Dual CS 518

The Dual CS 518 stands out for its sophisticated double-gimbal tonearm, anti-vibration construction in solid MDF, and the inclusion of a premium pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. Designed for true vinyl enthusiasts, it targets demanding audiophiles seeking the optimal balance between technical performance and ease of use.

Robust Construction and Refined Finishes

The solid MDF chassis of the CS 518 forms the foundation of its exceptional performance. This sturdy construction effectively limits unwanted vibrations that can degrade sound quality. The sleek black finish blends seamlessly into any audio environment, while the feet, equipped with 62 mm diameter elastomer decouplers, ensure optimal isolation from external resonances.

Attention to detail is evident in every component: the hardened steel spindle housed in a brass bushing guarantees perfectly smooth platter rotation. The die-cast aluminum platter, decoupled by a polished flat belt, ensures faithful signal transmission. The thick 2.5 mm rubber mat completes this anti-resonance setup by eliminating unwanted acoustic distortions.

Advanced Double-Gimbal Tonearm Technology

The straight aluminum tonearm is one of the CS 518’s major highlights. Its double-gimbal design uses four precision ball bearings that provide remarkably accurate guidance, capable of doing justice even to high-end cartridges. This technical sophistication results in outstanding groove tracking, preserving even the subtlest nuances of your records.

The tonearm’s adjustable settings offer valuable flexibility for optimizing performance. The static tracking force via counterweight, spring-adjustable anti-skating, and compatibility with cartridges from 5 to 9 grams allow you to adapt the turntable for future cartridges and fine-tune settings to your listening preferences. This modularity ensures long-term scalability of your investment.

Silent Motor and Precision Control

The CS 518’s silent DC motor sets high standards in its category. The motor’s rubber suspension effectively dampens oscillations, while the polished belt ensures perfect speed synchronization. Wow and flutter measurements below ±0.1% (DIN WTD) place this turntable among audiophile benchmarks.

Electronic speed control is a notable practical advantage. Selection between 33, 45, and 78 RPM is done simply by turning a selector, eliminating the tedious belt handling required by many turntables. This ease of use in no way compromises rotational precision, maintaining exemplary stability at any selected speed.

Premium Cartridge and Versatile Built-in Preamp

The inclusion of a pre-mounted and pre-aligned Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is a major asset of the CS 518. This moving magnet cartridge delivers a balanced sound with remarkable precision, and its optimized output level makes it a perfect match for the turntable’s character.

The switchable built-in MM phono preamp is a particularly appreciated feature. This versatility allows direct connection to the line inputs of modern amplifiers or can be deactivated to use your amplifier’s phono input or a higher-performance external preamp. This flexibility adapts to the future evolution of your audio system.

Ease of Use and Simple Installation

Despite being fully manual, the CS 518 stands out for its user-friendliness. The absence of complex automatic mechanisms eliminates potential sources of failure while preserving signal purity. Start-up is as simple as selecting the desired speed via the rotary selector, then operating the tonearm using the hydraulic lift lever.

Standard RCA connectivity ensures universal compatibility with all audio systems. The phono/line switch on the back allows you to adapt to your hi-fi setup without complex adjustments. The unit comes ready to use, requiring only connection of the external 12V power supply and audio cables.

Scalability and Customization

The CS 518 offers numerous upgrade possibilities to accompany the development of your audiophile preferences. The removable headshell makes cartridge changes easy, allowing you to explore different sound signatures. Tracking force and anti-skating adjustments are easily made to suit the specifications of new cartridges.

The ability to replace the Ortofon 2M Red stylus insert offers an initial approach to sound optimization. This flexibility allows for gradual upgrades to more refined components, progressively transforming the turntable as your tastes and budget evolve.

Technical Specifications

Drive and Motor

• Silent direct current motor
• Belt drive
• Rubber motor suspension to dampen vibrations
• Polished belt for synchronized speed
• Speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 rpm
• Wow and flutter ratio: < ±0.1% (DIN WTD)

Platter

• Die-cast aluminum
• Diameter: 305 mm
• Weight with mat: 850 g
• 2.5 mm rubber mat to dampen resonance
• Solid platter anchoring
• Bearing: hardened steel shaft in brass bushing

Tonearm

• Dual gimbal die-cast aluminum construction
• Straight shape balanced by counterweight
• Pivot ball bearing
• Length: 221.5 mm
• Offset angle: 25.6°
• Overhang: 19 mm
• Static tracking force adjustable by counterweight
• Supported cartridge weight: 0 to 4 g
• Headshell weight: 5 g to 9 g
• Supplied cartridge model: Ortofon 2M Red

Console and Finish

• MDF wood construction with black plastic veneer
• Color: black
• Feet with elastomer isolators (Ø 62 mm)
• Removable dust cover

Connectivity

• Connection: RCA plug
• Phono input connection: yes
• Line input connection: yes
• Digital output: no
• Automatic start/stop: no

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions with lid closed: 435 x 367 x 145 mm
• Dimensions with lid open: width 415 mm / height 400 mm
• Weight: 5.9 kg