Dual CS 618 Glossy Black

The Dual CS 618Q combines Dual’s historical expertise with contemporary technical refinements, including quartz speed regulation and a particularly sophisticated automatic stop system. Equipped as standard with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, it stands out as a complete solution for demanding audiophiles.

Uncompromising Direct Drive Excellence

The direct drive of the CS 618Q perfectly illustrates Dual’s technical mastery in this field. The DC motor uses a hum-free design that maintains total speed stability while operating without noise or vibration. This technical approach, perfected over decades by the brand, eliminates the mechanical transmission issues inherent to belt-driven systems.

Quartz regulation—hence the “Q” in the name—ensures remarkable speed accuracy with a wow and flutter rate below ±0.07% according to the DIN WTD standard. This exceptional stability results in musical reproduction of rare precision, especially appreciable in sustained instrumental passages and complex rhythmic nuances.

The ironless coil eliminates any parasitic vibration, while the double-shielded rotating magnets completely neutralize residual magnetic fields. This attention to technical detail guarantees pure playback, free from coloration or interference.

Precision Tonearm and Reference Cartridge

The tonearm features a fully aluminum double-gimbal design, a proven technical architecture that ensures optimal cartridge tracking. This four-pivot configuration with ball bearings guarantees precise and stable tracking across the entire record surface. The effective length of 221.5 mm with a 25.6° offset optimizes reading geometry to minimize tracking errors.

The CS 618Q comes equipped with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, a judicious technical choice that avoids the usual compromises of entry-level cartridges. This moving magnet cartridge offers a remarkable balance between resolution and musicality, revealing the subtleties of recordings without excessive analytical character. The mounting system makes it easy to upgrade to other compatible cartridges in the future.

The static tracking force via counterweight allows precise adjustment according to the cartridge’s specifications, ensuring optimal tracking and minimal vinyl wear.

Intelligent Automatic Stop Function

The CS 618Q’s automatic stop function demonstrates attention to practical details. This system includes automatic tonearm lift, which significantly reduces stylus wear when it reaches the end of the record. Unlike fully automatic mechanisms that can be abrupt, this one prioritizes smoothness and precision.

The system automatically detects the end of playback and gently lifts the tonearm, keeping it suspended above the record. This approach protects both the stylus and the vinyl while maintaining manual control over returning the arm to its rest.

German Construction and Premium Finishes

The build quality reflects traditional German manufacturing standards. The solid MDF chassis ensures exemplary stability and effective isolation from external vibrations. The standard black finish can be complemented by premium options: high-gloss black lacquer or genuine varnished walnut veneer, which naturally integrate into refined audiophile setups.

The feet, equipped with 62 mm diameter elastomer decouplers, effectively isolate the turntable from support vibrations. This attention to detail is also found in the die-cast aluminum platter, covered with a 2.5 mm rubber mat that dampens unwanted resonances.

The removable dust cover protects the mechanism while preserving easy access to the controls. The platter’s anchoring above the direct drive bearing optimizes motor torque transmission.

Versatile Speeds and Applications

Compatibility with all three standard speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm) greatly expands musical possibilities. This versatility is especially valuable for collectors of vintage records, fans of specialized reissues, or DJs who use different pressing formats.

Support for 78 rpm, often overlooked on modern turntables, opens access to a vast musical heritage and high-quality reissues of this historic format. This technical capability sets the CS 618Q apart from many contemporary turntables focused solely on modern formats.

Connectivity and Installation Flexibility

The CS 618Q features a switchable phono preamp, offering appreciable flexibility depending on your system configuration. The output can be set to phono mode for connection to a dedicated phono preamp, or to line mode for direct connection to an integrated amplifier or receiver.

This modular approach avoids over-equipping while offering natural upgradeability. Standard RCA connections and dedicated grounding ensure universal compatibility with all types of amplification.

The external 12V DC power supply eliminates mains interference and can easily be upgraded to a high-quality audiophile linear power supply to further optimize performance.

Sound Performance and Musical Character

The CS 618Q’s sonic philosophy favors balance and musical coherence. The hum-free direct drive reveals a remarkable ability to reproduce dynamic nuances and instrumental separation, offering a generous soundstage where each element finds its natural place.

This technical approach results in engaging musical reproduction that serves a wide variety of musical genres without favoring any particular style. The exceptional speed stability allows faithful rendering of complex rhythmic textures and sustained harmonies.

Technical Specifications

Drive System

• Direct-drive DC motor
  • Premium direct drive with quartz speed control
  • Ironless coil to eliminate vibrations
  • Double-shielded rotary magnets to eliminate any magnetic field
• Speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 rpm
• Wow and flutter ratio: < ±0.07% (DIN WTD)

Platter

• Material: die-cast aluminum
• Mat: 2.5 mm rubber to dampen resonances
• Bearing: hardened steel shaft with brass bushing
• Diameter: 305 mm
• Weight with mat: 1450 g
• Platter anchored above the direct drive bearing

Tonearm

• Double gimbal design with aluminum construction
• Bearing: 4 x pivot/gimbal with ball bearings
• Length: 221.5 mm
• Offset angle: 25.6°
• Overhang: 19 mm
• Tracking force: static via counterweight, adjustable
• Autostop function and automatic tonearm lift
• Compatible cartridge weight: 0 to 4 g
• Headshell weight: 5 g to 9 g
• Supplied cartridge model: Ortofon 2M Blue

Chassis and Finish

• Material: MDF with varnished walnut veneer
• Feet with elastomer dampers Ø 62 mm
• Removable dust cover

Connectivity

• Connection: RCA plugs
• Phono input: yes
• Line input: yes
• Digital output: no

General Specifications

• Weight: 7 kg
• Dimensions (lid closed): 435 x 367 x 145 mm
• Dimensions (lid open): width 415 mm / height 400 mm