Daniel wrote:

Back in the day, were any Dual turntables better thought of than the
others? When I bought mine, all I knew was I wanted a Dual. I didn't
pay attention to different models. I probably bought the cheapest one
available at the time (Fall, 1972).

The best of the old series Duals, IMO, were the 1240-1260 series.
They make nice inexpensive, serviceable turntables. I had a 1257
and it was fine. The 1264 is better, though. It would make a nice
turntable for your setup.

The later CS series are good as well - but tend to cost a chunk
more money due to the automatic features. They do have less
rumble, though.

Thorens also made a number of good models.