Thanks guys. Still not feeling worthy of guru, maybe if I get my 1249 working correctly.
As for the 621 vs 1400. To my ears there's not much difference at all. Comparing the tables, they are both direct drives, but do it very differently.
The 1400 weighs a solid metric ton (26lbs). The dust cover and hinges are top notch, heavy, smooth, solid. It has adjustable VTA, auto return, cheap Japanese engineering plastic inside, servos, late 70's space age tech e.g. the pitch control.
The 621 is not very heavy and the base/dust covers were/are delicate. Auto start/return, more simple mechanics and less electronics. Can do 78 or CD4.
Like I said the sound is pretty close, I'm biased but I'd give the Dual the edge for tracking ability on rougher/not flat records.