Over 100 Years of Passion for Music and Engineering
For vinyl enthusiasts, DUAL is much more than just a turntable brand. It is a true icon of German audio engineering.
For more than a century, the company has accompanied music lovers through every era of recorded sound. It witnessed the golden age of vinyl, the rise of cassette tapes, CDs, streaming services and, more recently, the remarkable comeback of records.
While many historic brands disappeared or shifted direction, DUAL remained faithful to its mission: helping music lovers enjoy their record collections through reliable, durable and enjoyable turntables.
Today, as vinyl continues to experience a global resurgence, DUAL appeals equally to first-time collectors and experienced audiophiles.
Just Want to Enjoy Your Records? The Automatic Models Are Made for You
Not everyone wants to manually position a tonearm or monitor the end of every record. That is exactly why DUAL has been famous for its automatic turntables for decades.
The CS 329, CS 429 and CS 529 BT make vinyl listening incredibly simple. Place the record on the platter, press a button and enjoy the music. The tonearm automatically moves into place and returns to its resting position once playback has finished.
For many users, this is the perfect way to discover vinyl: all the charm of analog listening without any complications.
Key advantages:
- Extremely easy to use
- Perfect for beginners
- Less handling of the tonearm
- Better protection for records and cartridge
- Maximum everyday convenience
The CS 329 is an ideal first turntable. The CS 429 offers a more refined experience, while the CS 529 BT adds Bluetooth connectivity for modern listening flexibility.
The Dual CS 329 is a fully automatic, plug-and-play turntable designed to make getting started with vinyl easy. All components are factory-assembled and calibrated—just plug it in and get started right away. The tonearm swivels, lowers, and raises automatically. DC motor, belt drive, die-cast aluminum platter, Audio-Technica AT91 pre-installed. 33/45 RPM. Ideal for beginners and those who value convenience.
The Dual CS 429 is a fully automatic hi-fi turntable with convenient automatic operation. At the touch of a button, the tonearm swivels, lowers, and raises on its own. Adjustable tonearm with counterweight and anti-skating. Belt drive, optical speed control, subchassis with vibration dampers. Ortofon 2M Red pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp. 33/45/78 RPM, speed deviation less than ±0.08%. MDF cabinet, dust cover.
The Dual CS 429 Walnut is a fully automatic hi-fi turntable with an elegant walnut finish. Fully automatic operation at the touch of a button, adjustable tonearm with counterweight and anti-skating, belt drive with optical speed control, sub-chassis construction. Ortofon 2M Red pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp. 33/45/78 RPM. Classic design combined with modern analog convenience.
The Dual CS 529 BT is a fully automatic hi-fi turntable featuring a fully gimbaled precision tonearm and Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD. Four pivot ball bearings ensure optimal record tracking. Full control via the unit or externally via Bluetooth using a smartphone/tablet. Ortofon 2M Red pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp. 850-g aluminum platter. 33/45/78 RPM. Dimensions: 435 × 367 × 145 mm, 6.7 kg.
The Dual CS 529 BT Walnut is a fully automatic hi-fi turntable featuring a fully gimbaled precision tonearm, Bluetooth 5.2 aptX HD, and an elegant walnut finish. Four high-quality pivot ball bearings, belt drive, Ortofon 2M Red pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp. Bluetooth control via app available. Die-cast aluminum platter, 850 g. 33/45/78 RPM. MDF cabinet in walnut finish.
Or Are You One of Those Who Love the Vinyl Ritual?
Ask a vinyl enthusiast why they listen to records and the answer is often the same:
"It’s not just about the music."
Choosing an album. Admiring the artwork. Removing the record from the sleeve. Carefully placing it on the platter. Lowering the tonearm.
This ritual is part of the experience.
That is exactly why DUAL developed the CS 418, CS 518 and CS 618Q.
With these manual turntables, the listener remains fully in control of the playback process. Nothing happens automatically, and that is exactly what many audiophiles are looking for.
The CS 518 is often considered the sweet spot of the range. Its high-quality tonearm and included Ortofon 2M Red cartridge make it one of the most attractive models in the DUAL lineup.
The CS 618Q takes things even further with a quartz-controlled direct drive system known for exceptional speed stability and remarkable precision.
The Dual CS 418 is the entry-level turntable in the new CS series, featuring a smooth-running DC servo motor and belt drive. Laminated MDF cabinet, die-cast aluminum platter (720 g, 2.5 mm rubber mat), speed variation of less than ±0.08%. Ortofon 2M Red pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp. 33/45/78 RPM. Removable dust cover, vibration-damped motor mount. Dimensions: 435 × 367 × 145 mm.
The Dual CS 518 Walnut combines high-quality full-gimbal tonearm suspension on pivot ball bearings with an elegant walnut veneer base. Belt-driven DC servo motor, speed variation within ±0.08%. Ortofon 2M Red pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp, 33/45/78 RPM. The entry-level audiophile turntable for those who value sound and aesthetics equally.
The Dual CS 518 is the fully gimbaled turntable in the CS series. Its precision tonearm rests on four pivot ball bearings in a solid aluminum construction for optimal tracking. DC servo motor with belt drive, speed variation within ±0.08%. Ortofon 2M Red pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp, 33/45/78 RPM. Die-cast aluminum platter (720 g), MDF cabinet. The entry-level audiophile turntable of the CS line.
The Dual CS 618Q Walnut combines audiophile direct-drive technology with a warm walnut veneer base. Full-gimbal precision tonearm, optical speed control, automatic lift at the end of the record. Ortofon 2M Blue pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp. 33/45/78 RPM. MDF/aluminum with a walnut finish—for listeners who want to combine technical perfection with timeless aesthetics.
The Dual CS 618Q Black is a semi-automatic turntable featuring a quiet direct-drive system and a fully gimbaled precision tonearm mounted on four ball bearings. It includes electronic end-of-track detection and automatic tonearm lift at the end of the record. Visual speed control. Ortofon 2M Blue pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp, 33/45/78 RPM. Black MDF/aluminum cabinet. Maximum ease of use for a manual turntable.
The Dual CS 618Q High-Gloss Black combines audiophile direct-drive technology with an elegant high-gloss cabinet. Full-gimbal precision tonearm, optical speed control, automatic lift-up. Ortofon 2M Blue pre-installed, switchable MM phono preamp. 33/45/78 RPM. MDF/aluminum plinth in high-gloss black—the most visually striking variant of the CS 618Q series.
Understanding the DUAL Series
The DUAL range follows a very logical structure.
As the model number increases, so do the build quality, features and overall audiophile potential.
- Series 3: ideal for discovering vinyl
- Series 4: more refinement and enhanced features
- Series 5: true entry into DUAL’s audiophile territory
- Series 6: high-end performance for demanding listeners
This clear hierarchy makes it easy to find the turntable that perfectly matches your expectations and budget.
Bluetooth and Vinyl: Why Choose?
A few years ago, combining Bluetooth and vinyl may have seemed contradictory.
Today, listening habits have evolved.
Many music lovers want the unique character of vinyl while enjoying the convenience of modern audio systems.
The CS 529 BT perfectly reflects this trend. It allows you to connect your turntable wirelessly to compatible speakers or headphones while preserving everything that makes vinyl special.
It is a perfect example of DUAL’s ability to evolve without abandoning its heritage.
Did You Know?
The standard speed for most vinyl albums is 33⅓ revolutions per minute.
That may not sound particularly fast, but even the slightest speed variation can become audible in music playback.
This is why turntables such as the CS 518 and CS 618Q focus heavily on speed accuracy and rotational stability. A great turntable does far more than spin a record; it must do so with exceptional precision.
Our Opinion
At Soundtrade, we particularly appreciate the consistency of the DUAL range. Very few manufacturers offer such a clear choice between automatic and manual designs while maintaining such a strong identity. The CS 329, CS 429 and CS 529 BT are perfect for listeners who value simplicity and convenience. The CS 518 and CS 618Q are aimed at those who want to experience vinyl in its purest and most authentic form. And perhaps that is DUAL’s secret: after more than 100 years, the brand still builds turntables that make you want to sit down and listen to an entire album from beginning to end.