Was unterscheidet den CS 518 vom CS 418?

Der CS 518 setzt auf eine massive MDF-Zarge statt Standard-Gehäuse und einen vollkardanischen Tonarm mit vier Pivot-Kugellagern samt stufenloser Auflagekraft-Skala – spürbar mehr mechanische Präzision als beim CS 418.

Ist der CS 518 manuell oder automatisch?

Manuell, wie der CS 418 – du legst auf und hebst am Ende selbst ab. Für Vollautomatik mit gleichem Tonabnehmer-Niveau ist der CS 429 die passende Wahl.

Welcher Tonabnehmer ist verbaut?

Ein Ortofon 2M Red, wie in der gesamten mittleren Dual-Serie – hier trifft er auf den präziseren Tonarm des CS 518, was sich vor allem bei Feindynamik und Kanaltrennung bemerkbar macht.

Für wen ist der CS 518 nicht das richtige Modell?

Für alle, die eine Vollautomatik wollen oder direkt an einen Direktantrieb wie den CS 618Q denken. Der CS 518 ist die Riemenantrieb-Variante mit Fokus auf mechanische Präzision, nicht auf Komfortfunktionen.

Warum den Dual CS 518 bei HD Zürisee kaufen?

Weil wir dir zeigen, wie sich die massive Zarge und der Twin-Gimbal-Tonarm tatsächlich auf den Klang auswirken – nicht nur auf dem Papier. Melde dich, wir richten das Laufwerk bei Bedarf gleich fachgerecht ein.

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Dual CS 518 Manual Turntable, Black

CHF 699.00

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The Dual CS 518 is a manual turntable with a solid MDF plinth and a fully gimbaled "Twin Gimbal" tonearm, built around mechanical precision rather than comfort features.

Why the CS 518?

Anyone who guides the tonearm themselves quickly notices whether the mechanics behind it keep up. The CS 518 brings noticeably more running stability and precision than the entry-level segment, thanks to its fully gimbaled tonearm and four pivot ball bearings — the solid plinth also damps external vibrations further.

What you hear and get

The 2M Red visibly benefits here from the more stable tonearm guidance: finer resolution in quiet passages, cleaner channel separation in the stereo image. Coming from the CS 418, you hear the difference, not just read it on paper.

Who is the CS 518 suited for? (and who isn't it for — let's be direct)

For anyone who likes manual placement but wants the next mechanical level. If you're after automation instead, the CS 429 is right for you; if you want to go straight for direct drive, look at the CS 618Q.

Our verdict

Solid mechanics at a fair price — the CS 518 is the choice for anyone who cares as much about the tonearm as about the cartridge.

Technical data

Dimensions (lid closed): 435 × 367 × 145 mm
Weight: 5.8 kg
Drive: belt drive, DC motor
Speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 rpm
Wow and flutter: < ±0.1% (DIN)
Tonearm: "Twin Gimbal," fully gimbaled, 4 pivot ball bearings, effective length 221.5 mm, tracking force 0–4 g continuously variable with scale
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red (pre-mounted)
Platter: die-cast aluminum, Ø 305 mm, 2.5 mm rubber mat, 850 g with mat
Cabinet: solid MDF plinth
Output: Phono/Line switchable (slide switch)
Phono preamp: built in, switchable
Operation: manual
Dust cover: yes
Included: dust cover, platter mat, tonearm headshell pre-mounted with 2M Red, centering puck, 2 hinges, counterweight, platter with belt, RCA stereo cable, plug-in power supply

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the CS 518 and the CS 418?

The CS 518 relies on a solid MDF plinth instead of a standard cabinet, and a fully gimbaled tonearm with four pivot ball bearings plus a continuously variable tracking force scale — noticeably more mechanical precision than the CS 418.

Is the CS 518 manual or automatic?

Manual, like the CS 418 — you place the needle and lift it off yourself at the end. For full automation with the same cartridge level, the CS 429 is the right choice.

Which cartridge is fitted?

An Ortofon 2M Red, as in the entire mid-range Dual series — here it meets the CS 518's more precise tonearm, which shows especially in fine dynamics and channel separation.

Who isn't the CS 518 the right model for?

For anyone who wants full automation or is already thinking of a direct drive like the CS 618Q. The CS 518 is the belt-drive variant focused on mechanical precision, not comfort features.

Why buy the Dual CS 518 at HD Zürisee?

Because we show you how the solid plinth and the Twin Gimbal tonearm actually affect the sound — not just on paper. Get in touch, and we'll set up the deck properly for you if needed.

Goes well with

An integrated amplifier with a phono input or a phono preamp from our range complements the CS 518 perfectly — ask us about the right combination for your speakers.