All nine new Dual turntables feature ULM... the Ultra Low Mass tonearm and cartridge system with 8 grams total effective mass.
All it takes to appreciate the significance of Dual's new Ultra Low Mass system is a clear understanding of what happens when the stylus tracks warped records.
As the record warp rises and falls, the stylus should be able to follow it with a minimum of resistance from the tonearm. Otherwise, tracking angle and tracking force will vary widely as the stylus digs in on the way up the warp and takes off on the way down.
The high inertia of a conventional tonearm and cartridge combination, with approximately 18 grams total effective mass, can cause tracking force to vary as much as 30 percent.
And a warp as small as 1.5 mm (barely discernible) can generate harmonic distortion of 2.7 percent. That's audible.
The new Dual ULM tonearm and cartridge system has only 8 grams total effective mass. Tracking the same warped record under the same conditions, harmonic distortion is reduced to only 0.01 percent. That's 270 times less! Not only is the overall sound audibly improved, but stylus and record life are significantly extended.
What has made the ULM system possible? First, Dual's straight-line tubular tonearm with its gyroscopic gimbal suspension and unique system for setting tracking force without increasing effective mass. This tonearm can now accept a cartridge weighing as little as 2 grams. Second, a new generation of cartridges that resulted from a collaboration between Dual and Ortofon. These ULM cartridges weigh only 2.5 grams, including mounting bracket and hardware.
Together, the new ULM tonearm and ULM cartridge form a perfectly matched system, with total effective mass less than half that of conventional tonearms and cartridges.
To experience the demonstrable advantages of ULM, bring a badly warped record to your Dual dealer. Listen to it when played with the ULM tonearm and cartridge system. You will hear the difference that ULM can make on all your records. Then you need only decide which of the nine new Dual turntables best meets your requirements for convenience and refinements.
Prices begin at less than $180 for the multiple play model 1257. The top model, the automatic single-play 731Q with quartz PLL direct drive, is less than $560. ULM cartridges are optional.
For the complete ULM story, please write to: United Audio, 120 So. Columbus Ave., Mt. Vernon, NY 10553.
ULM. A major breakthrough in record playback technology.
Dual
( Audio magazine, Oct. 1979)
Also see:
Dual ULM turntable (ad, Dec. 1981)
Dual ULM tonearms (ad, Jan. 1982)
LUX PD-277 fully automatic direct-drive turntable (Aug. 1979)
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