Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic Turntable, Walnut

The Dual CS 429 Walnut is the wood-veneer version of the fully automatic turntable with a factory-adjusted Ortofon 2M Red — technically identical to the black variant, visually the warmer choice for the living room.

Why the CS 429 in walnut?

Technically, the CS 429 Walnut is identical to its black sibling — same cartridge, same drive, same electronics. The only difference lies in the veneer: walnut wood instead of a piano-lacquer look, a presence that blends in far more unobtrusively next to solid wood furniture and warm living-room colors than glossy black.

What you hear and get

Sonically, everything that applies to the black CS 429 applies one-to-one here: clean, spacious vinyl sound thanks to the 2M Red, quiet running thanks to the heavy aluminum platter. Choosing the walnut look means giving up nothing — except high-gloss black on the shelf.

Who is the CS 429 Walnut suited for? (and who isn't it for — let's be direct)

For anyone who doesn't want their vinyl setup to look like technology, but like a piece of furniture. If you're already committed to minimal black/white, the standard version suits you better — a matter of taste, not quality.

Our verdict

Same device, different look: choosing the walnut version is a living-room decision, not a compromise on sound.

Technical data

• Dimensions (lid closed): 435 × 367 × 145 mm
• Weight: 6.6 kg
• Drive: belt drive, DC motor with optical speed detection
• Speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 rpm
• Wow and flutter: < ±0.08% (DIN)
• Tonearm: straight, weight-balanced, effective length 221.5 mm, tracking force 0–4 g
• Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red (pre-mounted)
• Platter: die-cast aluminum, Ø 305 mm, 850 g with mat
• Output: Phono/Line switchable (slide switch)
• Phono preamp: built in, switchable
• Dust cover: yes, removable
• Included: dust cover with hinges, platter with belt, tonearm headshell pre-mounted with 2M Red, centering puck, counterweight, RCA stereo cable, plug-in power supply

Frequently asked questions

Does the Dual CS 429 have a built-in phono preamp?

Yes, it can be switched between phono and line via a slide switch on the back. So you can connect the CS 429 either to a phono input or directly to aux/line.

Which cartridge is fitted on the CS 429?

An Ortofon 2M Red, factory-adjusted. It's considered one of the most balanced entry-level cartridges on the market and can later be swapped for a higher-tier 2M model if needed.

Does the CS 429 also play old shellac records at 78 rpm?

Yes, 33, 45, and 78 rpm are all available. For 78s you'll additionally need a suitable stylus — the standard 2M Red stylus isn't designed for that.

Who isn't the CS 429 the right choice for?

Anyone eyeing MC cartridges or a balanced XLR connection from the start should go straight for the CS 718Q. The CS 429 is designed as a well-rounded overall package, not for deep tuning potential.

Why buy the Dual CS 429 Walnut at HD Zürisee?

Because we've been in this business for almost three decades and know exactly which amplifier and which speakers suit a deck like the CS 429. Let us advise you instead of guessing.

Goes well with

A great match is an integrated amplifier with its own phono input or — if you use the built-in preamp — any amplifier with a free line input. Check out our collections for integrated amplifiers and bookshelf speakers.