Hi all: Hoping to get some advice from folks more knowledgeable than myself. I have a Dual CS506 that has served me well since the 1970s. I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I have a system I'm happy with. I've had a few receivers and CD players over the years, but the Dual and a pair of Bose 10.1 towers have kept me happy. At this point I probably only listen to vinyl a few times a month. The damping lever that lowers and raises the tone arm has ceased to function. I need that for two reasons: the turntable is in a stereo cabinet so I can't fully raise the dust cover, meaning I kind of ease the album in, then sneak in to raise/move/lower the tone arm (the lever is at the front); also, I don't trust the steadiness of my hands, frankly.
So my question is this...I'm sure I won't get in and out of my electronics repair place for less than $100-150. Should I invest the money to get it fixed? I'm looking around at new turntables and wondering whether putting down $200 and getting something like the Audio-Technica at-lp3 might be better. (fully automatic, meaning I can still have the turntable in the stereo cabinet).
I would appreciate any thoughts some knowledgeable person might have. Thank you in advance for whatever help you can provide.
