Dual 1228 Value & Price History
As of 2026-10-06, a Dual 1228 has a market value at around $25, parts units around $30. Based on 421 estimated sales.
Is a parts unit worth buying?
The $30 parts price is $1,420 less than the $1,450 working asking price — a 98% gap. Whether that gap covers the cost of repair depends on what's wrong.
What "for parts" usually means for a turntable: For belt-drive turntables, "for parts" often just means a dead or missing belt — a $12–15 fix. For direct-drive tables, it may mean a faulty tonearm, dead motor circuit, or seized bearing.
When it pencils out: Belt replacement costs $12–20 and takes 20 minutes. If that's all that's wrong, the $1,420 gap between parts and working price is pure profit for a buyer with basic skills. Direct-drive motor failures are a different story — they often aren't economical to repair.
When to walk away: A direct-drive table with a dead motor or failed quartz circuit is genuinely difficult to restore economically. A belt-drive with a seized main bearing or cracked plinth is similar. For any valuable table, confirm the seller knows what's wrong before buying.
DIY vs shop: Belt replacement and basic cartridge installation are straightforward DIY tasks. Tonearm bearing adjustment and motor service need more experience. Full repair cost context: what vintage stereo repair actually costs.
Price history
Asking median is roughly flat over the last 37 days ($1,450 → $1,450).
View as table
| Date | Asking | Restored | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-31 | — | — | $23 |
| 2026-09-06 | — | — | $23 |
| 2026-09-12 | — | — | $23 |
| 2026-09-18 | — | — | $25 |
| 2026-09-24 | — | — | $25 |
| 2026-09-30 | $1,450 | — | $25 |
| 2026-10-06 | $1,450 | — | $25 |
Daily trimmed medians from qualifying eBay listings; days without a fresh sync are not plotted.
Specifications
| Years produced | 1972–1975 |
| Type | Turntable |
| Brand | Dual |
| Original MSRP | 220 (1972) |
| Inflation-adjusted | ~$1,600 today |
| Market value (sold) | $25 |
| Currently listed (asking) | $1,450 |
| Value vs MSRP | +559% |
Buying notes
Idler-drive Dual. Check idler wheel condition; flat spots cause a rhythmic thump during playback. Idler replacement is available. Verify the semi-auto return mechanism works. Good Swiss build quality when serviced correctly.
Parts & supplies
Common maintenance items for the Dual 1228. eBay links are model-specific searches; Amazon links are for generic supplies that work across most equipment.
- Dual 1228 replacement stylus on eBay →
- Dual 1228 replacement cartridge on eBay →
- Dual 1228 drive belt on eBay →
- Dual 1228 dust cover on eBay →
- Phono preamp — only needed if your amp or receiver has no phono input on Amazon →
- Cartridge alignment protractor on Amazon →
- Stylus tracking force gauge on Amazon →
- Anti-static record cleaning brush on Amazon →
Purchases through these links may earn StereoWorth a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure. Repair budgeting: what vintage stereo repair actually costs.
Comparable models
- Dual 1219 $21
- Dual 1215S $22
- Dual 1225 $25
Current listings
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