Dual 1229 turntable
Vintage & classic turntables · 1972–1974 Discontinued
$200–$450 typical US used price
Dual 1229 is a discontinued idler-drive, fully automatic operation, 33/45/78 rpm playback vintage turntable. Typical US used-price evidence is $200–$450.
Decision snapshot
The five things to check first
- Plays
- 33/45/78 rpm
- System hookup
- Phono input or preamp needed
- Cueing
- Fully automatic
- Stylus path
- Fitment not yet resolved
- Buying status
- Used market
Setup bottom line: Budget for a phono input or separate phono preamp as well as amplification and speakers. Check model-specific stylus evidence →
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 |
Cartridge and replacement stylus
The fitted cartridge is not mapped to a verified replacement part. See the model-specific stylus guidance →
Keep the evidence layers separate
Buying evidence for this model
- Typical used value
- $200–$450. A dated guide value for comparison, not an offer or availability claim.
- Live retailer offers
- Not shown for this discontinued model; used condition and seller evidence vary.
- Retailer links
- Brand or product routes to relevant US retailers; a search link is not a stock claim.
An internally verified exact identifier may improve offer matching, but it is not published as a catalogue fact unless independently corroborated. Always confirm the exact model, final price, delivery and returns with the retailer.
Where to buy the Dual 1229
4 US retailers handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | Search at eBay ↗ |
| Guitar Center | music retail | Free standard shipping on most orders $25+. | Search at Guitar Center ↗ |
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | Search at Reverb ↗ |
| Upscale Audio | hifi independent | Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). | Search at Upscale Audio ↗ |