Dual CS 718Q Turntable without Cartridge, Walnut

The Dual CS 718Q Walnut is the wood-veneer version of the manual direct-drive turntable with carbon-aluminum tonearm — technically identical to the black variant, supplied without a cartridge.

Why the CS 718Q in walnut?

Carbon-aluminum tonearm, direct drive, RCA/XLR output — everything stays unchanged. The walnut veneer replaces the black surface and thereby visibly fits better into warm, wood-accented interiors.

What you hear and get

As with the black model, sound depends largely on the cartridge you choose — the tonearm and platter are identical and offer the same foundation for a high-quality system.

Who is the CS 718Q Walnut suited for? (and who isn't it for — let's be direct)

For anyone who values a wood look and already knows (or wants advice on) which cartridge to fit. If you want a complete package without extra effort, you're better served by the CS 618Q.

Our verdict

Same tonearm mechanics, warmer look — here too, a matter of interior design, not technology.

Technical data

• Dimensions (lid closed): 435 × 367 × 155 mm
• Weight: 10.0 kg
• Drive: direct drive, brushless motor, ironless coils
• Speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 rpm
• Wow and flutter: < ±0.05% (DIN)
• Tonearm: carbon-aluminum sandwich, fully gimbaled, height-adjustable (+5/−2 mm), effective length 221.5 mm, massless tracking-force adjustment 0–3 g
• Cartridge: not included (compatible weight 3–13 g)
• Platter: die-cast aluminum/rubber, Ø 305 mm, 2200 g with mat
• Output: RCA and XLR (balanced)
• Phono preamp: no, pure phono output
• Dust cover: yes, included

Frequently asked questions

Does the Dual CS 718Q come with a cartridge?

No, deliberately not. The CS 718Q is supplied without a cartridge so you can choose your own system to fit your price range and preference — from MM to a high-end MC system, compatible weight 3–13 g.

Does the CS 718Q have a built-in phono preamp?

No. The CS 718Q provides a pure phono output via RCA and additionally balanced via XLR — so you definitely need a phono preamp or a phono input on your amplifier as well.

Why does the CS 718Q have both RCA and XLR?

XLR delivers a balanced, lower-noise connection to amplifiers with a matching phono input; RCA remains the universal alternative for most existing systems. You choose based on the equipment you have.

Who isn't the CS 718Q a good choice for?

For anyone who wants a complete package without extra effort — here you have to plan for a cartridge and phono preamp separately. If you'd rather not, the CS 618Q with the 2M Blue included suits you better.

Why buy the Dual CS 718Q Walnut at HD Zürisee?

Because choosing the cartridge, tracking force, and phono preamp is genuinely a topic for advice — that's exactly where we draw on decades of experience to put together the right overall package for you, not just a single device.

Goes well with

A cartridge of your choice (MM or MC), a matching phono preamp, and an amplifier with an XLR phono input are what complete the CS 718Q Walnut — we're happy to put the combination together for you.