Dual CS 429 Walnut

The Dual CS 429 represents the German brand’s modern approach to making vinyl listening accessible to all. This fully automatic turntable combines ease of use with audiophile performance, offering a complete solution with a built-in phono preamp and a pre-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.

Designed for music lovers who want to enjoy their records without technical constraints, the CS 429 fully automates the playback process: positioning, lowering, and raising the tonearm are all handled at the press of the start button. This user-friendly operation is paired with meticulous construction focused on vibration isolation and mechanical stability.

Construction and Vibration Isolation

The high-density MDF chassis incorporates internal vibration absorbers that effectively decouple the mechanical components from external disturbances. This anti-vibration architecture forms the foundation of the turntable’s audio performance, preserving signal purity by eliminating unwanted coloration.

The four 62mm feet, equipped with elastomer decouplers, further enhance isolation by filtering out vibrations coming up from the surface. This multi-layered approach—internal and external isolation—places the CS 429 in the audiophile turntable category, despite its accessible price point.

The transparent, removable dust cover protects the mechanism while allowing use with the lid closed. Its design ensures optimal access for handling records and making occasional adjustments.

Precision Platter and Drive

The die-cast aluminum platter weighs 850g and measures 305mm in diameter. This optimized inertia ensures stable, consistent rotation, which is essential for faithful playback of recordings. The 2.5mm thick rubber mat dampens vinyl resonance while maintaining optimal acoustic coupling.

The polished belt drive mechanically decouples the platter from the DC motor, eliminating the transmission of unwanted vibrations. Optical speed control automatically maintains rotation within a ±0.08% tolerance according to DIN WTD standards, ensuring impeccable musical accuracy.

The motor’s rubber suspension contributes to the system’s overall isolation. This technical approach, combined with a hardened steel spindle running in a brass bushing, ensures perfectly silent operation across all three supported speeds: 33, 45, and 78 rpm.

Tonearm and Automation

The straight 221.5mm tonearm features optimized geometry with a 25.6° offset angle and a 19mm overhang. This configuration minimizes tracking errors while maintaining broad compatibility with cartridges on the market.

Solid aluminum ball bearings ensure perfect freedom of movement in all planes. Static balancing via the counterweight allows precise adjustment of tracking force from 0 to 4g, accommodating the specific requirements of cartridges weighing between 5 and 9g.

Full automation is the CS 429’s standout feature. The Auto-Start/Stop system automatically positions the tonearm at the start of the record, gently lowers it, and returns it to its rest position at the end of playback. This feature eliminates the risk of incorrect handling while preserving the lifespan of both records and cartridge.

Versatility and Connectivity

The integrated MM phono preamp, switchable via a toggle, makes the CS 429 a true plug-and-play solution. This feature allows direct connection to the line inputs of an amplifier, active speakers, or an audio interface, eliminating the need for an external phono preamp.

The supplied Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is a smart technical choice. This moving magnet cartridge, renowned for its tonal balance and musical versatility, pairs perfectly with the turntable’s characteristics while offering upgrade potential to higher-end Ortofon models.

The RCA output with ground wire ensures universal compatibility with all types of audio equipment. The absence of a digital output preserves the pure analog philosophy, in line with traditional audiophile values.

Multi-Speed Capability and Versatility

Support for all three standard speeds—33, 45, and 78 rpm—offers rare versatility in this price range. This capability opens up access to historic 78 rpm recordings, often overlooked by modern turntables focused on contemporary formats.

Adjustable anti-skating, combined with variable tracking force, allows you to optimize performance according to the type of record and cartridge used. This technical flexibility enables fine-tuned customization to suit your listening preferences and the evolution of your audio system.

Upgradability and Customization

The fully adjustable tonearm allows for cartridge changes as your needs and budget evolve. The compatibility range of 5 to 9g covers the majority of moving magnet cartridges on the market, from entry-level models to high-end references.

The ability to adjust tracking force and anti-skating as needed lets you optimize performance with each cartridge. This level of adjustability, rare in automatic turntables, reflects Dual’s audiophile approach.

Technical Specifications

Drive System

• DC motor with belt drive
• Speeds: 33 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm
• Wow and flutter: < ±0.08% (DIN WTD)
• Optical speed adjustment
• Rubber motor suspension to dampen vibrations
• Polished belt for synchronized speed

Turntable Platter

• Material: die-cast aluminum
• Diameter: 305 mm
• Weight with mat: 850 g
• Mat: 2.5 mm thick rubber
• Bearing: hardened steel shaft in brass bushing
• Rubber mat to dampen resonance

Tonearm

• Type: straight, statically balanced
• Length: 221.5 mm
• Bearing: solid aluminum ball bearings
• Offset angle: 25.6°
• Overhang: 19 mm
• Tracking force: static via counterweight
• Automatic and manual functions
• Automatic start and stop
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skating
• Supported cartridge weight: 0 to 4 g
• Headshell weight: 5 g to 9 g
• Supplied cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red

Chassis and Connectivity

• Construction: MDF with internal vibration dampers
• Finish: black
• Feet: Ø 62 mm with elastomer isolators
• Removable dust cover
• Connections: RCA jacks
• Phono input: yes
• Line input: yes
• Digital output: no

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions with lid closed: 435 × 367 × 145 mm
• Dimensions with lid open: width 415 mm, height 400 mm
• Weight: 6.2 kg