Dual 1228 Turntable

Description

The Dual 1228 is a well-engineered vintage turntable from the golden age of German hi-fi equipment. Manufactured by Dual during the mid-1970s, approximately 1973–1977, the 1228 combined traditional mechanical engineering, convenient automatic operation, and respectable audiophile performance in a relatively compact package. Built in Germany, it occupied an interesting position in Dual’s lineup, offering many of the company’s more sophisticated design features at a price below its flagship models.

At the heart of the 1228 is a four-pole synchronous motor driving the platter through an idler-wheel mechanism. This arrangement provides positive platter drive and reliable speed operation while maintaining the convenience of automatic record playback. The motor is mounted using elastic suspension to help isolate mechanical vibration from the turntable chassis. The substantial, non-magnetic, 1.8-kilogram platter measures 270mm in diameter and provides a stable platform for vinyl records.

The Dual 1228 supports both 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback speeds, with speed selection integrated into its automatic tonearm operation. An illuminated stroboscope allows the user to monitor platter speed, while an adjustable pitch control provides approximately six percent speed variation. This makes it possible to fine-tune playback speed and compensate for minor speed variations.

One of the 1228’s most impressive features is its aluminum tonearm. The torsion-resistant tubular design employs a precision four-point gimbal bearing arrangement, providing extremely low friction and accurate cartridge tracking. The removable cartridge carrier accommodates standard half-inch-mount cartridges, making it relatively easy to experiment with different phono cartridges. Tracking force is continuously adjustable, and an adjustable anti-skating mechanism helps maintain proper stylus alignment during playback.

The turntable also offers fully automatic operation, including automatic start, tonearm positioning, record playback, and automatic shutoff. Its automatic mechanism is mechanically sophisticated, yet remains relatively straightforward for an experienced technician to service. The 1228 also accommodates single-play and multi-record operation, giving it additional versatility beyond many conventional turntables.

In terms of performance, the Dual 1228 was designed to meet the demanding German DIN standards for hi-fi reproduction. Its published wow-and-flutter specification of less than 0.09 percent and weighted rumble figure better than 59dB were respectable measurements for a turntable in its class. When properly adjusted and fitted with a quality cartridge, the 1228 is capable of delivering stable playback, good musical detail, and a pleasingly natural presentation.

Reviews and owner impressions

The Dual 1228 has maintained a favorable reputation among vintage turntable enthusiasts, particularly for its combination of mechanical sophistication, automatic convenience, and affordability.

A Vinyl Engine owner review offers this assessment:

“I really like the sound from a properly tuned 1228.”

The same owner praised its value, describing the turntable as a particularly worthwhile purchase.

Another frequently appreciated characteristic is the precision of the tonearm and its compatibility with standard magnetic cartridges. The ability to upgrade the cartridge gives owners considerable flexibility when tailoring the sound to their preferences.

Overall, the Dual 1228 represents an appealing combination of German engineering, practical functionality, and vintage hi-fi character. It remains an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate the convenience of automatic operation without sacrificing the mechanical quality and adjustability expected of a serious record player.

Product specifications

• Manufacturer: Dual (Gebrüder Steidinger)

• Model: 1228

• Country of manufacture: Germany

• Production period: Approximately 1973–1977

• Drive system: Four-pole synchronous motor with idler-wheel drive

• Operation: Fully automatic, single-play and multi-play

• Platter: Non-magnetic, 1.8kg, 270mm diameter

• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 RPM

• Pitch control: Approximately ±6%

• Speed monitoring: Illuminated stroboscope

• Wow and flutter: Less than ±0.09% (DIN 45507)

• Weighted rumble: Better than 59dB

• Tonearm: Tubular aluminum, four-point gimbal suspension

• Cartridge mounting: Removable half-inch universal cartridge carrier

• Cartridge weight compatibility: Approximately 2–10 grams, including mounting hardware

• Tracking force: Continuously adjustable

• Anti-skating: Adjustable

• Automatic functions: Start, tonearm set-down, return and shutoff

• Power consumption: Less than 10 watts

• Chassis dimensions: 329 × 274mm

• Chassis weight: Approximately 4.3kg

• Complete CS 1228 dimensions: Approximately 420 × 148 × 365mm

• Complete unit weight: Approximately 7.4kg