La verita' sull'hifi:quello che .....

La storia ritiorna con componenti a costo accettabile.
Da 200 a 750 eu.

la storia:
In the beginning.....

1900 - Christian Steidinger started the "Gerbruder Steidinger" company while
manufacturing parts for spring wound motors in St. Georgen, Germany.

1906 - Due to technological advances in the St. Georgen company, it was
decided to fabricate complete spring wound motor assemblies.

1908 - The first DUAL spring wound motor is presented at the Leipzig, Germany
fair.

1909 - Eighty employees fabricate 80,000 motors per month. The era of the
Gramophone is ushered in!

1927 - 1,500 gramophone motors are leaving the factory daily!

The "Gebrueder Steidinger" company changes its name to DUAL. This
name change reflected the technology that was developed by Gebrueder
Steidinger for use in its gramophones. These gramophones were
literally DUAL powered, you could use them outside on "wind up" power,
or if you were inside and had electricity available you could just plug it in!
It had two motors, one electric and the other spring loaded built in. These
motors were sold in the United States under the name of the "Dollar Motor"

These dollar motors were a huge success in the United States! The
DUAL name gains popularity in the United States.

1928 - As electric energy became more widespread, the demand for electric
motors rose. DUAL produces 10,000 units per month. They market
a turntable that has a stamped sheet metal platter with a velvet covering.

The first DUAL phono cartridge is produced. With this accomplishment,
all the pieces were in place for DUAL to start producing turntables of
their own.

1937 - DUAL wins a prize at the World's Fair in Paris for their turntable. This
starts the line of DUAL turntables to come!

DUAL also manufactures wood cabinets and furnishings for sound
equipment.

1949 - After the wars end, civilian production starts again. DUAL produces
two pole electric motors, plus adds idler wheel drive to their turntables.

On the first official Electronic Trade Show in Berlin, DUAL unveils the
legendary DUAL 1000 model turntable.
1950 - DUAL produces 200,000 electric turntable motors. The diameter
of their turntable platters was 210mm and weighed 1.2 kg.

1952 - DUAL produces their own crystal phono cartridge that have a
tracking force of 6 grams.

1956 - The first DUAL compact unit is introduced. This has the turntable,
amplifier and speakers all in one cabinet. The 1950's are marked
as years of great technological advancement in the development
of music reproduction.

1958 - The introduction of Stereophonic sound!

In the spring, DUAL introduces stereo turntables that come with
their cartridges.

1959 - Turntables with four pole motors and idler wheel drive are introduced.
DUAL invents a record stabilizing system where records could be
stacked for multiple play without a record stabilizing arm on the top
of the record stack.

DUAL introduces the 1006 turntable.

1960 - Automatic sensing of record size is introduced on the DUAL 1008
turntable.

1963 - The first automatic high-fidelity turntable with record changing capability
was introduced as the DUAL 1009. This unit was the first to be sold
world wide.

The precision ball bearing mounted tonearm with a tracking force of only
0.5 grams was introduced.

As a result of the lower friction of this new tonearm, Anti-Skating became
available.

1965 - DUAL introduces the model 1019 turntable with the tonearm set in a
universal bearing mount.

The Anti-Skating mechanism now tests at near zero skating force!

The silicone dampened tonearm lift was introduced and would now
become the standard for all future DUAL turntables.

With the invention of high-fidelity, the engineers at DUAL set out to
set new standards in the reproduction of high-fidelity sound.

1967 - Despite the competition from other vendors of audio equipment and
also from Color Television, DUAL continues to do well in the marketplace.

1969 - Four pole synchronous motors are used and the turntable now starts
when the tonearm is taken off the rest. This feature appears on the
model 1219, which is introduced.

This outrageous technology was responsible for the fact that the operator
of the turntable could make "operational errors" in the handling of the
unit, but no damage to the turntable itself would occur!
1971 - DUAL purchases P+E (Perpetuum-Ebner) a competitor.

1972 - DUAL develops the first European Direct Drive Turntable,
the DUAL 701. Simultaneous damping of the tonearm
resonance from the spring suspension by using a elastic
connection. The solution was a two part anti-resonator
which is adjusted to a specific frequency. Together they
produce a mass to balance the tonearm system.

1973 - The official introduction of Quadraphonic sound during the
electronic trade show in Berlin, Germany.

DUAL introduces a complete line of Quadraphonic equipment.

1974 - DUAL completes the development of the first DUAL cassette
player, the model C-901 and begins production of this unit.
The technical features are:
Auto-Reverse
Self Degaussing
Automatic Adjustment of the Double Gap Erase Heads
Horizontal and Vertical Operation
Direct Function Switching
Dolby B Noise Reduction

1975 - The first belt drive high-fidelity automatic turntable with the Vario-Belt
drive system is introduced.

An eight pole motor capable of 78 RPM is also introduced.

1977 - The first hi-fi cassette recorder with a front-load system, the DUAL
C-819 is introduced. It also had a fader control and could use all
three tape types, photoelectric controls. Facilities for mixing from
a microphone and other sources were built in.
The name "DUAL International" became well respected by both consumers
and audio critics world-wide.

1978 - The first DUAL Quartz controlled turntable with an Ultra Low Mass Tonearm
is introduced. It uses a tuning anti-resonator in order to defeat tonearm
resonance and a highly stabilized electronic drive system. It also features
strobe illumination using LED's and has the controls on the front of the unit.

The first remote controlled high fidelity cassette player is the modern
C-839RC. This unit is introduced utilizing the latest in microprocessor
technology.

1979 - The introduction of the ULM (Ultra Low Mass) tonearm technology. This
development resulted in 50% lower mass in the tonearm/cartridge system
than other turntables of the time. The advantages to this system are:
Better Audible Contact and Better Stylus and Turntable lifetime.

The first DUAL Hi-Fidelity receiver with synthesis technology for station
scanning and digital frequency display.

The "Thermo-Float" technology for DUAL loudspeakers became
internationally known.

1980 - Continuing innovation leads DUAL through the 1980's. The introduction
of the SM line with Amplifier, Tuner, Receiver, Turntable and Cassette
products.

1981 - At the Berlin Electronics show, DUAL introduces the first CD player with
PCM technology.
Introduction of the successful Hi-Fi Cassette player C-844. This unit
offers two motors, two capstans and two speeds.

Introduction of the CD-741 and the Model 728Q with floating chassis.

Despite the technological advancements at DUAL, the first signs of
loss start to appear. The ability to compete could not be kept alive.
Since 1978, the losses occurred due to competition from the far
east and is increasing. Intensive efforts to incorporate were not
successful.

1982 - In January, DUAL declares bankruptcy. Despite this, employees kept
the company running to ensure the continuation of the DUAL name.
This activity was backed by the DUAL dealer network.

Due to extraordinarily tough competition from the far east, DUAL was
forced to come up with a new marketing concept.

On July 1, 1982, DUAL was purchased by the Thompson-Brandt concern.
By doing this, DUAL ensured for a long time the quality of their products
and that development of these products would continue. The company
now was able to acquire the fine technological knowledge and precision
of modern micro-electronics.


1983 - In March, DUAL introduces a line of "semi-professional" video equipment.

1984 - Introduction of the first Hi-Fi video recorder, the DUAL VR-97
1985 - The first CD player made in Germany by DUAL, the CD-40.

The CS-5000 turntable makes its debut. The company now
is in the "high-end" audio market. This also marks the debut
of turntables being marketed as "DUAL by Ortofon" in conjunction
with a marketing agreement with Ortofon, the cartridge manufacturer.
The CS-5000 is offered with the OPS (Optimal Pivot System) with
tracking angle correction (VTA) and a carbon fiber tonearm head.
With this agreement with Ortofon and this offering, DUAL created
a new market image.
1987 - DUAL introduces a new marketing concept and changes themselves
into a Hi-Fi specialty company.

First time presentation of "high end" products at the Frankfurt, Germany
Audiophile Show.
Perpetuum-Ebner (P+E) (whose turntable business was previously
bought out by DUAL) buys DUAL from Thompson Grand Public, of Paris.

1988 - DUAL GmbH becomes affiliated with the German company Schneider
Rundfunkwerke AG. The product line was expanded to include television
receivers.

1989 - At the International Electronics Show in Berlin DUAL presents themselves
as a company specializing in Hi-Fi, Television and Video.

DUAL presents the "Studio Concept" line which is intended for consumers
interested in the convenient new high technology and excellent reproduction.

The new "Audiophile Concept" line comprises of a complete high end
system including high quality loudspeakers. High technology is the basis
for this new system. All amplifiers of this line are discrete with select
components and equipped with the new "Ring-Core" transformers.
The new television line, called the "Digital Concept" represents the
complete stereo color television line of DUAL and offers digital
reception. The chassis is built on the modular building concept,
allowing upgrading to future standards.

DUAL bases its marketing concept and product lines on the influence
of its dealer network.

1989 - In addition, DUAL presents the new video concept of it's model VR-4870
a Hi-Fi Stereo Video Cassette unit for PAL systems. Its features include:
VPS, HW, Hyperband Tuner with 120 Channels, LCD Display and four
video and two audio heads.
An independent market research firm shows that DUAL is now the fourth
largest producer of Hi-Fidelity equipment destined for German Households.
United Audio, the United States distributor of DUAL products disappears
without a trace leaving the US dealer network without a source for parts. .

1990 - A new "high-tech" television with full digital chassis (DTV-2). It can later
be equipped with Nicam, D2-Mac, Multi-Scart, PIP (Picture In a Picture)
made for the future.
The increasing demand from the former DDR (Deutsch Democratische
Republic, or East Germany) results in a market gain for DUAL.

1991 - At the Berlin Electronics Show, DUAL presents an enlarged studio lineup.
All components in this line are remote controlled.
The MIDI 3700 is introduced, consisting of a complete collection of high
tech single components.
1992 - The crown jewel of turntables has been invented in the form of the "Golden
Stone". It's a status symbol with a pebble plinth finish.
The high quality of the DUAL turntables (made in Germany) has resulted
that other European and even Far Eastern turntable manufacturers have
decided to use DUAL-built turntables in their own systems. (OEM)

1993 - The worldwide recession has resulted in a drop in sales of electronic
entertainment equipment. Once more, DUAL must make some economic
decisions if they are going to stay in business.
DUAL relocates all of their manufacturing (except turntables) from St.
Georgen, Germany to Tuerkheim, Germany which is the home base
for Schneider Rundfunkwerke AG. This move has economic advantages
for DUAL.

In the highly competitive single CD market, DUAL succeeds in obtaining
a 5% market share.

DUAL introduces "Show View", a system where a television viewer
can read bar-codes printed in the television listings into the VCR to
program what programmes will be video tape recorded.
1995 - The Karstadt AG, a department store chain, licenses the DUAL name
to be put on their own products. They create a new DUAL logo for
these products. This new logo can be viewed at the entry page to
this history section.

DUAL GmbH and Schneider AG continue until 2001 producing
turntables in St. Georgen, Germany for world wide consumption.
They continue their OEM business as well. The original DUAL
logo is still in use on products made by the St. Georgen firm.

1997 - The Fehrenbacker Company in Germany begins building Dual turntables in
St. Georgen, Germany. New turntables are available to day from this company.


1999 - The Dual Classics Website is founded. This website offers technical
specifications for Dual products which were sold in the United States.
2001 - The Schneider AG company declares insolvency and Dual comes to
an end. The assets of Dual are purchased by a Chinese company,
TCL Holdings for the distribution network. TCL will begin marketing
it's own Chinese made products under the Dual name. The original
Dual factory in St. Georgen becomes a trade-school. However, there
is a museum on the town of St. Georgens honoring Dual for all their
contibutions to the town over the years.
2002 - Namsung Electronics of Heathrow, Florida purchases the rights to the
Dual name for the Americas territory and begin marketing their own
products under the Dual name. You can find these items at Best Buy Stores,
2005 - The Dual Classics Website evolves into the Dual-Reference Website. This
more accurately describes our mission on the Internet. We also redesigned the
"front end" of the website as a tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Color Television
Broadcasting. The NBC peacock was our inspiration!

Specifications: Two Speeds (33.33/45)
1/2 inch headshell mount, Detatchable
Massless Stylus Force
Floating Chassis
Anti Resonant Feet
Anti-Skating Control
Heavy Vibration Damped Aluminum Platter
Anti-Resonance Rubber Coating
Platinum Chassis with floating feet
Anti-Distortion Wooden Console, coated
Flat Belt Drive
16 Pole Synchronous Motor
Speed Fine Control
Auto Stop and Tone Arm Lift
Automatic Hood
Spec Sheet Data: Wow & Flutter:
DIN: 0.06 %
WRMS: 0.035 %
Rumble:
Unweighted: > 52 dB
Weighted: > 75 dB
Tonearm: Kardan, OPS (Optimal Pivot System)
Cartridge: DUAL OMB 10
Freuency Response: 20-22,000 Hz
Voltage: 230V 50 Hz Only!
Years Manufactured 1990-Present

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