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Dual CS 518 Manual Turntable - Black, Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge

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SKU: DUCS518-BLK
WARNING: for more information go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

The Dual CS 518 manual turntable boasts a precision-tracking twin gimbal tonearm, built-in phono preamplifier, an Ortofon 2M Red phono cartridge, and a removable dust cover.

    $549.37 - $799.99
    $799.99
    $599.00
    In Stock
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    Quality Affordable Turntable with Twin Gimbal Tonearm, Built-in Preamp, and Ortofon Cartridge

    For the true vinyl enthusiast, the Dual CS 518 turntable is equipped with a sophisticated twin gimbal tonearm design using pivot ball-bearings for optimal precision. This superior tonearm has the ability to guide even high-end cartridges through your record grooves with the greatest degree of precision and reliability.

    Included with the CS 518 is an Ortofon 2M Red MM phono cartridge and a switchable MM-phono preamplifier, making this 'table ready-to-run after easy set-up. A hinged dust cover completes the package.

    Twin Gimbal Tonearm and Precision Platter

    The CS 518 boasts a straight, statically balanced tonearm with an advanced twin gimbal design. Four precision pivot ball-bearings provide smooth and accurate tracking. The adjustable tonearm features provide the option to change the phono cartridge in the future should you wish to upgrade and to alter the tracking force and anti-skating accordingly.

    The precise aluminum die-cast platter uses a heavy rubber mat for resonance damping along with a solid platter bearing with a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing.

    Selectable Electronic Speed Control

    A turntable as easy to use as the CS 518 would never insist that you wrestle with belts to change speeds. Operation couldn't be simpler. The precise optical speed control lets you select 33 rpm, 45 rpm, or even 78 rpm with the twist of a knob.

    MM Phono Preamplifier Built-in

    There is no obligation to use an outboard phono preamplifier with CS 518. This turntable comes with a built-in phono preamplifier. It can be either connected to the phono input or the line input at the amplifier. The built-in phono stage can switched on or off via a switch in the back. If you choose to, you can bypass the phono stage and use one of your own, or one built-into your amp or receiver of choice instead.

    Factory Installed Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge

    An Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet phono cartridge is pre-mounted and precision-aligned. The 2M Red is an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. It features a new, improved engine that provides an increased output of 5.5mV, an optimized sound reproduction, and a high level of sonic accuracy.

    England's What Hi-fi? magazine honored the Ortofon 2M Red by naming it as one of the ten "Best Cartridges 2020." According to the article, the 2M Red "puts in a great performance for the money. The midrange sounds full and expressive, especially vocals. Bass and treble also score well… It's simple to fit and align, and provides a more than enjoyable listening experience. Proof that quality hi-fi needn't cost the earth.”

    Product Features

    Overview

    • Three-speed manual turntable
    • Twin gimbal aluminum tonearm
    • Built-in MM phono preamplifier
    • Speed settings: 33 / 45 / 78
    • Factory installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
    • Precision aluminum diecast platter
    • Removable dust cover
    • Five-year limited manufacturer's warranty from Dual

    Tonearm

    • Twin gimbal design
    • Straight, statically balanced design
    • Solid aluminum construction with precision pivot ball-bearings
    • Damped tonearm lift
    • Adjustable tracking force and antiskating
    • Factory installed cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red

    Plinth

    • Folded MDF construction with a black vinyl veneer
    • Elastomer vibration absorber integrated inside the feet
    • Removable dust cover

    Platter

    • Precision aluminum diecast
    • Heavy 2.5mm rubber mat for resonance damping
    • Solid platter bearing with a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing

    Belt Drive

    • Low-vibration DC servo motor
    • Rubber mountings for vibration decoupling
    • Precision-cut belt for lower wow and flutter

    Product Specs

    • Speed settings: 33/45/78
    • Wow & Flutter: < ±0.1 % (DIN WTD)
    • Platter diameter: 12"
    • Platter weight (including mat): 1.9 lb.
    • Tonearm effective length: 8.7"
    • Tonearm offset Angle: 25.6°
    • Tonearm overhang: 19 mm
    • Tonearm Stylus Pressure Range: 0 g to 4 g
    • Tonearm Cartridge Weight Range: 5 g to 9 g
    • Dimensions, closed dustcover: 17.1" x 14.4" x 5.7"
    • Dimensions, open dustcover: 15.75" high, 16.3" deep
    • Weight: 12.8 lb.

    "The CS 518 is not inexpensive, but the workmanship and the sound it produces make it easily worth the $800 asking price. It’s easy to set up, it offers fine sound quality, it’s well constructed, and it looks good doing its part. If you’re in the market for a turntable in this price range—say the Rega Planar 2, or one of the Audio-Technica, Music Hall, or Pro-Ject turntables—give the Dual CS 518 a very close look. I’m betting you won’t regret it."

    - Thom Moon, SoundStage! Access, November 1, 2021


    "In terms of sound, the Dual CS 518 managed to convey an idea of what made analog listening a popular leisure activity again in recent years – even among younger people. That was our impression with almost all the records we listened to. The smooth operation is joined by a sound that is direct and straight to the point. Noise and other artifacts are kept away from the signal, i.e. the music, to such an extent that one might speak of an undisturbed pleasure."

    "Another pleasant chapter is added to the glorious history of dual turntables with this device."

    - Michael Lang, Stereo Magazine, October 7, 2021

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