Dual CS 618Q Semi-Automatic Turntable, Black

The Dual CS 618Q is a semi-automatic turntable with direct drive and an Ortofon 2M Blue, letting you choose freely between purely manual operation and automatic end-of-record shutoff.

Why the CS 618Q?

Direct drive instead of belt means: quartz-stable speed, virtually no start-up time, and a wow-and-flutter value noticeably below the belt-drive models. On top of that comes the freedom to choose between pure manual operation and semi-automatic with end-of-record shutoff — you don't have to commit, the deck adapts.

What you hear and get

The Ortofon 2M Blue resolves audibly finer detail than the 2M Red of the smaller series — more spatial depth, cleaner treble reproduction, more precise imaging in the stereo field. Combined with the quiet direct drive, that adds up to a noticeably more mature sound.

Who is the CS 618Q suited for? (and who isn't it for — let's be direct)

For anyone who wants the next technical level after the belt-drive series, without going straight for the purebred manual CS 718Q deck. If you only listen occasionally and are happy with the 2M Red, you don't need to make this jump.

Our verdict

Direct drive, selectable automation, a higher-quality cartridge — the CS 618Q in matte black is the logical middle ground between entry-level belt-drive decks and the audiophile CS 718Q.

Technical data

• Dimensions (lid closed): 435 × 367 × 145 mm
• Weight: 7.0 kg
• Drive: direct drive, brushless DC motor, quartz-stable speed control, ironless coils
• Speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 rpm
• Wow and flutter: < ±0.07% (DIN)
• Tonearm: fully gimbaled, 4 pivot ball bearings, effective length 221.5 mm, offset angle 25.6°, automatic lift
• Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Blue (pre-mounted)
• Platter: die-cast aluminum, Ø 305 mm, 1450 g with mat
• Operation: selectable — purely manual or semi-automatic with end-of-record shutoff and auto-lift
• Output: Phono/Line switchable (RCA)
• Phono preamp: built in, switchable
• Dust cover: yes, removable
• Included: dust cover with hinges, platter with mat, tonearm headshell pre-mounted with 2M Blue, centering puck, counterweight, RCA stereo cable, plug-in power supply

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dual CS 618Q manual or automatic?

Both — you choose. Purely manual without end-of-record shutoff, or semi-automatic with end-of-record shutoff and automatic tonearm lift. You set this on the deck itself.

What does direct drive get you over belt drive?

The brushless direct drive controls speed quartz-stably and responds practically without delay to load fluctuations. That shows up above all in very consistent wow and flutter (< ±0.07%), noticeably below the belt drive of the CS-4xx/5xx range.

Which cartridge is fitted on the CS 618Q?

An Ortofon 2M Blue, one step above the 2M Red of the smaller models — finer stylus-tip geometry, more detail resolution, and channel separation.

Who isn't the CS 618Q worth it for?

For anyone already happy with the 2M Red and belt drive — the premium pays off above all with critical listening and higher-quality systems, not with a simple compact system.

Why buy the Dual CS 618Q at HD Zürisee?

Because direct drive and semi-automatic logic need to be set up correctly — that's exactly what we handle during setup. Ask us about the right amplifier and speaker combination.

Goes well with

An integrated amplifier with a high-quality phono input or an external phono preamp gets the maximum out of the 2M Blue — we're happy to show you suitable combinations from our range.