Dual MTR-75
FOR Enjoyable sound; fully automatic; reasonable price AGAINST Needs more punch; build quality could be better
Every time we think the vinyl revival has hit a plateau, another stalwart from the heyday of turntables rears its head to join the party. This time it’s German brand Dual – a hi-fi staple from the 1970s to the 90s – making a comeback with a new range of budget to mid-priced turntables.
This £250 Dual MTR 75 is the big brother of the range, offering automatic operation with plenty of other features, including built-in phono stage and USB type B output.
Into the groove
One of the Dual MTR 75’s best features is its fully automatic operation. Press the start button on the turntable and the tonearm lifts, positions and lowers itself onto the record automatically. It takes about 10 seconds, but it’s such a pleasing feature and makes the Dual so simple and easy to use on a daily basis.
The arm automatically lifts and returns to its rest once it reaches the run-off, and you can press the stop button any time during playback. That’s handy for when you don’t want the needle sitting in the groove for ages, and ideal for those who aren’t confident with placing the needle precisely themselves.
Also on the features list is the built-in moving magnet phono stage, so you can plug the MTR 75 straight into a pair of powered speakers. There’s a pair of switchable line level outputs available if you prefer using an external phono stage or the one built into your amplifier.
Dual also provides buttons to select between two speeds (33⅓ and 45 rpm) and a toggle switch for choosing between 7in and 12in records. The control buttons are plastic, but they work responsively.
Other features include a USB type B output for ripping records into digital files. It works smoothly. The recorded files sound a touch thin, but they have the same upbeat character as the turntable itself.
Almost plug-and-play
The automatic function does take away some of the tactility of using a turntable, but don’t fret. The Dual requires some assembling once you take it out of the box.
It’s not quite as plug-and-play as some of its rivals, but everything you need is provided: aluminium platter, belt, rubber mat, tonearm, cartridge, headshell and counterweight. All you have to do is put them together.
That might be intimidating to a complete novice, but the instructions are easy to follow. The drive belt is simple to attach, the headshell screws in securely to the tonearm, the dust cover fits neatly – it takes just a matter of minutes.
Dual recommends you set the counterweight between 3g to 3.5g for the supplied Audio Technica cartridge. On our sample, however, the markings on the counterweight aren’t particularly accurate, so we set the weight closer to the lower end of the recommended scale.
Build quality is decent. The black satin finish is neat and everything is firmly in place, but the Dual does feel a bit plasticky. Turntables for a similar price, such as the Audio Technica AT LP5 and the Sony PS HX500, feel built to a higher and sturdier standard than the MTR 75.
Bittersweet tones
We’ll get straight to the point: the Audio Technica and Sony turntables sound better than the Dual. They’re more articulate, deliver textures and deep basslines in a way that feels tactile, and have a strong sense of weight and authority that guides music along its dynamic ups and downs.
But the Dual isn’t far behind, particularly when price is taken into account. In fact,
“The Dual MTR-75’S fully automatic operation makes it easy to live with – crucial if you’re a little nervous about the mechanics of record replay”
the MTR 75’s lively and pleasant character will have you spinning records for hours.
There’s enough detail to capture the distinctive wistful, bittersweet tone of Nick Cave’s vocal on Into My Arms. The melody is fluid and there’s a warmth that’s lovely to listen to. It may not be the most transparent or nuanced performance, but the Dual’s easy-going approach means it plays well with most genres.
Hitting the right key
Songs with piano are challenging for most hi-fi kit, but the Dual takes on the resounding and delicate notes in People
Ain’t No Good with as much skill it can muster. The leading edges are clear and timely, and the top end is informative without being bright or harsh.
It doesn’t quite reach the hefty depths needed to truly convey the solid clunk of a piano note, but it does illustrate the emphases put on each key being pressed. That alone keeps us listening with interest. On the flip side, Alice in Chains’ Would? needs a meatier bassline, and the rasping, grungy vocals could have more attitude.
But the MTR 75 has a decent way with dynamics, meaning it doesn’t run the risk of being demoted to background-music duties. We spin The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas and are caught up in the sprightly, tension-filled orchestral piece. The Dual stays in step with the flighty flutes and piccolos, with each instrument sounding organised and distinct even when it builds to a crescendo.
First time nerves
Rivals from Rega, Pro-ject and Audio Technica at this price may have a grander, punchier and more nuanced way with your records, but there’s plenty to praise about the Dual MTR 75.
Its features set is exhaustive, and the fully automatic operation makes it easy to live with – crucial if you’re a little nervous about the mechanics of record replay. We think you'll want to spend time with the Dual turntable. It’s an affable, enjoyable performer that’s fun to use. Give it a spin.