The DUAL CS 518 is a manual belt-drive turntable designed for high-quality vinyl playback with a classic DUAL tonearm and carefully controlled mechanical construction. It combines a DC motor, precision-cut belt, aluminium die-cast platter and a precise twin-gimbal tonearm with four pivot ball bearings. A factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge and switchable MM phono preamplifier provide a versatile setup for both traditional and modern stereo systems.
The CS 518 uses a DC motor and belt-drive system. The motor is mechanically decoupled from the chassis using rubber mountings, while the precision-cut belt is designed to maintain stable platter rotation and minimise wow and flutter.
| Drive Method | Belt Drive |
|---|---|
| Motor | DC Motor |
| Playback Speeds | 33 RPM / 45 RPM / 78 RPM |
| Wow & Flutter | < ±0.1% (DIN Rated) |
A 305 mm aluminium die-cast platter provides a rigid and stable surface for record playback. The supplied heavy rubber mat helps control resonance between the record and platter.
| Material | Aluminium Die-Cast |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 305 mm / 30.5 cm |
| Platter Mat | 2.5 mm Rubber |
| Platter Weight Including Mat | 850 g |
| Spindle Bearing | Hardened Steel Spindle in Brass Bushing |
The CS 518 features a statically balanced twin-gimbal tonearm constructed from aluminium and supported by four precision pivot ball bearings. The arrangement is designed to provide smooth and accurate tonearm movement while maintaining stable cartridge tracking.
| Tonearm Type | Statically Balanced Twin-Gimbal |
|---|---|
| Bearing System | 4 × Pivot Ball Bearings |
| Tonearm Tube | Aluminium |
| Effective Length | 221.5 mm |
| Overhang | 19 mm |
| Offset Angle | 25.6° |
| Stylus Pressure Range | 0–4 g |
| Compatible Cartridge Weight | 5–9 g |
| Headshell | Removable |
| Anti-Skating | Spring-Loaded, Stepless Adjustment |
The turntable is supplied with a factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge. The removable headshell allows the cartridge assembly to be replaced or upgraded when required.
| Cartridge Type | MM |
|---|---|
| Model | Ortofon 2M Red |
| Installation | Factory Installed |
| Compatible Cartridge Weight | 5–9 g |
| Replacement Stylus | Ortofon Stylus 2M Red |
The CS 518 incorporates a switchable MM phono preamplifier, allowing it to work with systems that have either a dedicated PHONO input or a standard LINE-level input. The output is provided through RCA connectors.
| Phono Preamplifier | Built-In, Switchable MM |
|---|---|
| Output Connection | RCA |
| PHONO Input Compatibility | Yes |
| LINE Input Compatibility | Yes |
| Digital Output | No |
The CS 518 uses an MDF plinth with integrated elastomer vibration absorbers in the feet. The standard finish is black vinyl veneer, while a walnut wood veneer finish is also available.
| Plinth Material | MDF |
|---|---|
| Black Finish | Black Vinyl Veneer |
| Walnut Finish | Walnut Wood Veneer |
| Feet | Ø 62 mm Elastomer |
| Dust Cover | Removable |
| Width | 435 mm / 43.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Depth – Dust Cover Closed | 367 mm / 36.7 cm |
| Height – Dust Cover Closed | 145 mm / 14.5 cm |
| Dimensions – Dust Cover Closed | 435 × 367 × 145 mm |
| Dust Cover Open – Depth | 415 mm |
| Dust Cover Open – Height | 400 mm |
| Product Weight | 5.8 kg |