Dual CS607 w/ Ortofon Cartridge

[-=Rudy=-]

I got my hands on a Dual CS607 that has the Ortofon cartridge from the factory. For one, I don't think I can put another cartridge on this one, as there are no 1/2" mounting holes. The Ortofon actually doesn't sound bad, but it is falling apart. I tried to take off the stylus to inspect it, and the entire metal piece it plugs into came away from the rest of the body. It sort of snaps in, but not with a definitive "snap" when it does...and it's a bugger to keep seated. I don't know if this is normal or not. Anyone know?

Also curious if there is a replacement headshell or mounting that would let me put a different cartridge on this arm. Other than that, this turntable works really well. It's going to be in a second system for occasional use.

I checked that "Classic DUAL" site but all it gave me were specs. It does mention a range of cartridge weights acceptable, which makes me think there might be an optional headshell to add a different cartridge.

Other than this, the 'table works great!

[sgraham]

If this is the model I'm thinking of, it does have a removable headshell, it is just a little bit unusual. You push the tonearm fingerlift backwards and it drops off.

[-=Rudy=-]

Steve--one of the docs I read at the Classic Dual site mentioned something about turning a screw on top and dropping the cartridge like you said. Just need to find my set of jeweler's screwdrivers to see what happens. I did notice this Ortofon doesn't have 1/2" mounting screws in it. Interesting setup to say the least!

[indy mike]

I had a Dual 505 - you could buy an adapter kit that allowed you to mount standard cartridges in that funky arm. You had to add a weight at the end of the arm so you could balance the heavier cartridge (the Ortofon was extremely light weight - was it called ULM, Ultra Low Mass)? To take off the Ortofon off you undid the 4 wires at the back of the cartdridge, slid the finger lift for the tonearm back (with tonearm locked in place) and then the cartridge slid out (I don't remember a screw but there might have been). Then you unscrewed the plastic cap on the end of the tonearm's counterbalance, screwed on the heavy metal weight, put your new cartridge on the adapter, then you loosely mounted the cartridge to the arm, slid the 4 wires back on, then aligned your cartridge (MoFi GeoDisc for me). Try Needle Doctor - good chance he might have the actual Ortofon cartridges that clip right in place...