Dual CS 618Q: Affordable silent direct drive turntable

For decades, Dual direct-drive turntables have been renowned for their quality and reliability. Following the flagship Primus Maximus direct-drive turntable, Dual has now introduced the more affordable CS 618Q. The silent direct drive in the CS 618Q...

Dual CS 618Q
Dual CS 618Q

For decades, Dual direct-drive turntables have been renowned for their quality and reliability. Following the flagship Primus Maximus direct-drive turntable, Dual has now introduced the more affordable CS 618Q. The silent direct drive in the CS 618Q maintains absolutely stable speeds while operating without noise or vibration. The advanced precision dual-cardanic tonearm is equipped with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. The turntable is equipped with an auto-stop function, which includes an automatic tonearm lift to reduce wear on the stylus when it reaches the end of the record.

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The Dual CS 618Q’s cabinet is made from high-density MDF with a black textured vinyl finish. Black lacquer and walnut finishes are also available. The cabinet’s feet have elastomer damping elements. The rear panel features one pair of RCA connectors and a ground terminal, as well as on/off switches for the built-in phono preamplifier and autostop function.

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Dual CS 618Q is made in the traditional design for the current line and is equipped with a direct drive with minimal rumble indicators. Quartz stabilization and the use of coreless inductors allow maintaining a stable rotation speed without noise and vibration, and rotor magnets with a double shield help eliminate parasitic magnetic fields. The aluminum disc, made by die-casting, is covered with a heavy rubber mat to dampen resonances. The hardened steel spindle is built into the direct drive.

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The Dual CS 618Q is equipped with an advanced precision tonearm with a double cardan joint, a replaceable SME headshell and adjustments for tracking force and anti-skating. The player is equipped with a pre-installed Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. For ease of use and to reduce wear on the needle as it moves towards the end of the record, the Dual CS 618Q is equipped with an automatic stop function, which also includes an automatic tonearm lift.

Specifications Dual CS 618Q

Motor

Speed: 33/45/78
Wow and flutter: < ±0.07% (DIN WTD)

Tonearm

Autostop system with tonearm lift
Bearing: 4 bearings / two cardan joints
Effective length: 221.5 mm
Offset angle: 25.6°
Overhang: 19 mm
Type: Statically balanced
Tracking force range: 0 – 4 g
Cartridge weight: 5 – 9 g
Pre-installed cartridge: Ortofon 2M Blue

Disc

Mat: 2.5 mm rubber
Diameter: 305 mm
Weight with mat: 1450 g

Body

Dimensions with closed lid: 435 x 367 x 145 mm
Dimensions with open lid: 435 x 415 x 400 mm
Weight: 7 kg

Marcus Carlsen
Author: Marcus Carlsen

Marcus Carlsen is an avid audiophile with a deep passion for hi-fi systems, high-end headphones, and premium speakers. Marcus constantly explores the latest audio technologies and equipment, from precision-engineered speakers to the finest headphones.