Dual CS 618Q Direct Drive Turntable

Direct-Drive Speed with Automatic End-of-Record Protection

The Dual CS 618Q is a direct-drive turntable made for serious home listening. Its quartz-stabilized motor supports 33, 45 and 78 rpm speeds. The turntable also includes an Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge, a switchable phono preamp and automatic tonearm lift at the end of a record.

You control the tonearm when starting a record. When the side ends, the CS 618Q stops the motor and raises the tonearm. This protects the stylus from sitting in the run-out groove while keeping the hands-on control of a manual turntable.

Quartz-Stabilized Direct Drive Holds a Steady Speed

The platter connects directly to the motor, so there is no drive belt to stretch or replace. Quartz speed control keeps the selected speed stable during playback. A rotary control gives you electronic access to 33, 45 and 78 rpm.

Dual uses coreless motor inductors and a double-shielded magnetic rotor in the direct-drive system. The rated wow and flutter is less than ±0.07% under the DIN measurement standard.

Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge Included

The factory-installed Ortofon 2M Blue is a moving-magnet cartridge with a nude elliptical diamond stylus. It is mounted on a removable headshell, which makes cartridge service or a future upgrade easier.

The aluminum tonearm uses a twin-gimbal bearing system with four pivot ball bearings. Tracking force is set with a counterweight, and a clearly marked rotary control provides stepless anti-skating adjustment.

Connect to a Phono or Standard Line Input

A switchable phono preamp is built into the CS 618Q. Select line output when connecting to powered speakers or an amplifier without a phono input. Select phono output when using an amplifier with a moving-magnet phono input or a separate phono preamp.

The rear RCA sockets let you replace or upgrade the audio cable. An RCA cable is included, along with the required ground connection for phono-level use.

A Heavy Platter and Vibration-Controlled Plinth

The 305 mm die-cast aluminum platter weighs 1,450 grams with its rubber mat. A hardened steel spindle turns inside a brass bushing. The heavy rubber mat helps control platter resonance and supports the record during playback.

The MDF plinth rests on large feet with internal elastomer vibration absorbers. This Black version has a simple vinyl veneer finish. A hinged dust cover protects the platter, cartridge and tonearm when the turntable is not in use.

Is the Dual CS 618Q Right for You?

• Direct-drive performance: Quartz-stabilized speed control supports 33, 45 and 78 rpm without a drive belt.
• Manual control with added protection: You place the tonearm on the record, but it lifts automatically and the motor stops at the end.
• Quality cartridge included: The Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge arrives installed on a removable headshell.
• Flexible system matching: The switchable phono preamp supports both phono-level and line-level connections.
• Special playback needs for shellac records: The motor supports 78 rpm, but a cartridge made for shellac 78s is required. The included 2M Blue is designed for modern microgroove records.

Setup, Compatibility & What’s Included

Setup includes installing the platter, balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force and anti-skating for the Ortofon 2M Blue. Check the phono/line output setting before connecting the turntable to your audio system.

The box includes the Dual CS 618Q turntable, Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, removable headshell, aluminum platter, rubber mat, hinged dust cover, RCA cable, power supply and owner’s manual. Speakers and an amplifier are sold separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dual CS 618Q fully automatic?

No. You place the tonearm on the record by hand. At the end of the side, the motor stops and the tonearm lifts automatically.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

Yes. The switchable phono preamp lets you connect to a standard line input. You can bypass it when using an external moving-magnet phono stage.

Does it include a cartridge?

Yes. An Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus is installed at the factory.

Can it play 78 rpm records?

The motor supports 78 rpm. Shellac records require a suitable 78 rpm cartridge and stylus, which are sold separately.

Can I change the cartridge later?

Yes. The removable headshell and adjustable tracking force support cartridges weighing from 5 to 9 grams.

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