The DUAL CS 718Q is a high-end manual direct-drive turntable designed around precision engineering and flexible analogue system integration. It features a quartz-stabilised direct-drive motor with ironless air-core coils, a heavy aluminium die-cast platter, and a highly adjustable carbon-aluminium sandwich tonearm. The tonearm provides height and azimuth adjustment, dynamically balanced tracking force and automatic lift at the end of a record. The CS 718Q is supplied without a cartridge, allowing the user to select a cartridge according to their system and listening preferences.
The CS 718Q uses a quartz-controlled direct-drive motor, eliminating the need for a drive belt. Its ironless air-core coils are designed to prevent cogging and minimise motor vibration. Double shielding helps protect the signal path from magnetic interference.
| Drive Method | Direct Drive |
|---|---|
| Motor Technology | Ironless Air-Core Coils |
| Speed Control | Quartz Stabilised |
| Playback Speeds | 33 RPM / 45 RPM / 78 RPM |
| Wow & Flutter | < ±0.05% (DIN WTD) |
The CS 718Q incorporates a substantial precision die-cast aluminium platter with rubber damping. The underside is fully rubber coated to help reduce resonance, while the heavy Dual rubber mat provides additional damping between the record and platter.
| Material | Aluminium Die-Cast with Rubber Damping |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 305 mm / 30.5 cm |
| Platter Mat | 4 mm Rubber |
| Platter Weight Including Mat | 2.2 kg |
| Spindle Bearing | Hardened Steel Spindle with Brass Bushing |
The tonearm uses a carbon-aluminium sandwich tube and a precision twin-gimbal bearing arrangement. It can be adjusted for tonearm height and cartridge azimuth, while the tracking force is dynamically balanced through a precision spring mechanism. These adjustments allow the tonearm to be accurately matched to a wide range of cartridges.
| Tonearm Construction | Carbon-Aluminium Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Bearing | Twin-Gimbal Mounting |
| Effective Length | 221.5 mm |
| Overhang | 19 mm |
| Offset Angle | 25.6° |
| Height Adjustment | +5 mm / -2 mm |
| Tracking Force | 0–3 g |
| Compatible Cartridge Weight | 3–13 g |
| Headshell | Removable / Azimuth Adjustable |
| Anti-Skating | Continuously Adjustable via Precision Spring Mechanism |
The CS 718Q remains a manual turntable while incorporating an automatic end-of-record convenience function. At the end of playback, the tonearm is automatically lifted and the platter drive can stop. The automatic stop function can be switched off when required.
The CS 718Q is intentionally supplied without a cartridge. This allows the turntable to be paired with a cartridge selected according to the user's preferred sound and phono-stage configuration. The tonearm accepts cartridges within the specified 3–13 g weight range.
| Factory-Installed Cartridge | None |
|---|---|
| Compatible Cartridge Weight | 3–13 g |
| Cartridge Adjustment | Azimuth / Height / Tracking Force |
The CS 718Q provides both RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs. The turntable outputs a phono-level signal and is designed to connect to a compatible external phono stage or amplifier with a phono input. It does not provide a built-in line-level output or digital output.
| RCA Output | Yes |
|---|---|
| Balanced XLR Output | Yes |
| PHONO Input Compatibility | Yes |
| LINE Input | No |
| Built-In Phono Preamplifier | No |
| Digital Output | No |
The CS 718Q uses a rigid MDF plinth supported by height-adjustable feet incorporating elastomer resonance absorbers. The turntable is offered in two finishes: Satin Black and genuine Walnut wood veneer.
| Plinth Material | MDF |
|---|---|
| Black Finish | Satin Black |
| Walnut Finish | Genuine Walnut Wood Veneer |
| Feet | Ø 68 mm Elastomer Dampers |
| Feet Adjustment | Height Adjustable |
| Dust Cover | Removable |
| Width | 435 mm / 43.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Depth – Dust Cover Closed | 367 mm / 36.7 cm |
| Height – Dust Cover Closed | 155 mm / 15.5 cm |
| Dimensions – Dust Cover Closed | 435 × 367 × 155 mm |
| Dust Cover Open – Depth | 415 mm / 41.5 cm |
| Dust Cover Open – Height | 405 mm / 40.5 cm |
| Product Weight | 10 kg |