{"title":"Dual","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"dual-cs-329-automatic-turntable-black","title":"Dual CS 329 Automatic Turntable - Black","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePlug It In. Press Start. Play Records.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 329 is built for the shortest possible path from box to needle drop. It's a fully automatic turntable: put a record on the platter, press start, and the tonearm rises, swings into position, lowers itself onto the groove, and lifts away on its own when the side ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEvery part arrives pre-assembled and factory-aligned, including an Audio-Technica AT91 moving-magnet cartridge fitted with a conical stylus. Tracking force is set at the factory to 1.8 grams, so there's no counterweight to balance or anti-skating dial to set before the first record drops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA phono preamp is already wired in behind a rear PHONO\/LINE switch, so the CS 329 connects to almost any amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker straight out of the box. Flip that switch off later if you'd rather run its signal into an outboard phono stage instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat's Doing the Work Underneath\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eBelt-Drive Simplicity, Two Speeds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA small DC motor turns the platter through a flat rubber belt at 33 or 45 rpm; there's no 78 rpm option on this model. Dual rates wow and flutter at under ±0.12% DIN-weighted, a reasonable figure for a deck built around ease of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eLinking an automatic tonearm to the platter bearing without adding noise of its own takes careful engineering. Dual isolates the mechanism with a plastic-and-MDF plinth set on four elastomer-damped feet, and finishes the platter itself in die-cast aluminum for a stable, resonance-controlled spinning mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePlatter, Bearing and Dust Cover\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 296mm die-cast aluminum platter weighs 667 grams complete with its 2.5mm rubber mat, and rides on a hardened-steel spindle turning inside a brass bushing. A removable dust cover keeps dust off the platter and cartridge between listening sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThere's no arm lock for transport, so the tonearm should be handled gently when the turntable is moved. At roughly 11 pounds and 17.1 by 14.6 by 5.2 inches closed, it asks for very little shelf space next to a first system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThom Moon reviewed the CS 329 for SoundStage! Access, calling it \"a turntable that anyone can set up in minutes, play records on from dawn till midnight, and thoroughly enjoy in the process.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want records playing within minutes of opening the box\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cartridge, tracking force, and speed are all set at the factory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou've never owned a turntable before\u003c\/strong\u003e — press start and the tonearm does the rest, with no cueing or balancing to learn first\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want one cable to any amplifier or receiver\u003c\/strong\u003e — the built-in phono preamp handles a phono or a line-level input equally well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou mostly play modern LPs and singles\u003c\/strong\u003e — 33 and 45 rpm cover nearly everything pressed since the 1950s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a deck that arrives set up and stays that way\u003c\/strong\u003e — arm and cartridge matched and set at the factory — nothing to adjust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne RCA cable runs from the back of the CS 329 to your amplifier, along with a ground wire to the ground screw when you're using a phono input. The rear PHONO\/LINE switch tells the turntable which kind of input it's feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eLeave the switch on LINE to run straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker — the built-in preamp does the rest. Switch to PHONO only if you're connecting to a dedicated phono input or an outboard phono preamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 329 goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is the natural first upgrade once you outgrow the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono input, since the CS 329 works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/turntable-accessories\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eTurntable accessories\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a record brush and a stylus cleaner keep the pre-mounted AT91 cartridge sounding its best\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/record-cleaning-machines\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eRecord cleaning machines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — clean records track more quietly and wear the stylus less over time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes the Dual CS 329 have a phono preamp built in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. A switchable phono preamp is wired in behind a rear PHONO\/LINE switch, so it works with a line-level input on any amplifier or powered speaker, or a phono input if you'd rather use your amp's own phono stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat comes already installed on the turntable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Audio-Technica AT91 cartridge arrives mounted and aligned at the factory, with tracking force pre-set to 1.8 grams. There's nothing to balance or calibrate before your first record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I swap in a different cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe CS 329's tonearm and cartridge are matched as a fixed factory pair with no counterweight or anti-skating adjustment, so it isn't built for cartridge swaps. Our CS 418 or CS 429 are better starting points if a future cartridge upgrade matters to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe CS 329 spins at 33 and 45 rpm only. Shellac 78s need a different turntable and cartridge combination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much setup is really required?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eVery little. Unbox it, set it on a level surface, plug in the RCA cable, and choose PHONO or LINE on the rear switch to match your amplifier. The tonearm, cartridge, and tracking force are already set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Listening Post Christchurch unboxes and demos a CS 329 fresh out of the box:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WPUghwt1cfs\" title=\"Dual CS 329 Turntable Unboxed | The Listening Post | TLPCHC TLPWLG\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge care, or building a first vinyl system? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":45981151985837,"sku":"NEW-DUCS329-BLK","price":499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS329_BLK_01-Large__83314.1719940538.1280.1280.jpg?v=1778092603"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-418-manual-turntable-black","title":"Dual CS 418 Manual Turntable - Black","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Manual Turntable That Doesn't Skip the Good Parts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 418 keeps the ritual of cueing a record by hand, while still handling the parts that trip up a first-timer. An Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge arrives pre-mounted and aligned, and a phono preamp is already built in behind a rear switch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe tonearm is a straight, statically balanced design running on ball bearings, fully adjustable rather than fixed — you can dial in tracking force and anti-skating yourself, and swap in a different cartridge later if you want to move up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSpeed selection is electronic: a single rotary switch on the plinth chooses 33, 45, or 78 rpm with no belt to move by hand. A removable dust cover and a five-year manufacturer's warranty round out the package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Platform Underneath the Entry-Level Price\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSame Chassis as Dual's Pricier Decks\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDual builds the CS 418 on the same core platform used across its higher-priced models: an MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet, an aluminum die-cast platter, and a hardened-steel spindle turning in a brass bushing. Dual rates wow and flutter under ±0.1% DIN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 305mm platter weighs 850 grams complete with its included 2.5mm rubber mat, sized and damped to keep resonance out of the groove. A belt-drive DC motor turns it, decoupled from the plinth to keep motor noise out of the signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Tonearm Built to Be Upgraded\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFour precision ball bearings support the straight tonearm tube, letting it track the groove with very little friction. Tracking force and anti-skating both adjust by hand, matched to the 2M Red's recommended range of roughly 1.6 to 2.0 grams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eBecause the arm is fully adjustable rather than fixed, a future cartridge upgrade is a real option here in a way it isn't on Dual's automatic entry model. The Ortofon 2M Red itself is an all-purpose MM design known for open, dynamic sound with a touch of warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eReviewing the CS 418 on April 20, 2022, What Hi-Fi? awarded it five stars across Sound, Build, and Features, praising its \"clean, precise and detailed presentation\" and calling it \"a proper alternative to the established class leaders.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTomasz Karasiński reviewed it for StereoLife Magazine, singling it out among budget decks: \"I can even say that the CS 418 became my favorite among inexpensive turntables.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to cue records by hand\u003c\/strong\u003e — there's no automatic start, stop, or return here, just a straightforward manual tonearm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a cartridge upgrade path from day one\u003c\/strong\u003e — the fully adjustable arm accepts a new cartridge whenever you're ready\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want one cable to any amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — the built-in switchable phono preamp handles a line or a phono input equally well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou collect 78s as well as LPs and 45s\u003c\/strong\u003e — the electronic speed switch covers all three without touching a belt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a manual deck\u003c\/strong\u003e — manual operation keeps the sound pure and clean\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA single RCA cable runs from the back of the CS 418 to your amplifier, with a ground wire attached whenever you're using a phono input. A rear switch takes the built-in phono preamp in or out of the signal path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eLeave the built-in preamp engaged to connect straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker. Switch it out if you'd rather run into a dedicated phono input or an outboard phono preamp of your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 418 goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the fully adjustable tonearm is ready for a cartridge upgrade whenever you want one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is a natural step up from the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono input, since the CS 418 works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/record-cleaning-machines\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eRecord cleaning machines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a cleaner record surface protects the 2M Red's stylus and improves tracking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs the CS 418 automatic or manual?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFully manual. You cue the tonearm onto the record and lift it off yourself; there's no auto-start, auto-stop, or auto-return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a phono preamp built in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, a switchable one behind a rear panel switch, so it works with a line-level input on any amplifier or powered speaker, or a phono input on gear that has one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I fit a different cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The tonearm is fully adjustable, with hand-set tracking force and anti-skating, so it's built to accept a cartridge upgrade whenever you're ready for one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow does speed selection work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA rotary switch on the plinth selects 33, 45, or 78 rpm electronically. There's no belt to move by hand between speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat's included in the box?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe CS 418 arrives with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge already mounted and aligned, a removable dust cover, and the cabling needed to connect to your amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eCheshire Audio compares the CS 418 to a well-known rival and walks through setup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YxV9biA8Y68\" title=\"The New Dual 418 - Is it as good as a Rega Planar 2?\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eGRAMOPHONE demos the CS 418 on the turntable:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OPZtFSqryZ4\" title=\"Dual CS 418 Belt Drive Manual Turntable\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or phono preamps? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":45982187552941,"sku":"NEW-DUCS418-BLK","price":699.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS418_BLK_01-Large__55100.1727511439.1280.1280_76564c3c-e2ea-4c75-a194-9e9791aee70e.jpg?v=1778124678"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-518-manual-turntable-black-ortofon-2m-red-cartridge","title":"Dual CS 518 Manual Turntable - Black - Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Manual Turntable Built Around a Serious Tonearm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 518 is aimed at the listener who wants to cue every record by hand and hear the benefit of it. Its twin-gimbal tonearm rides on four precision pivot ball bearings, a step up in tracking precision from a simpler single-bearing design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge arrives pre-mounted and aligned, and a switchable phono preamp is built in, so the CS 518 is ready to play the moment it's connected. A hinged dust cover is included, and there's no automatic cueing, start, or return anywhere in the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSpeed selection is electronic: a rotary switch on the plinth selects 33, 45, or 78 rpm, with no belt to move by hand. Adjustable tracking force and anti-skating leave room for a cartridge upgrade later on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat the Twin-Gimbal Tonearm Buys You\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFour Bearings Instead of a Single Pivot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA conventional arm turns on a single pivot point. The CS 518's twin-gimbal design spreads that load across four precision ball bearings instead, cutting friction and letting the arm follow the groove with less lag. Dual rates wow and flutter under ±0.1% DIN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 305mm die-cast aluminum platter carries a heavy rubber mat for resonance damping, and turns on a hardened steel spindle running in a brass bushing — the same bearing architecture Dual uses across its manual lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eBuilt to Take a Different Cartridge Later\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTracking force and anti-skating both adjust by hand rather than arriving fixed, matched at the factory to the 2M Red's recommended range. That adjustability is what makes a future cartridge swap realistic here, in a way it isn't on Dual's fixed-arm entry models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet isolates the platter and arm from footfall and shelf vibration. At roughly 5.8kg, the CS 518 has enough mass to stay planted without needing a separate isolation platform underneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eReviewing the CS 518 for SoundStage! Access, Thom Moon wrote: \"It's easy to set up, it offers fine sound quality, it's well constructed, and it looks good doing its part.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi? reviewed the CS 518 on September 12, 2022, scoring it 5\/5 for Sound and Features and 4\/5 for Build, and concluding that \"Dual's CS 518 is a fine alternative to the established class leaders.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi?'s one reservation was the onboard phono stage, which it called \"a limited performer\" next to the rest of the turntable — worth knowing if sound quality is your main priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to cue every record by hand\u003c\/strong\u003e — there's no automatic start, stop, or return anywhere in this design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want tonearm precision above the entry level\u003c\/strong\u003e — the twin-gimbal, four-bearing design tracks with less friction than a single-pivot arm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want one cable to any amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — the built-in switchable phono preamp handles a line or a phono input equally well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou expect to try a different cartridge eventually\u003c\/strong\u003e — the fully adjustable arm is ready for one whenever you are\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a manual deck\u003c\/strong\u003e — manual operation keeps the sound pure and clean\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA single RCA cable runs from the back of the CS 518 to your amplifier, with a ground wire attached for a phono connection. A rear switch takes the built-in phono preamp in or out of the signal path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eLeave the preamp engaged to run straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker. Switch it out if you'd rather use a dedicated phono input or add an outboard phono preamp of your own later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 518 goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage addresses What Hi-Fi's one reservation about the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the adjustable twin-gimbal arm is ready for an upgrade whenever you want one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono input, since the CS 518 works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/record-cleaning-machines\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eRecord cleaning machines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a cleaner record surface protects the 2M Red's stylus and quiets playback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs the CS 518 automatic or manual?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFully manual. You cue the tonearm onto the record and lift it off yourself, with no auto-start, auto-stop, or auto-return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat makes the twin-gimbal tonearm different?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt spreads bearing contact across four precision pivot points instead of one, which lowers friction and lets the arm track the groove more precisely than a simpler single-pivot design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a phono preamp built in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, a switchable one behind a rear switch. What Hi-Fi rated it as a limited performer, so pairing the CS 518 with an outboard phono preamp is worth considering if sound quality is the priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I fit a different cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Tracking force and anti-skating both adjust by hand, so the arm is built to accept a cartridge upgrade whenever you're ready for one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow does speed selection work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA rotary switch on the plinth selects 33, 45, or 78 rpm electronically, with no belt to move by hand between speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA British Audiophile reviews the CS 518 in depth:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VFsneHowSOw\" title=\"BACK ON TRACK! Dual CS518 Turntable Review\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, phono preamps, or cartridge upgrades? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Black \/ New","offer_id":45982839734445,"sku":"NEW-DUCS518-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"New \/ Black \/ Demo","offer_id":45982839767213,"sku":"DEMO-DUCS518-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS518_BLK_01-Large__68191.1727512358.1280.1280.jpg?v=1778092653"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-518-manual-turntable-walnut-ortofon-2m-red-cartridge","title":"Dual CS 518 Manual Turntable - Walnut - Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Manual Turntable Built Around a Serious Tonearm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 518 is aimed at the listener who wants to cue every record by hand and hear the benefit of it. Its twin-gimbal tonearm rides on four precision pivot ball bearings, a step up in tracking precision from a simpler single-bearing design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge arrives pre-mounted and aligned, and a switchable phono preamp is built in, so the CS 518 is ready to play the moment it's connected. A hinged dust cover is included, and there's no automatic cueing, start, or return anywhere in the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSpeed selection is electronic: a rotary switch on the plinth selects 33, 45, or 78 rpm, with no belt to move by hand. Adjustable tracking force and anti-skating leave room for a cartridge upgrade later on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat the Twin-Gimbal Tonearm Buys You\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFour Bearings Instead of a Single Pivot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA conventional arm turns on a single pivot point. The CS 518's twin-gimbal design spreads that load across four precision ball bearings instead, cutting friction and letting the arm follow the groove with less lag. Dual rates wow and flutter under ±0.1% DIN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 305mm die-cast aluminum platter carries a heavy rubber mat for resonance damping, and turns on a hardened steel spindle running in a brass bushing — the same bearing architecture Dual uses across its manual lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eBuilt to Take a Different Cartridge Later\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTracking force and anti-skating both adjust by hand rather than arriving fixed, matched at the factory to the 2M Red's recommended range. That adjustability is what makes a future cartridge swap realistic here, in a way it isn't on Dual's fixed-arm entry models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet isolates the platter and arm from footfall and shelf vibration. At roughly 5.8kg, the CS 518 has enough mass to stay planted without needing a separate isolation platform underneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eReviewing the CS 518 for SoundStage! Access, Thom Moon wrote: \"It's easy to set up, it offers fine sound quality, it's well constructed, and it looks good doing its part.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi? reviewed the CS 518 on September 12, 2022, scoring it 5\/5 for Sound and Features and 4\/5 for Build, and concluding that \"Dual's CS 518 is a fine alternative to the established class leaders.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi?'s one reservation was the onboard phono stage, which it called \"a limited performer\" next to the rest of the turntable — worth knowing if sound quality is your main priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to cue every record by hand\u003c\/strong\u003e — there's no automatic start, stop, or return anywhere in this design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want tonearm precision above the entry level\u003c\/strong\u003e — the twin-gimbal, four-bearing design tracks with less friction than a single-pivot arm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want one cable to any amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — the built-in switchable phono preamp handles a line or a phono input equally well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou expect to try a different cartridge eventually\u003c\/strong\u003e — the fully adjustable arm is ready for one whenever you are\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a manual deck\u003c\/strong\u003e — manual operation keeps the sound pure and clean\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA single RCA cable runs from the back of the CS 518 to your amplifier, with a ground wire attached for a phono connection. A rear switch takes the built-in phono preamp in or out of the signal path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eLeave the preamp engaged to run straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker. Switch it out if you'd rather use a dedicated phono input or add an outboard phono preamp of your own later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 518 goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage addresses What Hi-Fi's one reservation about the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the adjustable twin-gimbal arm is ready for an upgrade whenever you want one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono input, since the CS 518 works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/record-cleaning-machines\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eRecord cleaning machines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a cleaner record surface protects the 2M Red's stylus and quiets playback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs the CS 518 automatic or manual?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFully manual. You cue the tonearm onto the record and lift it off yourself, with no auto-start, auto-stop, or auto-return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat makes the twin-gimbal tonearm different?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt spreads bearing contact across four precision pivot points instead of one, which lowers friction and lets the arm track the groove more precisely than a simpler single-pivot design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a phono preamp built in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, a switchable one behind a rear switch. What Hi-Fi rated it as a limited performer, so pairing the CS 518 with an outboard phono preamp is worth considering if sound quality is the priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I fit a different cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Tracking force and anti-skating both adjust by hand, so the arm is built to accept a cartridge upgrade whenever you're ready for one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow does speed selection work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA rotary switch on the plinth selects 33, 45, or 78 rpm electronically, with no belt to move by hand between speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA British Audiophile reviews the CS 518 in depth:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VFsneHowSOw\" title=\"BACK ON TRACK! Dual CS518 Turntable Review\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, phono preamps, or cartridge upgrades? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Walnut \/ New","offer_id":45983291736237,"sku":"NEW-DUCS518-WAL","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS518_WAL_01_2023__90888.1727512803.1280.1280_c59f77f7-24eb-4795-b61a-b3db07f3fb8d.jpg?v=1778147352"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-529-automatic-turntable-with-bluetooth-black-ortofon-2m-red-cartridge","title":"Dual CS 529 Automatic Turntable with Bluetooth - Black - Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eAutomatic Convenience with Bluetooth Built In\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 529 combines fully automatic operation with the option to run it entirely by hand, plus a Bluetooth connection for wireless speakers or headphones. Place a record on the platter and press start, and the tonearm lifts, moves into place, lowers itself, and returns to rest when the side ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red cartridge arrives pre-mounted on a removable headshell, and a switchable phono preamp is built in, so the CS 529 works with almost any amplifier or powered speaker. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD sends the turntable's sound to compatible wireless gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThat Bluetooth connection only sends audio out from the turntable — it can't receive music streamed from a phone. A companion app can start and stop playback remotely, and the CS 529 plays 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm, though the included stylus is built for modern records, not shellac 78s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eAutomatic Mechanics and Wireless Audio\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Belt Drive Tuned for Automatic Duty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA belt-drive motor with optical speed control keeps the platter turning at the correct rate. Rubber motor mounts and a precision-cut belt help hold wow and flutter under ±0.08% DIN. The 305mm die-cast aluminum platter weighs 850 grams complete with its rubber mat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA twin-gimbal tonearm runs on four pivot ball bearings, with a statically balanced counterweight setting tracking force and an adjustable anti-skating dial keeping the stylus centered. An MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet keeps outside vibration away from the platter and tonearm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eBluetooth Audio Without Giving Up a Wired Connection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD link sends the platter's sound to compatible wireless speakers or headphones without a cable, while removable RCA jacks still carry a wired signal to your amplifier at the same time. Both connections work independently, so neither one displaces the other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA rear switch chooses between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level pass-through, letting the CS 529 connect to an amplifier's phono input, its line input, or nothing at all if Bluetooth is the only output you need that day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDavid Price reviewed the CS 529 for StereoNET, scoring it 7.5 out of 10 and praising its \"slick operation, ease-of-set-up and good ergonomics\" for vinyl fans who'd rather skip manual cueing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want automatic start, stop, and tonearm return\u003c\/strong\u003e — or the option to cue it by hand whenever you'd rather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to send vinyl to a wireless speaker or headphones\u003c\/strong\u003e — Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD covers both without a cable in the way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a wired connection kept in reserve\u003c\/strong\u003e — the RCA output and phono preamp still work alongside Bluetooth, not instead of it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou're buying your first real turntable\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cartridge, phono stage, and automatic cueing are all handled for you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want Bluetooth to also receive music from your phone\u003c\/strong\u003e — this Bluetooth link only sends the turntable's own audio out, never the reverse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFor a wired connection, an RCA cable runs from the back of the CS 529 to your amplifier, with a rear switch choosing between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level signal. Use PHONO for a phono input, LINE for everything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFor a wireless connection, pair the CS 529 with a Bluetooth speaker or headphones the same way you'd pair any other Bluetooth source, then start the record. The wired RCA output keeps working at the same time if you want both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 529 goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/powered-speakers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePowered speakers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the most direct way to put the CS 529's wireless output to use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is the next step up from the built-in preamp on the wired side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono input, since the CS 529's wired output works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/record-cleaning-machines\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eRecord cleaning machines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a cleaner record surface protects the 2M Red's stylus and quiets playback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes the tonearm return automatically when the record ends?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The CS 529 lifts the tonearm, returns it to rest, and stops the platter on its own, or you can cue it entirely by hand if you'd rather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I stream music from my phone to the CS 529 over Bluetooth?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Bluetooth link only sends audio out from the turntable to a speaker or headphones; it can't receive a streamed signal from a phone or any other source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDo I need a separate phono preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA switchable phono preamp is already built in, so you can connect straight into a line-level input on any amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker, or switch it out for a phono input or an outboard stage of your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan it connect to powered speakers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, either over Bluetooth or with a wired RCA connection set to LINE, whichever suits the speakers you're using.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan the included stylus play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter itself spins at 78 rpm, but the Ortofon 2M Red is built for modern microgroove records. A shellac 78 needs a different, wider stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOld Guy Hifi runs a full review of the CS 529:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YQnegJU_46Y\" title=\"Dual CS 529 Review: A Great German Turntable. Deserves Better Than the Ortofon 2M Red.\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003ePremiumHIFI in English covers setup and sound in full:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rbV5HQwB77g\" title=\"Dual CS 529: Full Review of this Fully Automatic Turntable\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, Bluetooth audio, or phono preamps? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ New","offer_id":45983435587757,"sku":"NEW-DUCS529-BLK","price":1299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS529_BLK_01_2023__75038.1727513151.1280.1280.jpg?v=1778092667"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-529-automatic-turntable-with-bluetooth-walnut-ortofon-2m-red-cartridge","title":"Dual CS 529 Automatic Turntable with Bluetooth - Walnut - Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eAutomatic Convenience with Bluetooth Built In\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 529 combines fully automatic operation with the option to run it entirely by hand, plus a Bluetooth connection for wireless speakers or headphones. Place a record on the platter and press start, and the tonearm lifts, moves into place, lowers itself, and returns to rest when the side ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red cartridge arrives pre-mounted on a removable headshell, and a switchable phono preamp is built in, so the CS 529 works with almost any amplifier or powered speaker. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD sends the turntable's sound to compatible wireless gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThat Bluetooth connection only sends audio out from the turntable — it can't receive music streamed from a phone. A companion app can start and stop playback remotely, and the CS 529 plays 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm, though the included stylus is built for modern records, not shellac 78s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eAutomatic Mechanics and Wireless Audio\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Belt Drive Tuned for Automatic Duty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA belt-drive motor with optical speed control keeps the platter turning at the correct rate. Rubber motor mounts and a precision-cut belt help hold wow and flutter under ±0.08% DIN. The 305mm die-cast aluminum platter weighs 850 grams complete with its rubber mat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA twin-gimbal tonearm runs on four pivot ball bearings, with a statically balanced counterweight setting tracking force and an adjustable anti-skating dial keeping the stylus centered. An MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet keeps outside vibration away from the platter and tonearm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eBluetooth Audio Without Giving Up a Wired Connection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD link sends the platter's sound to compatible wireless speakers or headphones without a cable, while removable RCA jacks still carry a wired signal to your amplifier at the same time. Both connections work independently, so neither one displaces the other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA rear switch chooses between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level pass-through, letting the CS 529 connect to an amplifier's phono input, its line input, or nothing at all if Bluetooth is the only output you need that day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDavid Price reviewed the CS 529 for StereoNET, scoring it 7.5 out of 10 and praising its \"slick operation, ease-of-set-up and good ergonomics\" for vinyl fans who'd rather skip manual cueing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want automatic start, stop, and tonearm return\u003c\/strong\u003e — or the option to cue it by hand whenever you'd rather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to send vinyl to a wireless speaker or headphones\u003c\/strong\u003e — Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD covers both without a cable in the way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a wired connection kept in reserve\u003c\/strong\u003e — the RCA output and phono preamp still work alongside Bluetooth, not instead of it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou're buying your first real turntable\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cartridge, phono stage, and automatic cueing are all handled for you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want your records playing wirelessly\u003c\/strong\u003e — the CS 529 sends them to any Bluetooth speakers or headphones you own\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFor a wired connection, an RCA cable runs from the back of the CS 529 to your amplifier, with a rear switch choosing between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level signal. Use PHONO for a phono input, LINE for everything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFor a wireless connection, pair the CS 529 with a Bluetooth speaker or headphones the same way you'd pair any other Bluetooth source, then start the record. The wired RCA output keeps working at the same time if you want both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 529 goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/powered-speakers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePowered speakers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the most direct way to put the CS 529's wireless output to use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is the next step up from the built-in preamp on the wired side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono input, since the CS 529's wired output works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/record-cleaning-machines\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eRecord cleaning machines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a cleaner record surface protects the 2M Red's stylus and quiets playback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes the tonearm return automatically when the record ends?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The CS 529 lifts the tonearm, returns it to rest, and stops the platter on its own, or you can cue it entirely by hand if you'd rather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I stream music from my phone to the CS 529 over Bluetooth?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Bluetooth link only sends audio out from the turntable to a speaker or headphones; it can't receive a streamed signal from a phone or any other source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDo I need a separate phono preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA switchable phono preamp is already built in, so you can connect straight into a line-level input on any amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker, or switch it out for a phono input or an outboard stage of your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan it connect to powered speakers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, either over Bluetooth or with a wired RCA connection set to LINE, whichever suits the speakers you're using.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan the included stylus play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter itself spins at 78 rpm, but the Ortofon 2M Red is built for modern microgroove records. A shellac 78 needs a different, wider stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOld Guy Hifi runs a full review of the CS 529:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YQnegJU_46Y\" title=\"Dual CS 529 Review: A Great German Turntable. Deserves Better Than the Ortofon 2M Red.\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003ePremiumHIFI in English covers setup and sound in full:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rbV5HQwB77g\" title=\"Dual CS 529: Full Review of this Fully Automatic Turntable\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, Bluetooth audio, or phono preamps? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"Walnut \/ New","offer_id":47392905363629,"sku":"NEW-DUCS529-WAL","price":1399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS529_WAL_01_2023__74226.1727513665.1280.1280.jpg?v=1778147929"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-529-automatic-turntable-with-bluetooth","title":"Dual CS 529 Automatic Turntable with Bluetooth","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eAutomatic Convenience with Bluetooth Built In\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 529 combines fully automatic operation with the option to run it entirely by hand, plus a Bluetooth connection for wireless speakers or headphones. Place a record on the platter and press start, and the tonearm lifts, moves into place, lowers itself, and returns to rest when the side ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red cartridge arrives pre-mounted on a removable headshell, and a switchable phono preamp is built in, so the CS 529 works with almost any amplifier or powered speaker. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD sends the turntable's sound to compatible wireless gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThat Bluetooth connection only sends audio out from the turntable — it can't receive music streamed from a phone. A companion app can start and stop playback remotely, and the CS 529 plays 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm, though the included stylus is built for modern records, not shellac 78s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eAutomatic Mechanics and Wireless Audio\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Belt Drive Tuned for Automatic Duty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA belt-drive motor with optical speed control keeps the platter turning at the correct rate. Rubber motor mounts and a precision-cut belt help hold wow and flutter under ±0.08% DIN. The 305mm die-cast aluminum platter weighs 850 grams complete with its rubber mat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA twin-gimbal tonearm runs on four pivot ball bearings, with a statically balanced counterweight setting tracking force and an adjustable anti-skating dial keeping the stylus centered. An MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet keeps outside vibration away from the platter and tonearm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eBluetooth Audio Without Giving Up a Wired Connection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD link sends the platter's sound to compatible wireless speakers or headphones without a cable, while removable RCA jacks still carry a wired signal to your amplifier at the same time. Both connections work independently, so neither one displaces the other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA rear switch chooses between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level pass-through, letting the CS 529 connect to an amplifier's phono input, its line input, or nothing at all if Bluetooth is the only output you need that day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDavid Price reviewed the CS 529 for StereoNET, scoring it 7.5 out of 10 and praising its \"slick operation, ease-of-set-up and good ergonomics\" for vinyl fans who'd rather skip manual cueing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want automatic start, stop, and tonearm return\u003c\/strong\u003e — or the option to cue it by hand whenever you'd rather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to send vinyl to a wireless speaker or headphones\u003c\/strong\u003e — Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD covers both without a cable in the way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a wired connection kept in reserve\u003c\/strong\u003e — the RCA output and phono preamp still work alongside Bluetooth, not instead of it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou're buying your first real turntable\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cartridge, phono stage, and automatic cueing are all handled for you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want your records playing wirelessly\u003c\/strong\u003e — the CS 529 sends them to any Bluetooth speakers or headphones you own\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFor a wired connection, an RCA cable runs from the back of the CS 529 to your amplifier, with a rear switch choosing between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level signal. Use PHONO for a phono input, LINE for everything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFor a wireless connection, pair the CS 529 with a Bluetooth speaker or headphones the same way you'd pair any other Bluetooth source, then start the record. The wired RCA output keeps working at the same time if you want both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 529 goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/powered-speakers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePowered speakers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the most direct way to put the CS 529's wireless output to use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is the next step up from the built-in preamp on the wired side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono input, since the CS 529's wired output works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/record-cleaning-machines\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eRecord cleaning machines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a cleaner record surface protects the 2M Red's stylus and quiets playback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes the tonearm return automatically when the record ends?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The CS 529 lifts the tonearm, returns it to rest, and stops the platter on its own, or you can cue it entirely by hand if you'd rather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I stream music from my phone to the CS 529 over Bluetooth?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Bluetooth link only sends audio out from the turntable to a speaker or headphones; it can't receive a streamed signal from a phone or any other source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDo I need a separate phono preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA switchable phono preamp is already built in, so you can connect straight into a line-level input on any amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker, or switch it out for a phono input or an outboard stage of your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan it connect to powered speakers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, either over Bluetooth or with a wired RCA connection set to LINE, whichever suits the speakers you're using.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan the included stylus play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter itself spins at 78 rpm, but the Ortofon 2M Red is built for modern microgroove records. A shellac 78 needs a different, wider stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOld Guy Hifi runs a full review of the CS 529:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YQnegJU_46Y\" title=\"Dual CS 529 Review: A Great German Turntable. Deserves Better Than the Ortofon 2M Red.\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003ePremiumHIFI in English covers setup and sound in full:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rbV5HQwB77g\" title=\"Dual CS 529: Full Review of this Fully Automatic Turntable\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, Bluetooth audio, or phono preamps? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ New","offer_id":45983435587757,"sku":"NEW-DUCS529-BLK","price":1299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Walnut \/ New","offer_id":47392905363629,"sku":"NEW-DUCS529-WAL","price":1399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS529_BLK_01_2023__75038.1727513151.1280.1280.jpg?v=1778092667"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-429-fully-automatic-3-speed-turntable-black","title":"Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic 3-Speed Turntable - Black","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePush a Button. The Arm Does the Rest.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFully automatic turntables were everywhere in the 1970s and have nearly vanished since. The Dual CS 429 is one of the few still made, and it is among the most serious. Set a record on the platter, press start, and the arm lifts, swings across, and lowers itself into the run-in groove.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhen the side ends, the arm lifts and parks itself, so you can walk away mid-record without the stylus circling the run-out groove all night. Every one of those movements can also be done by hand, using the cueing lever, if you'd rather drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge comes installed from the factory, and a switchable phono preamp lives inside, so the RCA output connects to a phono input or a line input alike. A hinged dust cover is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Machinery Behind the Automatic Arm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Automatic Operation Is Hard to Get Right\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAutomatic operation is rare because it's difficult: a gear train has to link the platter bearing to the tonearm, mechanically connecting the two by more than just the stylus. Dual answers that with a subchassis on rubber dampers and elastomer absorbers inside the 62mm feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe MDF plinth carries a 305mm die-cast aluminum platter that weighs 850 grams with its 2.5mm rubber mat, spinning on a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing. A DC motor drives it by belt, with optical speed control reading the motor directly. Wow and flutter is rated below ±0.08%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Tonearm Built to Grow With You\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe arm is a straight, statically balanced tube on ball bearings: 221.5mm effective length, 25.6 degrees of offset, 19mm overhang. Tracking force adjusts from 0 to 4 grams, and the headshell accepts cartridges weighing 5 to 9 grams, with a calibrated anti-skating dial to match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe headshell detaches with a screw collar. Mount and align a cartridge once, and swapping it later takes about a minute with no realignment — which is how the deck grows with you rather than being replaced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEd Selley reviewed the CS 429 for AVForums on March 24, 2023, scoring it 8 out of 10 with a Recommended award, writing that it \"brings a welcome dash of convenience to vinyl listening.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTomasz Karasiński tested it for StereoLife Magazine on March 30, 2022, scoring 8.2 overall with a StereoLife Recommendation. He concluded that the CS 429 \"can give a lot of joy even in its factory configuration.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want records playing without a ritual\u003c\/strong\u003e — press one button and sit down, and records get played on weeknights, not only during dedicated sessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSomeone else in the house uses the system\u003c\/strong\u003e — a partner, a houseguest, or a teenager can put a record on without learning to cue an arm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou're buying your first real turntable\u003c\/strong\u003e — the 2M Red is mounted and aligned, the phono stage is built in, and an RCA cable is in the box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou expect to upgrade the cartridge someday\u003c\/strong\u003e — the screw-on headshell and full tracking-force range mean a better cartridge fits later without buying a new deck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want pure analog, start to finish\u003c\/strong\u003e — nothing digital between the groove and the output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne RCA cable runs from the back of the deck to your amplifier, plus a ground wire to the ground screw. If your amplifier has a phono input, flip the rear switch to bypass the internal preamp and use it; if it doesn't, leave the switch on and run into any line input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAssembly is on you: platter, mat, counterweight, headshell, and dust cover all go on at home, and the arm has a transit lock to release. Set the tracking force, set the anti-skating, choose 30 or 17cm for the record size, and press start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 429 goes next:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the single biggest change you can make, and the headshell makes the swap a one-minute job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the supplied RCA lead gets you playing; a better one is an easy early upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono stage, since the CS 429 works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/turntable-accessories\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eTurntable accessories\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — levels, mats, and cartridge-care tools for a serious setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat comes in the box with the Dual CS 429?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe turntable with the Ortofon 2M Red already mounted, the platter and rubber mat, the counterweight, a hinged dust cover, and an RCA cable. Everything needed for a first listen is in the carton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDo I need a phono input on my amplifier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEither input works. The built-in moving-magnet phono stage lets you connect to a line input on any amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker. A rear switch takes it out of the circuit when you'd rather use a phono input or an outboard stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much setup does the CS 429 need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMore than the word automatic suggests. You fit the platter, mat, counterweight, headshell, and dust cover, release the arm lock, then set tracking force and anti-skating. Budget half an hour the first time, and the manual walks through each step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan the CS 429 play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter spins at 33, 45, and 78 rpm. Shellac records need a wider stylus than the one fitted, and Ortofon sells a 78 stylus that pops onto the 2M body, so the conversion is quick when you want it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhich cartridges will fit later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAnything from 5 to 9 grams that tracks between 0 and 4 grams, which covers most moving-magnet designs and plenty of high-output moving coils. The detachable headshell means you can keep the 2M Red mounted on a spare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much shelf space does it need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWith the lid closed it measures 17.1 inches wide, 14.4 deep, and 5.7 tall, and it weighs about 13.7 pounds. Opening the dust cover takes it to roughly 15.7 inches tall, so leave headroom above the shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Listening Post Christchurch unboxes and walks through setup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/liHGihveJzs\" title=\"Dual CS 429 Turntable Unboxed | The Listening Post | TLPCHC TLPWLG\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAVForums follows up on Ed Selley's written review on video:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A-8uPjEaV1Y\" title=\"Dual CS429 Turntable Review - Can It Overcome Some of the SHORTCOMINGS of Automatic Turntables?\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or phono stages? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Black \/ New","offer_id":47160766988461,"sku":"NEW-DUCS429-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"New \/ Black \/ Demo","offer_id":47160767021229,"sku":"DEMO-DUCS429-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS429-BLK_01_angle_dustcover_2026.jpg?v=1788444677"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-618q-direct-drive-turntable-gloss-black-ortofon-2m-blue-cartridge","title":"Dual CS 618Q Direct Drive Turntable - Gloss Black - Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDirect-Drive Speed with Automatic End-of-Record Protection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 618Q is a direct-drive turntable built for serious home listening. Its quartz-stabilized motor connects straight to the platter, with no belt to stretch or replace, and supports 33, 45, and 78 rpm through a rotary dial rather than a physical speed change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus comes factory-installed on a removable headshell, and a switchable phono preamp is built in. You cue the tonearm onto the record yourself, and the CS 618Q lifts it and stops the platter automatically once the side ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThat automatic lift protects the stylus from sitting in the run-out groove, but it doesn't return the arm to its rest — you'll still swing it back by hand. A hinged dust cover is included, and the CS 618Q ships in your choice of black, gloss black, or walnut veneer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eQuartz-Stabilized Direct Drive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eNo Belt Between the Motor and the Platter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDirect drive means the 305mm die-cast aluminum platter sits straight on the motor shaft. Speed accuracy comes from the motor and its quartz control, not from belt tension. Coreless motor inductors and a double-shielded magnetic rotor keep electrical noise out of the signal, and Dual rates wow and flutter under ±0.07% DIN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter weighs 1,450 grams complete with its rubber mat, spinning on a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing. An MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet handles vibration control; there's no separate sprung subchassis on this model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Tonearm Matched to the Ortofon 2M Blue\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe aluminum tonearm rides on a twin-gimbal bearing with four pivot ball bearings, letting it track the groove with very little friction. A statically balanced counterweight sets tracking force, and a stepless anti-skating control keeps the stylus centered for even record wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 2M Blue's removable headshell makes a future cartridge swap or service call straightforward. Rear RCA jacks, rather than a captive cable, let you upgrade the interconnect whenever you're ready to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMark Gusew reviewed the CS 618Q for StereoNET, scoring it 8.5 out of 10 and calling it \"a polished performer, with a characteristically smooth and unbiased sound,\" adding that \"its speed stability is exemplary.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi? scored the CS 618Q 4\/5 for Sound and 5\/5 for Build, summing it up as \"easy to use and boasts good features, with a stable, strait-laced performance that needs a bit more spirit.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want direct-drive speed stability\u003c\/strong\u003e — quartz control and no belt to stretch keep 33, 45, and 78 rpm accurate over years of use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want end-of-record stylus protection\u003c\/strong\u003e — the arm lifts and the motor stops automatically once a side finishes playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a cartridge that's already matched and mounted\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Ortofon 2M Blue arrives factory-installed and aligned on a removable headshell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a real choice of finishes\u003c\/strong\u003e — black, gloss black, or walnut veneer, all built on the same platform\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want the tonearm to return to rest on its own\u003c\/strong\u003e — the CS 618Q lifts automatically at the end of a side but doesn't swing itself back; you'll return it by hand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn RCA cable runs from the rear jacks to your amplifier, along with a ground wire when you're using a phono input. A rear switch chooses between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level pass-through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSelect PHONO to run into a dedicated moving-magnet phono input or an outboard phono preamp, or leave it on LINE to connect straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 618Q goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is a natural next step up from the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the removable headshell makes a future cartridge upgrade straightforward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the rear RCA jacks aren't a captive cable, so a better interconnect is an easy upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio racks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a rigid, level shelf keeps a direct-drive motor's own vibration from reaching the platter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs the CS 618Q fully automatic?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt's semi-automatic. You cue the tonearm onto the record by hand, and it lifts and the motor stops automatically at the end of the side, but the arm doesn't swing itself back to rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a built-in phono preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, a switchable one behind a rear switch, so it connects to a line-level input on any amplifier or powered speaker, or to a phono input if your gear has one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs this belt drive or direct drive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDirect drive. The platter sits straight on the motor shaft with no belt in between, and a quartz circuit stabilizes the speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat's the difference between the black, gloss black, and walnut finishes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAll three share the same mechanics and electronics; the black finish is a standard vinyl veneer, while gloss black and walnut veneer are the step-up cosmetic finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I change the cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The Ortofon 2M Blue sits on a removable headshell, so swapping in a different cartridge is a straightforward job whenever you want to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan it play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe motor supports 78 rpm, but the included 2M Blue stylus is built for modern microgroove records. A shellac 78 needs a different cartridge and stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJoe Collins (EzeeLinux) walks through his own CS 618Q:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gBH_ndzeFnw\" title=\"My Dual CS 618Q Turntable\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Audiophile Man covers setup, sound, and who it suits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R4oyHKL5yNU\" title=\"THE CS 618Q FROM DUAL. AN AUTOMATIC. KINDA. IDEAL IF YOU VALUE CONVENIENCE AND EASY OF USE\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or phono preamps? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Gloss Black \/ New","offer_id":47167146623149,"sku":"NEW-DUCS618Q-GLSBLK","price":1599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/CS618Q99.jpg?v=1786721093"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-429-fully-automatic-3-speed-turntable-walnut","title":"Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic 3-Speed Turntable - Walnut","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePush a Button. The Arm Does the Rest.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFully automatic turntables were everywhere in the 1970s and have nearly vanished since. The Dual CS 429 is one of the few still made, and it is among the most serious. Set a record on the platter, press start, and the arm lifts, swings across, and lowers itself into the run-in groove.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhen the side ends, the arm lifts and parks itself, so you can walk away mid-record without the stylus circling the run-out groove all night. Every one of those movements can also be done by hand, using the cueing lever, if you'd rather drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge comes installed from the factory, and a switchable phono preamp lives inside, so the RCA output connects to a phono input or a line input alike. A hinged dust cover is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Machinery Behind the Automatic Arm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Automatic Operation Is Hard to Get Right\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAutomatic operation is rare because it's difficult: a gear train has to link the platter bearing to the tonearm, mechanically connecting the two by more than just the stylus. Dual answers that with a subchassis on rubber dampers and elastomer absorbers inside the 62mm feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe MDF plinth carries a 305mm die-cast aluminum platter that weighs 850 grams with its 2.5mm rubber mat, spinning on a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing. A DC motor drives it by belt, with optical speed control reading the motor directly. Wow and flutter is rated below ±0.08%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Tonearm Built to Grow With You\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe arm is a straight, statically balanced tube on ball bearings: 221.5mm effective length, 25.6 degrees of offset, 19mm overhang. Tracking force adjusts from 0 to 4 grams, and the headshell accepts cartridges weighing 5 to 9 grams, with a calibrated anti-skating dial to match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe headshell detaches with a screw collar. Mount and align a cartridge once, and swapping it later takes about a minute with no realignment — which is how the deck grows with you rather than being replaced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEd Selley reviewed the CS 429 for AVForums on March 24, 2023, scoring it 8 out of 10 with a Recommended award, writing that it \"brings a welcome dash of convenience to vinyl listening.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTomasz Karasiński tested it for StereoLife Magazine on March 30, 2022, scoring 8.2 overall with a StereoLife Recommendation. He concluded that the CS 429 \"can give a lot of joy even in its factory configuration.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want records playing without a ritual\u003c\/strong\u003e — press one button and sit down, and records get played on weeknights, not only during dedicated sessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSomeone else in the house uses the system\u003c\/strong\u003e — a partner, a houseguest, or a teenager can put a record on without learning to cue an arm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou're buying your first real turntable\u003c\/strong\u003e — the 2M Red is mounted and aligned, the phono stage is built in, and an RCA cable is in the box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou expect to upgrade the cartridge someday\u003c\/strong\u003e — the screw-on headshell and full tracking-force range mean a better cartridge fits later without buying a new deck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want pure analog, start to finish\u003c\/strong\u003e — nothing digital between the groove and the output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne RCA cable runs from the back of the deck to your amplifier, plus a ground wire to the ground screw. If your amplifier has a phono input, flip the rear switch to bypass the internal preamp and use it; if it doesn't, leave the switch on and run into any line input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAssembly is on you: platter, mat, counterweight, headshell, and dust cover all go on at home, and the arm has a transit lock to release. Set the tracking force, set the anti-skating, choose 30 or 17cm for the record size, and press start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 429 goes next:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the single biggest change you can make, and the headshell makes the swap a one-minute job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the supplied RCA lead gets you playing; a better one is an easy early upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono stage, since the CS 429 works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/turntable-accessories\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eTurntable accessories\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — levels, mats, and cartridge-care tools for a serious setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat comes in the box with the Dual CS 429?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe turntable with the Ortofon 2M Red already mounted, the platter and rubber mat, the counterweight, a hinged dust cover, and an RCA cable. Everything needed for a first listen is in the carton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDo I need a phono input on my amplifier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEither input works. The built-in moving-magnet phono stage lets you connect to a line input on any amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker. A rear switch takes it out of the circuit when you'd rather use a phono input or an outboard stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much setup does the CS 429 need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMore than the word automatic suggests. You fit the platter, mat, counterweight, headshell, and dust cover, release the arm lock, then set tracking force and anti-skating. Budget half an hour the first time, and the manual walks through each step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan the CS 429 play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter spins at 33, 45, and 78 rpm. Shellac records need a wider stylus than the one fitted, and Ortofon sells a 78 stylus that pops onto the 2M body, so the conversion is quick when you want it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhich cartridges will fit later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAnything from 5 to 9 grams that tracks between 0 and 4 grams, which covers most moving-magnet designs and plenty of high-output moving coils. The detachable headshell means you can keep the 2M Red mounted on a spare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much shelf space does it need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWith the lid closed it measures 17.1 inches wide, 14.4 deep, and 5.7 tall, and it weighs about 13.7 pounds. Opening the dust cover takes it to roughly 15.7 inches tall, so leave headroom above the shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Listening Post Christchurch unboxes and walks through setup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/liHGihveJzs\" title=\"Dual CS 429 Turntable Unboxed | The Listening Post | TLPCHC TLPWLG\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAVForums follows up on Ed Selley's written review on video:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A-8uPjEaV1Y\" title=\"Dual CS429 Turntable Review - Can It Overcome Some of the SHORTCOMINGS of Automatic Turntables?\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or phono stages? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Walnut \/ New","offer_id":47167444287661,"sku":"NEW-DUCS429-WAL","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS429-WAL_01_angle_2025.jpg?v=1788444730"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-618q-direct-drive-turntable-gloss-walnut-ortofon-2m-blue-cartridge","title":"Dual CS 618Q Direct Drive Turntable - Gloss Walnut - Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDirect-Drive Speed with Automatic End-of-Record Protection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 618Q is a direct-drive turntable built for serious home listening. Its quartz-stabilized motor connects straight to the platter, with no belt to stretch or replace, and supports 33, 45, and 78 rpm through a rotary dial rather than a physical speed change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus comes factory-installed on a removable headshell, and a switchable phono preamp is built in. You cue the tonearm onto the record yourself, and the CS 618Q lifts it and stops the platter automatically once the side ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThat automatic lift protects the stylus from sitting in the run-out groove, but it doesn't return the arm to its rest — you'll still swing it back by hand. A hinged dust cover is included, and the CS 618Q ships in your choice of black, gloss black, or walnut veneer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eQuartz-Stabilized Direct Drive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eNo Belt Between the Motor and the Platter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDirect drive means the 305mm die-cast aluminum platter sits straight on the motor shaft. Speed accuracy comes from the motor and its quartz control, not from belt tension. Coreless motor inductors and a double-shielded magnetic rotor keep electrical noise out of the signal, and Dual rates wow and flutter under ±0.07% DIN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter weighs 1,450 grams complete with its rubber mat, spinning on a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing. An MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet handles vibration control; there's no separate sprung subchassis on this model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Tonearm Matched to the Ortofon 2M Blue\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe aluminum tonearm rides on a twin-gimbal bearing with four pivot ball bearings, letting it track the groove with very little friction. A statically balanced counterweight sets tracking force, and a stepless anti-skating control keeps the stylus centered for even record wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 2M Blue's removable headshell makes a future cartridge swap or service call straightforward. Rear RCA jacks, rather than a captive cable, let you upgrade the interconnect whenever you're ready to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMark Gusew reviewed the CS 618Q for StereoNET, scoring it 8.5 out of 10 and calling it \"a polished performer, with a characteristically smooth and unbiased sound,\" adding that \"its speed stability is exemplary.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi? scored the CS 618Q 4\/5 for Sound and 5\/5 for Build, summing it up as \"easy to use and boasts good features, with a stable, strait-laced performance that needs a bit more spirit.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want direct-drive speed stability\u003c\/strong\u003e — quartz control and no belt to stretch keep 33, 45, and 78 rpm accurate over years of use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want end-of-record stylus protection\u003c\/strong\u003e — the arm lifts and the motor stops automatically once a side finishes playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a cartridge that's already matched and mounted\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Ortofon 2M Blue arrives factory-installed and aligned on a removable headshell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a real choice of finishes\u003c\/strong\u003e — black, gloss black, or walnut veneer, all built on the same platform\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want the stylus protected at the end of a side\u003c\/strong\u003e — the arm lifts clear automatically, sparing both stylus and run-out groove\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn RCA cable runs from the rear jacks to your amplifier, along with a ground wire when you're using a phono input. A rear switch chooses between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level pass-through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSelect PHONO to run into a dedicated moving-magnet phono input or an outboard phono preamp, or leave it on LINE to connect straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 618Q goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is a natural next step up from the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the removable headshell makes a future cartridge upgrade straightforward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the rear RCA jacks aren't a captive cable, so a better interconnect is an easy upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio racks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a rigid, level shelf keeps a direct-drive motor's own vibration from reaching the platter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs the CS 618Q fully automatic?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt's semi-automatic. You cue the tonearm onto the record by hand, and it lifts and the motor stops automatically at the end of the side, but the arm doesn't swing itself back to rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a built-in phono preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, a switchable one behind a rear switch, so it connects to a line-level input on any amplifier or powered speaker, or to a phono input if your gear has one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs this belt drive or direct drive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDirect drive. The platter sits straight on the motor shaft with no belt in between, and a quartz circuit stabilizes the speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat's the difference between the black, gloss black, and walnut finishes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAll three share the same mechanics and electronics; the black finish is a standard vinyl veneer, while gloss black and walnut veneer are the step-up cosmetic finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I change the cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The Ortofon 2M Blue sits on a removable headshell, so swapping in a different cartridge is a straightforward job whenever you want to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan it play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe motor supports 78 rpm, but the included 2M Blue stylus is built for modern microgroove records. A shellac 78 needs a different cartridge and stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJoe Collins (EzeeLinux) walks through his own CS 618Q:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gBH_ndzeFnw\" title=\"My Dual CS 618Q Turntable\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Audiophile Man covers setup, sound, and who it suits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R4oyHKL5yNU\" title=\"THE CS 618Q FROM DUAL. AN AUTOMATIC. KINDA. IDEAL IF YOU VALUE CONVENIENCE AND EASY OF USE\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or phono preamps? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Gloss Walnut \/ New","offer_id":47169995276461,"sku":"NEW-DUCS618Q-GLSWAL","price":1599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS618Q_WAL_03-Large__85802.1727515363.1280.1280_08962af1-dc9a-4e98-be63-e9476031c81c.jpg?v=1784647975"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-618q-direct-drive-turntable-black-ortofon-2m-blue-cartridge","title":"Dual CS 618Q Direct Drive Turntable - Black - Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDirect-Drive Speed with Automatic End-of-Record Protection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 618Q is a direct-drive turntable built for serious home listening. Its quartz-stabilized motor connects straight to the platter, with no belt to stretch or replace, and supports 33, 45, and 78 rpm through a rotary dial rather than a physical speed change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus comes factory-installed on a removable headshell, and a switchable phono preamp is built in. You cue the tonearm onto the record yourself, and the CS 618Q lifts it and stops the platter automatically once the side ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThat automatic lift protects the stylus from sitting in the run-out groove, but it doesn't return the arm to its rest — you'll still swing it back by hand. A hinged dust cover is included, and the CS 618Q ships in your choice of black, gloss black, or walnut veneer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eQuartz-Stabilized Direct Drive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eNo Belt Between the Motor and the Platter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDirect drive means the 305mm die-cast aluminum platter sits straight on the motor shaft. Speed accuracy comes from the motor and its quartz control, not from belt tension. Coreless motor inductors and a double-shielded magnetic rotor keep electrical noise out of the signal, and Dual rates wow and flutter under ±0.07% DIN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter weighs 1,450 grams complete with its rubber mat, spinning on a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing. An MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet handles vibration control; there's no separate sprung subchassis on this model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Tonearm Matched to the Ortofon 2M Blue\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe aluminum tonearm rides on a twin-gimbal bearing with four pivot ball bearings, letting it track the groove with very little friction. A statically balanced counterweight sets tracking force, and a stepless anti-skating control keeps the stylus centered for even record wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 2M Blue's removable headshell makes a future cartridge swap or service call straightforward. Rear RCA jacks, rather than a captive cable, let you upgrade the interconnect whenever you're ready to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMark Gusew reviewed the CS 618Q for StereoNET, scoring it 8.5 out of 10 and calling it \"a polished performer, with a characteristically smooth and unbiased sound,\" adding that \"its speed stability is exemplary.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi? scored the CS 618Q 4\/5 for Sound and 5\/5 for Build, summing it up as \"easy to use and boasts good features, with a stable, strait-laced performance that needs a bit more spirit.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want direct-drive speed stability\u003c\/strong\u003e — quartz control and no belt to stretch keep 33, 45, and 78 rpm accurate over years of use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want end-of-record stylus protection\u003c\/strong\u003e — the arm lifts and the motor stops automatically once a side finishes playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a cartridge that's already matched and mounted\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Ortofon 2M Blue arrives factory-installed and aligned on a removable headshell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a real choice of finishes\u003c\/strong\u003e — black, gloss black, or walnut veneer, all built on the same platform\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want the stylus protected at the end of a side\u003c\/strong\u003e — the arm lifts clear automatically, sparing both stylus and run-out groove\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn RCA cable runs from the rear jacks to your amplifier, along with a ground wire when you're using a phono input. A rear switch chooses between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level pass-through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSelect PHONO to run into a dedicated moving-magnet phono input or an outboard phono preamp, or leave it on LINE to connect straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 618Q goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is a natural next step up from the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the removable headshell makes a future cartridge upgrade straightforward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the rear RCA jacks aren't a captive cable, so a better interconnect is an easy upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio racks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a rigid, level shelf keeps a direct-drive motor's own vibration from reaching the platter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs the CS 618Q fully automatic?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt's semi-automatic. You cue the tonearm onto the record by hand, and it lifts and the motor stops automatically at the end of the side, but the arm doesn't swing itself back to rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a built-in phono preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, a switchable one behind a rear switch, so it connects to a line-level input on any amplifier or powered speaker, or to a phono input if your gear has one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs this belt drive or direct drive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDirect drive. The platter sits straight on the motor shaft with no belt in between, and a quartz circuit stabilizes the speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat's the difference between the black, gloss black, and walnut finishes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAll three share the same mechanics and electronics; the black finish is a standard vinyl veneer, while gloss black and walnut veneer are the step-up cosmetic finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I change the cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The Ortofon 2M Blue sits on a removable headshell, so swapping in a different cartridge is a straightforward job whenever you want to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan it play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe motor supports 78 rpm, but the included 2M Blue stylus is built for modern microgroove records. A shellac 78 needs a different cartridge and stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJoe Collins (EzeeLinux) walks through his own CS 618Q:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gBH_ndzeFnw\" title=\"My Dual CS 618Q Turntable\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Audiophile Man covers setup, sound, and who it suits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R4oyHKL5yNU\" title=\"THE CS 618Q FROM DUAL. AN AUTOMATIC. KINDA. IDEAL IF YOU VALUE CONVENIENCE AND EASY OF USE\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or phono preamps? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Black \/ New","offer_id":47173488541869,"sku":"NEW-DUCS618Q-BLK","price":1499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS618Q_BLK_02-Large__30837.1727514184.1280.1280_50568808-cbb4-4b2b-8c18-3080351eca31.jpg?v=1778142780"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-618q-direct-drive-turntable","title":"Dual CS 618Q Direct Drive Turntable","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDirect-Drive Speed with Automatic End-of-Record Protection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 618Q is a direct-drive turntable built for serious home listening. Its quartz-stabilized motor connects straight to the platter, with no belt to stretch or replace, and supports 33, 45, and 78 rpm through a rotary dial rather than a physical speed change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus comes factory-installed on a removable headshell, and a switchable phono preamp is built in. You cue the tonearm onto the record yourself, and the CS 618Q lifts it and stops the platter automatically once the side ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThat automatic lift protects the stylus from sitting in the run-out groove, but it doesn't return the arm to its rest — you'll still swing it back by hand. A hinged dust cover is included, and the CS 618Q ships in your choice of black, gloss black, or walnut veneer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eQuartz-Stabilized Direct Drive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eNo Belt Between the Motor and the Platter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDirect drive means the 305mm die-cast aluminum platter sits straight on the motor shaft. Speed accuracy comes from the motor and its quartz control, not from belt tension. Coreless motor inductors and a double-shielded magnetic rotor keep electrical noise out of the signal, and Dual rates wow and flutter under ±0.07% DIN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter weighs 1,450 grams complete with its rubber mat, spinning on a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing. An MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet handles vibration control; there's no separate sprung subchassis on this model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Tonearm Matched to the Ortofon 2M Blue\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe aluminum tonearm rides on a twin-gimbal bearing with four pivot ball bearings, letting it track the groove with very little friction. A statically balanced counterweight sets tracking force, and a stepless anti-skating control keeps the stylus centered for even record wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 2M Blue's removable headshell makes a future cartridge swap or service call straightforward. Rear RCA jacks, rather than a captive cable, let you upgrade the interconnect whenever you're ready to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMark Gusew reviewed the CS 618Q for StereoNET, scoring it 8.5 out of 10 and calling it \"a polished performer, with a characteristically smooth and unbiased sound,\" adding that \"its speed stability is exemplary.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi? scored the CS 618Q 4\/5 for Sound and 5\/5 for Build, summing it up as \"easy to use and boasts good features, with a stable, strait-laced performance that needs a bit more spirit.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want direct-drive speed stability\u003c\/strong\u003e — quartz control and no belt to stretch keep 33, 45, and 78 rpm accurate over years of use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want end-of-record stylus protection\u003c\/strong\u003e — the arm lifts and the motor stops automatically once a side finishes playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a cartridge that's already matched and mounted\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Ortofon 2M Blue arrives factory-installed and aligned on a removable headshell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want a real choice of finishes\u003c\/strong\u003e — black, gloss black, or walnut veneer, all built on the same platform\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want the tonearm to return to rest on its own\u003c\/strong\u003e — the CS 618Q lifts automatically at the end of a side but doesn't swing itself back; you'll return it by hand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn RCA cable runs from the rear jacks to your amplifier, along with a ground wire when you're using a phono input. A rear switch chooses between the built-in phono preamp and a line-level pass-through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSelect PHONO to run into a dedicated moving-magnet phono input or an outboard phono preamp, or leave it on LINE to connect straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 618Q goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage is a natural next step up from the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the removable headshell makes a future cartridge upgrade straightforward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the rear RCA jacks aren't a captive cable, so a better interconnect is an easy upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/audio-racks\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eAudio racks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a rigid, level shelf keeps a direct-drive motor's own vibration from reaching the platter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs the CS 618Q fully automatic?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt's semi-automatic. You cue the tonearm onto the record by hand, and it lifts and the motor stops automatically at the end of the side, but the arm doesn't swing itself back to rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a built-in phono preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, a switchable one behind a rear switch, so it connects to a line-level input on any amplifier or powered speaker, or to a phono input if your gear has one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs this belt drive or direct drive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eDirect drive. The platter sits straight on the motor shaft with no belt in between, and a quartz circuit stabilizes the speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat's the difference between the black, gloss black, and walnut finishes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAll three share the same mechanics and electronics; the black finish is a standard vinyl veneer, while gloss black and walnut veneer are the step-up cosmetic finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I change the cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. The Ortofon 2M Blue sits on a removable headshell, so swapping in a different cartridge is a straightforward job whenever you want to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan it play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe motor supports 78 rpm, but the included 2M Blue stylus is built for modern microgroove records. A shellac 78 needs a different cartridge and stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eJoe Collins (EzeeLinux) walks through his own CS 618Q:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gBH_ndzeFnw\" title=\"My Dual CS 618Q Turntable\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Audiophile Man covers setup, sound, and who it suits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R4oyHKL5yNU\" title=\"THE CS 618Q FROM DUAL. AN AUTOMATIC. KINDA. IDEAL IF YOU VALUE CONVENIENCE AND EASY OF USE\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or phono preamps? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Gloss Black \/ New","offer_id":47167146623149,"sku":"NEW-DUCS618Q-GLSBLK","price":1599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"New \/ Gloss Walnut \/ New","offer_id":47169995276461,"sku":"NEW-DUCS618Q-GLSWAL","price":1599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"New \/ Black \/ New","offer_id":47173488541869,"sku":"NEW-DUCS618Q-BLK","price":1499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/CS618Q99.jpg?v=1786721093"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-518-manual-turntable","title":"Dual CS 518 Manual Turntable","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Manual Turntable Built Around a Serious Tonearm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Dual CS 518 is aimed at the listener who wants to cue every record by hand and hear the benefit of it. Its twin-gimbal tonearm rides on four precision pivot ball bearings, a step up in tracking precision from a simpler single-bearing design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge arrives pre-mounted and aligned, and a switchable phono preamp is built in, so the CS 518 is ready to play the moment it's connected. A hinged dust cover is included, and there's no automatic cueing, start, or return anywhere in the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eSpeed selection is electronic: a rotary switch on the plinth selects 33, 45, or 78 rpm, with no belt to move by hand. Adjustable tracking force and anti-skating leave room for a cartridge upgrade later on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat the Twin-Gimbal Tonearm Buys You\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFour Bearings Instead of a Single Pivot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA conventional arm turns on a single pivot point. The CS 518's twin-gimbal design spreads that load across four precision ball bearings instead, cutting friction and letting the arm follow the groove with less lag. Dual rates wow and flutter under ±0.1% DIN.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe 305mm die-cast aluminum platter carries a heavy rubber mat for resonance damping, and turns on a hardened steel spindle running in a brass bushing — the same bearing architecture Dual uses across its manual lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eBuilt to Take a Different Cartridge Later\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTracking force and anti-skating both adjust by hand rather than arriving fixed, matched at the factory to the 2M Red's recommended range. That adjustability is what makes a future cartridge swap realistic here, in a way it isn't on Dual's fixed-arm entry models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn MDF plinth on elastomer-damped feet isolates the platter and arm from footfall and shelf vibration. At roughly 5.8kg, the CS 518 has enough mass to stay planted without needing a separate isolation platform underneath it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eReviewing the CS 518 for SoundStage! Access, Thom Moon wrote: \"It's easy to set up, it offers fine sound quality, it's well constructed, and it looks good doing its part.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi? reviewed the CS 518 on September 12, 2022, scoring it 5\/5 for Sound and Features and 4\/5 for Build, and concluding that \"Dual's CS 518 is a fine alternative to the established class leaders.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhat Hi-Fi?'s one reservation was the onboard phono stage, which it called \"a limited performer\" next to the rest of the turntable — worth knowing if sound quality is your main priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want to cue every record by hand\u003c\/strong\u003e — there's no automatic start, stop, or return anywhere in this design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want tonearm precision above the entry level\u003c\/strong\u003e — the twin-gimbal, four-bearing design tracks with less friction than a single-pivot arm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want one cable to any amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e — the built-in switchable phono preamp handles a line or a phono input equally well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou expect to try a different cartridge eventually\u003c\/strong\u003e — the fully adjustable arm is ready for one whenever you are\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want fully automatic tonearm return\u003c\/strong\u003e — the CS 518 is manual start-to-finish, with no auto-cueing built in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA single RCA cable runs from the back of the CS 518 to your amplifier, with a ground wire attached for a phono connection. A rear switch takes the built-in phono preamp in or out of the signal path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eLeave the preamp engaged to run straight into any line-level input on an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker. Switch it out if you'd rather use a dedicated phono input or add an outboard phono preamp of your own later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 518 goes from here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-preamplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — an outboard phono stage addresses What Hi-Fi's one reservation about the built-in preamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the adjustable twin-gimbal arm is ready for an upgrade whenever you want one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono input, since the CS 518 works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/record-cleaning-machines\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eRecord cleaning machines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — a cleaner record surface protects the 2M Red's stylus and quiets playback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eIs the CS 518 automatic or manual?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFully manual. You cue the tonearm onto the record and lift it off yourself, with no auto-start, auto-stop, or auto-return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat makes the twin-gimbal tonearm different?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eIt spreads bearing contact across four precision pivot points instead of one, which lowers friction and lets the arm track the groove more precisely than a simpler single-pivot design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDoes it have a phono preamp built in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes, a switchable one behind a rear switch. What Hi-Fi rated it as a limited performer, so pairing the CS 518 with an outboard phono preamp is worth considering if sound quality is the priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan I fit a different cartridge later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eYes. Tracking force and anti-skating both adjust by hand, so the arm is built to accept a cartridge upgrade whenever you're ready for one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow does speed selection work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA rotary switch on the plinth selects 33, 45, or 78 rpm electronically, with no belt to move by hand between speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eA British Audiophile reviews the CS 518 in depth:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VFsneHowSOw\" title=\"BACK ON TRACK! Dual CS518 Turntable Review\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, phono preamps, or cartridge upgrades? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Black \/ New","offer_id":45982839734445,"sku":"NEW-DUCS518-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"New \/ Black \/ Demo","offer_id":45982839767213,"sku":"DEMO-DUCS518-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"New \/ Walnut \/ New","offer_id":45983291736237,"sku":"NEW-DUCS518-WAL","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS518_BLK_01-Large__68191.1727512358.1280.1280.jpg?v=1778092653"},{"product_id":"dual-cs-429-fully-automatic-3-speed-turntable","title":"Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic 3-Speed Turntable","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:720px;margin:0 auto;padding:32px 24px 48px 24px;background:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:0 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePush a Button. The Arm Does the Rest.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eFully automatic turntables were everywhere in the 1970s and have nearly vanished since. The Dual CS 429 is one of the few still made, and it is among the most serious. Set a record on the platter, press start, and the arm lifts, swings across, and lowers itself into the run-in groove.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhen the side ends, the arm lifts and parks itself, so you can walk away mid-record without the stylus circling the run-out groove all night. Every one of those movements can also be done by hand, using the cueing lever, if you'd rather drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAn Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge comes installed from the factory, and a switchable phono preamp lives inside, so the RCA output connects to a phono input or a line input alike. A hinged dust cover is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eThe Machinery Behind the Automatic Arm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Automatic Operation Is Hard to Get Right\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAutomatic operation is rare because it's difficult: a gear train has to link the platter bearing to the tonearm, mechanically connecting the two by more than just the stylus. Dual answers that with a subchassis on rubber dampers and elastomer absorbers inside the 62mm feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe MDF plinth carries a 305mm die-cast aluminum platter that weighs 850 grams with its 2.5mm rubber mat, spinning on a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing. A DC motor drives it by belt, with optical speed control reading the motor directly. Wow and flutter is rated below ±0.08%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eA Tonearm Built to Grow With You\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe arm is a straight, statically balanced tube on ball bearings: 221.5mm effective length, 25.6 degrees of offset, 19mm overhang. Tracking force adjusts from 0 to 4 grams, and the headshell accepts cartridges weighing 5 to 9 grams, with a calibrated anti-skating dial to match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe headshell detaches with a screw collar. Mount and align a cartridge once, and swapping it later takes about a minute with no realignment — which is how the deck grows with you rather than being replaced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat Reviewers Are Saying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEd Selley reviewed the CS 429 for AVForums on March 24, 2023, scoring it 8 out of 10 with a Recommended award, writing that it \"brings a welcome dash of convenience to vinyl listening.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eTomasz Karasiński tested it for StereoLife Magazine on March 30, 2022, scoring 8.2 overall with a StereoLife Recommendation. He concluded that the CS 429 \"can give a lot of joy even in its factory configuration.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWho Is This Turntable Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want records playing without a ritual\u003c\/strong\u003e — press one button and sit down, and records get played on weeknights, not only during dedicated sessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSomeone else in the house uses the system\u003c\/strong\u003e — a partner, a houseguest, or a teenager can put a record on without learning to cue an arm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou're buying your first real turntable\u003c\/strong\u003e — the 2M Red is mounted and aligned, the phono stage is built in, and an RCA cable is in the box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou expect to upgrade the cartridge someday\u003c\/strong\u003e — the screw-on headshell and full tracking-force range mean a better cartridge fits later without buying a new deck\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYou want pure analog, start to finish\u003c\/strong\u003e — nothing digital between the groove and the output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow Does It Connect to Your System?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne RCA cable runs from the back of the deck to your amplifier, plus a ground wire to the ground screw. If your amplifier has a phono input, flip the rear switch to bypass the internal preamp and use it; if it doesn't, leave the switch on and run into any line input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAssembly is on you: platter, mat, counterweight, headshell, and dust cover all go on at home, and the arm has a transit lock to release. Set the tracking force, set the anti-skating, choose 30 or 17cm for the record size, and press start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWhere the CS 429 goes next:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/phono-cartridges\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003ePhono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the single biggest change you can make, and the headshell makes the swap a one-minute job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/interconnect-cables\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eInterconnect cables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the supplied RCA lead gets you playing; a better one is an easy early upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/integrated-amplifiers\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eIntegrated amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — with or without a phono stage, since the CS 429 works either way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/turntable-accessories\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eTurntable accessories\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — levels, mats, and cartridge-care tools for a serious setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhat comes in the box with the Dual CS 429?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe turntable with the Ortofon 2M Red already mounted, the platter and rubber mat, the counterweight, a hinged dust cover, and an RCA cable. Everything needed for a first listen is in the carton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eDo I need a phono input on my amplifier?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eEither input works. The built-in moving-magnet phono stage lets you connect to a line input on any amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker. A rear switch takes it out of the circuit when you'd rather use a phono input or an outboard stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much setup does the CS 429 need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eMore than the word automatic suggests. You fit the platter, mat, counterweight, headshell, and dust cover, release the arm lock, then set tracking force and anti-skating. Budget half an hour the first time, and the manual walks through each step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eCan the CS 429 play 78 rpm records?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe platter spins at 33, 45, and 78 rpm. Shellac records need a wider stylus than the one fitted, and Ortofon sells a 78 stylus that pops onto the 2M body, so the conversion is quick when you want it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhich cartridges will fit later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAnything from 5 to 9 grams that tracks between 0 and 4 grams, which covers most moving-magnet designs and plenty of high-output moving coils. The detachable headshell means you can keep the 2M Red mounted on a spare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:1.05em;margin:0.9em 0 0.25em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eHow much shelf space does it need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWith the lid closed it measures 17.1 inches wide, 14.4 deep, and 5.7 tall, and it weighs about 13.7 pounds. Opening the dust cover takes it to roughly 15.7 inches tall, so leave headroom above the shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eSee It in Action\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eThe Listening Post Christchurch unboxes and walks through setup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/liHGihveJzs\" title=\"Dual CS 429 Turntable Unboxed | The Listening Post | TLPCHC TLPWLG\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.5em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eAVForums follows up on Ed Selley's written review on video:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"100%\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A-8uPjEaV1Y\" title=\"Dual CS429 Turntable Review - Can It Overcome Some of the SHORTCOMINGS of Automatic Turntables?\" style=\"border:0;margin:0 0 0.9em 0;display:block;\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;padding-left:1.4em;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReal Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.25em;margin:1.4em 0 0.35em 0;font-weight:600;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 0.9em 0;line-height:1.55;\"\u003eWant to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or phono stages? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" style=\"color:#8a5a2b;\"\u003eLearning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides, tips, and expert advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Dual CS","offers":[{"title":"New \/ Black \/ New","offer_id":47160766988461,"sku":"NEW-DUCS429-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"New \/ Black \/ Demo","offer_id":47160767021229,"sku":"DEMO-DUCS429-BLK","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"New \/ Walnut \/ New","offer_id":47167444287661,"sku":"NEW-DUCS429-WAL","price":999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/DUCS429-BLK_01_angle_dustcover_2026.jpg?v=1788444677"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/collections\/dual.oembed","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}