DUAL CS 518 Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
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.
Key Features
- Manual belt-drive turntable.
- 33, 45 and 78 RPM playback speeds.
- DC motor with vibration-decoupled mounting.
- Precision-cut drive belt for stable platter rotation.
- 305 mm aluminium die-cast platter.
- Heavy 2.5 mm rubber mat for resonance damping.
- Precision twin-gimbal tonearm.
- Four pivot ball bearings for accurate tonearm movement.
- Statically balanced tonearm.
- Removable headshell.
- Adjustable anti-skating with spring mechanism.
- Factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge.
- Built-in switchable MM phono preamplifier.
- RCA analogue output.
- Connection to either PHONO or LINE inputs.
- Elastomer vibration absorbers integrated into the feet.
- Available in black finish with walnut veneer option.
Drive System
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) |
Platter
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 |
Twin-Gimbal Tonearm
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 |
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
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 |
Built-In MM Phono Preamplifier
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 |
Plinth & Finish
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 |
Dimensions & Weight
| 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 |
Included Accessories
- Ortofon 2M Red MM Cartridge, Factory Installed
- Removable Headshell
- Counterweight
- Aluminium Die-Cast Platter
- 2.5 mm Rubber Platter Mat
- 45 RPM Adapter
- Dust Cover
- RCA Audio Cable
- External Power Adapter
- Operating Accessories
