Dual CS 518 Manual Turntable, Walnut

The Dual CS 518 Walnut is the wood-veneer version of the manual turntable with solid MDF plinth and fully gimbaled tonearm — technically identical to the black variant.

Why the CS 518 in walnut?

The "Twin Gimbal" tonearm, the solid plinth, and the Ortofon 2M Red stay unchanged — only the veneer has changed. Walnut wood instead of piano-lacquer black blends far more unobtrusively into warm, wood-accented living rooms.

What you hear and get

Sonically exactly like the black version: precise tonearm guidance, clean stereo image thanks to the 2M Red, quiet running thanks to the aluminum platter. The wood look changes nothing about the sound — only the eye-catcher on the shelf.

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

For anyone who wants to combine solid wood furniture or warm living-room colors with their deck. With a purely black-and-white interior, the standard version looks more coherent.

Our verdict

Same mechanics, warmer look — a matter of taste, not a compromise on sound.

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 Walnut 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 Walnut perfectly — ask us about the right combination for your speakers.