Dual CS 618Q Turntable, Black Gloss

The Dual CS 618Q Black Gloss is the high-gloss lacquered version of the semi-automatic direct-drive turntable with Ortofon 2M Blue — technically identical to the matte variant, with a mirror-like piano-lacquer finish.

Why the CS 618Q in high gloss?

Direct drive, selectable semi-automation, Ortofon 2M Blue — everything stays the same, only the surface changes from matte to piano-lacquer gloss. An eye-catcher for anyone who also wants their deck to make a visual statement on the shelf.

What you hear and get

Sonically, nothing differs from the matte version: the same quartz-stable direct drive, the same 2M Blue, the same freedom to choose between manual and semi-automatic operation. The difference is purely visual.

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

For anyone who likes a high-gloss look and accepts that fingerprints show up faster on piano lacquer than on matte surfaces. If you don't want that, go for the matte black or walnut version.

Our verdict

Same technology, different stage presence — Black Gloss is the choice for a statement shelf.

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 Black Gloss 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.