DUAL

Dual is a German turntable manufacturer with roots going back to the 1900s – known for decks that are solidly built and still turning decades later, rather than for marketing promises.

With us you'll find the whole range: from the straightforward entry-level belt-drive with a factory-aligned cartridge to the direct-drive reference turntable in a limited edition. In between lies a lot of choice in drive, automation and cartridge – and that's exactly where a quick conversation pays off before you commit.

What you choose by here

  • Belt or direct drive – the CS 329 through CS 529 BT and CS 418/518 run on a belt, quiet and beginner-friendly. From the CS 618Q up, Dual's own direct drive with quartz-stable speed control kicks in – noticeably steadier speed, especially for critical listening.
  • Automatic or manual operation – CS 329, 429 and 529 BT are fully automatic, handling the tonearm and end-of-record shutoff themselves. CS 418 and 518 are deliberately manual for anyone who wants to keep the cueing process in their own hands. The CS 618Q lets you choose either way.
  • Cartridge included or your own choice – up to and including the CS 618Q, a factory-aligned Ortofon cartridge (2M Red or 2M Blue) is always fitted. The CS 718Q deliberately comes without a cartridge, so you can choose your own MM or MC system in your price range. The Primus Maximus is the reference above all of them, with an Ortofon Quintet Bronze and an individual plinth.

Plain talk

A CS 329 plays an honestly good fully-automatic base – but if you already have a well-developed system and want the sonic maximum, you're better served with a CS 618Q or CS 718Q. And not every model needs Bluetooth: if you're wired up anyway, you save yourself the surcharge of the CS 529 BT over the CS 429 for identical sound. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'd rather advise you on the right model than sell you the most expensive one.

Frequently asked questions

Which Dual turntable is suitable for getting started?

The CS 329 or CS 429 – both fully automatic with a factory-aligned Ortofon cartridge, ready to play straight away. The CS 429 is also available in a walnut finish and as a Bluetooth version (CS 529 BT).

What sets the CS 618Q and CS 718Q apart from the smaller models?

Direct drive instead of belt drive, for noticeably steadier speed. The CS 718Q goes a step further still: no cartridge fitted, but RCA and XLR outputs, so you're free to choose your own system.

Are there spare parts for older Dual turntables?

Yes, we carry drive belts for the current CS range (329/418/429/518/529) and for numerous older classics such as the SP85, SP120 or the 400/500 series, matched to your model.

Pairs well with

Matching cartridges are under Cartridges, accessories like stabilizers and cleaning under Turntable Accessories and Record Cleaning. More turntables are under Turntables, and the full overview is at All Vinyl.

Dual CS 618Q Plattenspieler Frontansicht Schwarz Hochglanz