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Seller's Description

Dual 704 direct drive turntable in excellent condition, servicedMy tech repaired the power supply.“The Dual 704 is a high-quality, German-engineered semi-automatic direct-drive turntable from 1977-1978, renowned for its precision. It features an EDS 900 motor, an illuminated strobe, and a dynamically balanced tonearm with unique vertical tracking adjustment”Shipping to states in longitude of Colorado, farther west or rural parts of the Midwest will be a little more, billed separately

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

The Ask

At USD $250 for a serviced 704 in excellent condition, you're looking at a fair-to-good price in today's market. These direct-drive Duals from the mid-to-late 1970s typically move between USD $200–$350 depending on condition and completeness, so this sits comfortably in the middle. The EDS 900 motor is solid, wow-and-flutter specs are respectable at 0.05% WRMS, and the semi-automatic operation is genuinely clever. If the service work is documented and recent, and the platter, tonearm, and motor are all functioning cleanly, this is worth pursuing.

What to Verify

Before committing, confirm the motor spins up smoothly and reaches speed in 2–2.5 seconds without noise or hesitation—the EDS 900 is reliable but age matters. Check that the tonearm tracks level, the gimbal suspension moves freely, and the anti-skate mechanism engages properly. Ask whether a cartridge is included; the 704 is cartridge-agnostic, but you'll want to know if you're buying a bare deck or getting a usable setup. Finally, verify the strobe lamp illuminates and the pitch control potentiometer isn't scratchy—both are easy wins if they work, minor headaches if they don't.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Dual

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.

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