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For sale: A beautiful Dual 1218 automatic idler-drive turntable in its original CS 31 walnut console. A classic of German Hi-Fi engineering, known for its precision and robust build.Condition: 100% working order. All automatic and manual functions have been tested and verified.Maintenance: Partially serviced. Old, hardened grease has been removed and fresh lubrication (oil/grease) has been applied to the main mechanical points to ensure smooth operation.Cartridge: Equipped with a classic Shure M75 Type D cartridge (new generic stylus) for that warm, punchy analog sound.Aesthetics: The wooden plinth is in excellent condition. Note: The original smoked dust cover looks great overall but has a visible crack/fissure on the right side (please check the photos).Power & Frequency (International Buyers): This unit is multi-voltage (110V/220V). However, it is currently configured for 50Hz (European standard). For use in USA/Canada (60Hz), the motor pulley (rotor shaft) must be replaced with a 60Hz version to ensure the correct playback speed.Connectivity: Original DIN output cable.A fantastic-sounding machine, ready to play. Perfect for collectors or vinyl enthusiasts looking for a reliable vintage player.
At US$296, this Dual 1218 sits right at the 75th percentile of the typical used market, making the price ambitious but not unreasonable given its idler-drive heritage. The GROUND TRUTH data shows a median of US$205 and a 25th percentile of US$200, so US$296 clearly exceeds the norm, yet it remains within the upper range of US$200–US$296 seen in recent listings.
This turntable is well-regarded for its robust 1970s idler mechanism, delivering smooth, consistent speed and a warm, full-bodied sound that modern belt-drives often lack. Its vintage charm, original-owner condition, and inclusion of a working cartridge make it a worthwhile buy for enthusiasts seeking authentic analog performance. While age-related wear is possible, the clean listing and fair premium for rarity justify this as a genuine opportunity rather than a risk.
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.
