{"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\u003eYour records are staying analog\u003c\/strong\u003e — there's no USB or digital output here, so ripping vinyl to files needs another box entirely\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\n","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\/products\/dual-cs-429-fully-automatic-3-speed-turntable","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}