M Red, in that case I would be careful as you don't know how much use it has had.
If its a Knock Off of a 2M Red then avoid like the plague , no matter how cheap it is.

Bill

 

[Rui]

I really don't think it is the speakers. If I move the cables around it gets worse or stops.
Stylus and cartridge probably 20 plus years. Just been resurrected from my attic.

I'm using one since 1974 in a Pioneer, sounds really good, no noises or any thing but have a Dual 1224 more old and a buzz came but from the receiver a Dual from the same year was my grandmother system only the cables on the turntable can be not that good anymore, check it by your description it seems to have a faulty cable

 

[justaskin]

One of these

 

[Al ears]

One of these

That's a stylus isn't it? You're going to need a complete cartridge.

 

[justaskin]

Ok, thanks. This is the reason I come here.
I'm a bit of a novice and I just need a little help.
Great forum and people who help. Many thanks