Dual (brand)

Dual was a German manufacturer of audio equipment, most notably record players and turntables. Founded in 1907 as Gebrüder Steidinger in St. Georgen in the Black Forest, the company initially produced clockwork mechanisms and parts for record players.

Dual gained prominence in the mid-20th century for its high-quality turntables, renowned for their precision engineering, reliable performance, and innovative features. The company introduced several advancements in turntable technology, including automatic record changers, direct-drive motors, and sophisticated tonearm designs.

During its peak, Dual was a major player in the global audio market, with a wide range of products including turntables, cassette decks, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. Their turntables, particularly the models 1019, 1219, and 701, are highly regarded by audiophiles and collectors today.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Dual faced increasing competition from Japanese manufacturers and struggled to adapt to the changing market landscape. The company went through several ownership changes and ultimately ceased production of turntables in the late 20th century.

The Dual brand has been revived under different ownership, focusing on various audio products, but the historical legacy remains tied to its pioneering work in turntable technology. While the original company structure no longer exists, the name "Dual" continues to be associated with quality audio equipment, particularly in the realm of vinyl record playback. The current products marketed under the Dual brand are not necessarily manufactured to the same standards as the original German-made products.