New turntables: Dual CS 418 and CS 518

April 14, 2021
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The vinyl boom continues, and accordingly there is a need for new turntables. After all, not every baby can be kept alive forever. And many buyers of very affordable models get a taste for it and report a need for higher-quality turntables. Dual reacts with the two new turntables CS 418 and CS 518 and thus gives the go-ahead for a completely new series. The basic construction of the CS 418 and the CS 518 is identical, they only differ in one important detail.

The best turntables

Per

great workmanship
good sound
good equipment

Cons

Handling of the needle guard fiddly

Per

extensive equipment
good pickup

Cons

sounds a bit dull
imitation design unimaginative

Per

Fine sound quality
Easy to use
High quality cartridge mounted

Cons

For this price there is nothing to complain about

Per

precisely manufactured mechanics
good sound quality
built-in preamplifier with USB

Cons

Feet on the housing cannot be adjusted in height

Per

Powerful sound
Great build quality
Very high quality tonearm

Cons

Equipment minimalist

Per

perfectly networked with Yamaha products
beautifully processed

Cons

Operation beyond vinyl playback confusing

Per

Well-balanced sound with warm balance and good dynamics
Uncomplicated fully automatic
Fine workmanship

Cons

Feet not height adjustable

Per

Clean, detailed sound
Good pickup
Extensive equipment with preamplifier

Cons

Tonearm stored a bit wobbly
A little cautious in the bass

Per

Tonearm bearings run smoothly and without play
Quiet engine running
Electronic speed changeover
Well pre-assembled
Good preamp built in

Cons

Adjusting the tracking force cumbersome
No anti-skating setting

Complete list: the best turntables

Dual CS 418: good equipment for the money

With its massive MDF housing – also known as the frame for turntables – the new Dual CS 418 plays in the 6-kilo league. The budget wasn’t enough for a real wood surface, just for black imitation. Soft rubber feet are supposed to absorb disruptive vibrations. The cast aluminum platter weighs at least 0.85 kilograms, and a thick rubber mat prevents it from ringing. It is driven by a belt that dampens any engine vibrations. A direct current motor is used as the drive, so the speed can be easily changed using a switch.

Dual equips the CS 518 and CS 418 with the fine Ortofon 2M Red pickup.

In addition to the usual 33 1/3 and 45 revolutions per minute, 78 revolutions for old shellac records can also be selected. The tonearm requires completely manual operation. A dampened tonearm lift is available to help, but there is no automatic switch-off. Dual equips the tonearm with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. The magnet system alone, which costs around 100 euros, has also proven itself in the test winner Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, for example. Dual owners don’t have to worry about connecting the turntable either: The CS 418 has a built-in preamplifier so that it can be connected to any stereo input (aux, line, CD and similar).

Dual CS 518: Better mounted tonearm

The new Dual CS 518 looks very similar to the CS 418. The frame and platter are identical, and the three-speed motor is the same. Dual also equips the CS 518 with the preamplifier and installs the Ortofon 2M Red ex works. The only difference between the two is the tonearm. The CS 418 rotates and rocks in a horizontal ball bearing and two vertical needle bearings. With the CS 518, on the other hand, the arm moves in a cardan bearing, the additional bearing point should enable more stable scanning of the record grooves with minimal friction.

The Dual CS 518 has a gimbal-mounted tonearm. — The tonearm of the new Dual CS 518 has a cardan bearing.

Dual CS 418 and CS 518: Pricing and Availability

Both new dual turntables should be available for immediate delivery. The Dual CS 418 costs 499 euros, the Dual CS 518 with a better tonearm costs 649 euros. The housing design is always black, the transparent protective cover is included in the scope of delivery.

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