RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
DescriptionUp for sale is a classic piece of German engineering: the Dual 1209 Idler Drive turntable.⚠️ Special Listing Note:This is a custom-style variant of the Dual 1209 turntable currently listed in my shop. It features the exact same fully-serviced turntable mechanism, internal Dual TVV46 preamp, and Shure cartridge, but fitted into a striking, retro custom red plinth. First one to sell takes the unit!Mechanical Condition:I have personally performed a basic service on this unit to ensure it stays spinning for years to come:Degreased: Removed the notorious "dried-up" factory grease that often freezes these vintage models.Lubricated: Re-oiled and re-lubricated the main mechanical points.Regulated: Key adjustments have been made for proper operation.Functionality:It is in good working condition. While it may not be "100% factory perfect" due to its age (50+ years), it starts, spins at speed, and plays reliably.Cosmetic Condition:Plinth: Unique, eye-catching custom red finish with silver trim accent. Perfect for a retro, space-age, or pop-art aesthetic setup. Shows honest minor signs of use.Dustcover: The smoked acrylic cover is included. Please note it has visible fissures/cracks near the lower corners and center scuffs (refer to photos), but it is NOT structurally broken. It still sits properly and protects the unit.General: Shows honest signs of age ("patina") that add to its vintage charm.Key Features:Cartridge: Equipped with a vintage Shure M71 MB-D. These are famous for their warm, punchy "rock and roll" sound.Preamp: Includes the original Dual TVV46 internal preamplifier (220V). This allows you to connect the turntable directly to any standard "Aux" or "Line" input without needing an external phono box.Speed: Supports 33, 45, and 78 RPM.Important Note for International / US / 60Hz Buyers:Voltage & Preamp Power: The turntable unit is configured for multi-voltage, but the internal Dual TVV46 preamplifier runs on 220V (50-60Hz). Buyers in 110V/120V regions (such as North America) will require a step-up voltage converter (110V to 220V) to power the built-in preamp.Frequency/Pulley: This turntable is currently fitted with a 50Hz motor pulley. If you are located in North America (USA/Canada) or any 60Hz region, you will need to source and install a 60Hz motor pulley for the platter to spin at the correct speed. Without this change, the turntable will play significantly faster due to the frequency difference.Shipping & Terms:This is a vintage mechanical device. I will pack it with extreme care (securing the platter and tonearm). Sold "As-Described" due to the nature of vintage electronics.
US$315 looks a bit above fair, but not wildly off; against your recent comp set, it sits above the US$242 median and well above the US$152 25th percentile, though nowhere near the inflated top end implied by the US$36,224 75th percentile anchor.
That makes it more of a buy on condition than a bargain. The Dual 1209 is a well-regarded classic idler-drive deck with a loyal following for its sturdy build and musical, rhythmic presentation, so a clean, complete example can still be a worthwhile pickup. At this price, the value hinges on whether the mechanism is healthy, the tonearm and auto functions work properly, and the listing includes the small bits that are hard to replace.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Dual emerged from the Black Forest region of Germany in 1907, when brothers Christian and Joseph Steidinger began manufacturing clockwork and gramophone components in St. Georgen. The company adopted its now-iconic name in 1927 after pioneering dual-mode power supplies that allowed gramophones to operate from either mains electricity or mechanical wind-up mechanisms. This innovation marked the beginning of Dual's transition from component supplier to full-fledged audio manufacturer, establishing a foundation of engineering precision that would define the brand for decades.
Dual built its reputation primarily as a turntable specialist, becoming Europe's largest turntable manufacturer by the post-war era with over 3,000 employees across multiple factories. Beyond vinyl playback, the company expanded into cassette players, CD players, and broader consumer electronics throughout the 1970s and 1980s, demonstrating versatility across analog and digital formats. The company's focus on mechanical excellence and stable drive systems earned it recognition as a dependable, quality-focused manufacturer throughout its European heyday.
Today, Dual occupies a fragmented market position following corporate restructuring in the 1990s and subsequent ownership changes. The original German turntable line continues production in St. Georgen under Alfred Fehrenbacher GmbH, maintaining traditional manufacturing standards and appealing to vintage enthusiasts and collectors. Separately, Namsung Electronics markets Dual-branded consumer electronics in the Americas at accessible price points. The brand's legacy rests primarily on its classic turntables, which remain highly sought after by collectors and audiophiles valuing precision engineering and heritage craftsmanship.
See all Dual listings on RADAR.
