Dual CS 518 Notenhout

DUAL's chief and best German engineer, Alfred Langer, has been working on the completely new CS series for over 3 years. The result is top-quality models of which we at DUAL are justly proud.

• We have been with you since 1900 = we have a tradition of over 120 YEARS (DUAL history to viewHERE)
• between 1900 - 1907 we supplied fine mechanical parts to the watch industry = time demands precision and precision demands time
• in 1907 we brought watchmaking precision into the production of phonographs = the ability to build with precision makes DUAL phonographs the right phonograph
• turntables have been DUAL's core business for 114 YEARS = and the future will be no different
• we are a legendary German turntable brand = you don't just become a legend
• we invented the "perfect" and patented DUAL automatic for turntables, when the arm is inserted, the automatic is completely disconnected and only comes back into play at the end of the record = operating comfort and great sound
• we are pushing the technology in the field of turntable arms with the DUAL patent "Twin Gimbal" = a precise arm that uses the potential of the cartridge to the maximum
• we are developing Direct Drive Motors for turntables with the DUAL patent of "twin shielding" = quiet, precise, without interference
• we offer an exceptional balance in precision / user comfort / sound performance / price = no reason to buy elsewhere
• we are so confident in the quality of the new CS series that we offer the longest warranty on the market = it doesn't stop with DUAL
• we are the 2nd strongest turntable brand on the Czech and Slovak market = we were with you in Czechoslovakia back in the 70s and 80s, in TUZEX, but we were...(we share the second place with our respected competitor, another legendary brand,THORENS)

The emphasis on high precision components is a feature of the entire new CS series of DUAL turntables.

The CS 518 is the turntable for the true vinyl enthusiast, as it features our DUAL patented static balanced direct full gimbal Twin Gimbal: Vertically and horizontally clamped in precision ball bearings, which has the ability to guide even the highest-endprecision and reliability, and is the first time in our history that it has been used in a turntable of this affordable price level.

The CS 518's features include a choice of transmissions, a reference among lower mid-range MM transmissions, the ORTOFON 2M RED or a reference among mid-range MM transmissions. class, ORTOFON 2M BLUE or a reference between upper mid-range MM cartridges, ORTOFON 2M BRONZE and a switchable MM phono preamplifier. When operating with the MM phono preamp turned off, or using an external MC phono preamp, you can then choose an MC-type cartridge, namely the Golden Ear 2020 award-winning entry-level MC cartridge, the ORTOFON QUINTET RED.

The CS 518 is not only attractive because it is excellent value for money, but also offers outstandingand convincingly balanced sound experience backed by a 5-year warranty for long-term satisfied ownership.

The synergy of all elements results in an audiophile turntable for the discerning listener with clean design, quality components and a very good price. Thanks to the sophisticated arm used, you will be hard pressed to find a competitor on the market that can match this model at the price.

BASIC

• Solid folded MDF construction = strengthens the entire chassis & is elegant
• Base finish in black vinyl with wood grain or real walnut veneer
• Anti-vibration base = increases the vibration resistance of the whole
• Elastomeric vibration absorber integrated inside the legs = absorbs the first vibration
• Removable and adjustable plexiglass dust cover with metal hinge brackets = prevents dust from settling in sensitive areas

TABLE

• DUAL precision die-cast aluminium weighing almost 1kg = provides smooth rotation & greater inertial force
• Heavy duty and 2.5mm thick rubber slipmat DUAL = perfectly dampens unwanted resonances
• Top quality disc bearing manufactured according to the old DUAL method = ensures a completely smooth running
• DUAL exclusive hardened steel spindle in brass housing = allows the use of a clamp up to 500g

FRAME

• DUAL patented statically balanced direct fully gimballed Twin Gimbal arm: vertically and horizontally clamped in precision ball bearings = superior arm for superior transmissions
• Damped arm lifter = gently places the transfer case on the vinyl record
• Adjustable clamping force - Dynamic Anti-Skating = engages every spot on the record as it should
• Removable transfer head (headshell) for easy handling = 2 transfers? No problem...
• Choice of MM transmission = ORTOFON 2M RED / 2M BLUE / 2M BRONZE = each is great
• Choice of MC Transmission = ORTOFON QUINTET RED (when operating with the internal MM Phono preamp turned off, or when using an external MC Phono preamp)

POHON

• DC silent DC servo motor with low vibration and high torque = no motor noise
• Rubber motor grips for vibration isolation = motor transmits torque, not vibration
• Precision flat belt for less wow & flutter = no slip, no fall

EQUIPMENT

• Built-in switchable phono preamp for easy connection to the input on a PHONO or LINE amplifier = always connect the turntable
• Gold plated RCA connectors = ensure perfect contact & allow the use of a better phono cable
• Detachable Phono signal cable with gold plated connectors = extra something in the base

POHON

• Drive = belt drive
• Speeds = 33/45/78
• Stability = < ±0.1% (DIN WTD)

FRAME

• Bearings = Ball
• Effective length = 221.5mm
• Lift angle = 25.6°
• Overhang = 19mm
• Type = 4 x Pivot ball-bearing / Twin Gimbal Statically Balanced
• Clamping force range = 0 to 4g
• Weight range = 5 to 9g
• Choice of MM transfer case = ORTOFON 2M RED / 2M BLUE / 2M BRONZE
• MC cartridge selection = ORTOFON QUINTET RED (when operating with the internal MM Phono preamp turned off, or when using an external MC Phono preamp)

TABLE

• Die-cast platter = 305mm diameter and 850g weight (including pad)
• Rubber pad = 2.5mm thick
• Spindle = hardened steel in brass housing

BASE

• Material = laminated MDF
• Finish = Vinyl film with black wood grain or real walnut veneer
• Legs = Ø 62 mm / Elastomer filling
• Connection = RCA connectors
• Connection to phono input of amplifier = YES (switchable phono amplifier)
• Connection to Line input of amplifier = YES (built-in phono amplifier)
• Dimensions with closed cover (WxHxD): 435 x 144 x 367 mm
• Dimensions with open cover (HxWxD): 400 x 415 mm
• Weight: 5.9 kg

POWER

• Separate power supply: DC 12 V / 0.5 A / 6 W

SOUNDSTAGEACCESS / USA 11/2021

The DUAL CS 518 is not cheap, but the workmanship and sound it produces make it worth the $800 asking price. It is easy to set up, offers good sound quality, is well constructed and looks good. If you're looking for a turntable in this price range - say the Rega Planar 2 or one of the Audio-Technica, Music Hall or Pro-Ject turntables - aim for the DUAL CS 518, I bet you won't regret it.

FAIRAUDIO / DE 10/2021

A solidly built turntable with a full complement of equipment at an attractive price. The DUAL CS 518 has everything that will bring you the enjoyment of vinyl for many years to come: it sounds lively, dynamic and musically smooth. Thanks to its very good tonearm, the DUAL CS 518 offers the best prerequisites for an even better sound with a higher quality transmission.

HIFI-IFAs / DE 10/2021

With the DUAL CS 518, the buyer gets a fully equipped turntable. A phono MM amplifier is integrated and the ORTOFON 2M RED is a really high quality transmission in the price range of the turntable. Connect seamlessly and listen to quality music is the motto here. If you want to improve the sound of the DUAL CS 518 a little bit, you can install a more expensive transmission, which I personally don't find completely necessary.

AV GUIDE / SCH 9/2021

With a purchase price of CHF 700, the DUAL is not one of the devices you should avoid; on the contrary, it is a worthwhile investment. DUAL's standard version of the CS 518 sounds balanced, mature and very musical. The turntable has great sonic potential, for example with better overdrives, selected phono cables and a more sophisticated phono preamp. It is this potential that makes the DUAL CS 518 a great investment.

iFIDELITY / DE 8/2021

The affordable DUAL CS 518 is a very good example of how playing records doesn't have to take much effort. The turntable has a built-in preamp for MM systems, so it's easy to connect. A very decent ORTOFON 2M RED transmission is included. If the sound demands grow, an external phono preamp can be used or the transmission can be replaced with a higher model. These steps are not necessary, but they give the buyer additional confidence that the CS 518 has more potential and is a good investment.

STEREO / DE 8/2021

The DUAL CS 518 is a precision-built manual strap turntable with a good standard phono cartridge. Sonically, it provides a good sound rhythm, is lively yet with a slight tendency to warm sound, so it is suitable for all kinds of music.

AUDIOMUZO FANS / PL 8/2021

The DUAL CS 518 is a classic strap turntable that is a good product to start your analog adventure. The sound is very pleasant and will allow you to relax longer while listening.

HI-FI CLASS / PL 8/2021

The DUAL CS 518 offers a sound deeply rooted in the analog aesthetic, based on a plastic midrange and subtle yet detailed highs. The German turntable is easy to use and set up, and the factory-installed ORTOFON 2M RED cartridge, especially in combination with a good phono preamp, can surprise even lovers of good sound who really know their way around vinyl.

COMPUTER BUILD / GERMANY 6/2021

DUAL continues to build really good turntables. The CS 518 has a sophisticated arm that not only pleases the eye, but above all, thanks to the good Ortofon 2M Red transfer, it spoils you with a sovereign and clear sound, it just sounds great.

STEREO / PL 6/2021

The DUAL CS 518 is a modern strap turntable that fully references the German brand's more than a century of history. Intelligently designed, solidly built, handsome - vintage design along the lines of turntables from the 1970s. But most importantly, it (together with the ORTOFON 2M RED cartridge) delivers a reliable and clear hi-fi sound, full, energetic, harmonious, flashy and attractive, simply 100% analogue.The DUAL CS 518 gets a recommendation from our magazine!

LP MAGAZINE / DE 5/2021

With a precision-engineered arm fitted with an ORTOFON 2M RED cartridge, the CS 518 is a truly versatile turntable that can play classical music as well as rock and pop.

• ORTOFON was founded in 1918 = we have a tradition of over 100 YEARS
• our entire history at ORTOFON has been one of continuous innovation = you will always get the best from us
• ORTOFON focuses not only on delivering the best possible sound, but more importantly on the correct presentation of the sound = ORTOFON, what I take, I play
• ORTOFON is the world's No. 1 in portable production = our millions of customers can't be wrong
• ORTOFON is the world's largest supplier of cartridges for turntable manufacturers = ORTOFON quality is relied on (we also produce OEM cartridges for them under their own brands)
• We manufacture ORTOFON cartridges in the EU, Made in Denmark = all under one roof
• ORTOFON cables are manufactured according to the Japanese process of copper processing from the eighth century in Japan = Made in Japan
• ORTOFON holds the largest market share in sales of cables in the Czech and Slovak Republics = our sound suits you, thank you!
• ORTOFON in the Czech and Slovak Republic through importer and distributor, Horizon Trading Prague s.r.o. (HTP), provides an extended warranty of 3 years = when purchased from authorized dealers (valid for the pickups themselves and for pickups installed in DUAL, THORENS, ACOUSTIC SOLID, TRANSROTOR turntables)
• ORTOFON is recommended by Mr. Kuss, a legendary sound engineer from the world's largest vinyl record manufacturer, GZ Média, Lodenice, Czech Republic = ORTOFON is used by professionals from the Czech Republic

WHY NOT TO UNDERESTIMATE THE CHOICE OF A TURNTABLE CARTRIDGE?

The purpose of the transfer tube is to transfer the ripples in the recording groove of the vinyl record to the electrical oscillations, which are further amplified in the amplifier to be finally rendered through the speakers of the hi-fi system. A common feature of all the cartridges is a diamond tip (stylus) that mechanically tracks the recording groove and emits its modulations through a shaker (hinge) to a miniature generator, which then transforms the mechanical movements into an electric current (signal). In general, the better the quality of the tip cut and the less the mass of the moving part of the transmission, the better the transmission has a direct response to the ripple of the groove.

Thus, a transducer is a sophisticated musical instrument and every part of it must be perfect, as must be the choice of transducer for a given type of phono arm, etc.

Thus, the transfer case has a major influence on the final sound quality of the turntable and should cost 1/5, 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the turntable.

For the high fidelity model DUAL CS 518, we have pre-selected three MM models ORTOFON, 2M RED, 2M BLUE & thanks to the high-end arm also 2M BRONZE, choose the model according to your own sound needs.

For fans of MC transducers and for use with an external MC Phono preamp, you can choose the CS 518 with the ORTOFON QUINTET REDMC transducer .

MM system:

In MM moving magnet cartridges, the magnetic field is emitted from a small fixed magnet attached to the far end of the wobble (hinge). Once the magnet is set in motion, which occurs when the stylus (stylus) follows the modulations inside the groove on the plate, the magnetic field passes through the coils and changes to the electrical signal generated by the coils.

MM transmissions are less expensive to manufacture because the coils can be wound by machine and the partshigh output level coils are also less demanding to connect to the phono input. In addition, when the stylus tip wears out, you simply slide it out of the body of the transducer and reinsert a new tip (stylus).

The2M RED is a REFERENCE among lower mid-range MM transceivers, not only because of its improved motor that provides a higherhigher output level, 5.5 mV, but also thanks to the optimized sound reproduction with a high level of sonic accuracy. The tip (stylus) is an elliptical diamond, and the separated pins are copper for better channel separation.The body of the transducer is made of Hopelex, an eco-friendly material that provides high rigidity while eliminating unwanted resonances.

2M REDprovides an open, dynamic sound with a slight hint of warmth.

The2M BLUE is the REFERENCE among mid-range MM transmissions, not least because of its improved motor, which provides a higherhigher output level, 5.5 mV, but also thanks to optimized sound reproduction with a high level of sonic accuracy. The stylus (stylus) is already a rather expensive "naked" (nude) elliptical diamond and for better channel separation the separate pins are made of copper.The body of the pickup is made of Hopelex, an eco-friendly material that provides high rigidity while eliminating unwanted resonances.

2M BLUEadds more dynamics and resolution, sounds more open and reproduces more detail compared to the 2M RED model.

The2M BRONZE is the REFERENCE among upper mid-range MM transmissions, not least because of its improved motor, which provides higherhigher output level, 5 mV, but also thanks to the optimized sound reproduction with a high level of sonic accuracy. The stylus is an expensive "nude" Fine Line diamond, which with its thin profile perfectly follows the recording groove, windsc, its larger footprint reduces distortion and reduces record wear, making it the choice of discerning listeners. For better channel separation, the separate pins are silver-plated copper.The body of the transducer is made of Hopelex, an eco-friendly material that provides high rigidity while eliminating unwanted resonances.

The2M BRONZE delivers a warmer yet more detailed sound with subtle high notes that will already satisfy the discerning vinyl listener.

The entire 2M series has an optimized design to allow easy mounting of the cartridge, with weight and size to suit the most common turntables on the market today. Another advantage of the 2M series is the interchangeability of the styli in the two closest models.If you choose the 2M RED cartridge, you can purchase the STYLUS 2M BLUE in the future, insert it into the original body and improve your sound with a lower investment cost. The same can be applied between the 2M BRONZE and 2M BLACK models.

The 2M series thus provides excellent compatibility when used in a range of turntables and with a wide range of phono MM preamplifiers, which is why it is also the choice of the German phono brand DUAL.

MC system:

MC-type, i.e. moving coil, cartridges use the opposite design principle to MM-type cartridges. In the MC system, a strong non-moving magnet is used and the coils are carefully and mainly hand-wound around the bobbin (the hinge of the spike, or the end of the spike). stylus), so the weight of the moving part is much less and compared to the MM system it has a better direct recourse to the corrugation of the groove. Once the coils are set in motion, which occurs when the tip (stylus) follows the modulations inside the groove on the plate, the coils move in a magneticm field of the magnet and the field of the magnet is interrupted, thereby generating an electrical voltage, a signal, directly on the coils.

MC transmissions are the most sophisticated and also the most expensive in design. The advantage is that they work on the same MC principle as the recording cutting head. The disadvantage is that the coils are part of the moving part of the transfer case and tip replacement can only be applied to them by factory-trained personnel. Precisely because of the advantages and disadvantages, MC reels are intended for the most demanding listeners.

HUGE ADVANTAGE of ORTOFON MC Transmissions:

The factory is in Denmark, making it available to distributors throughout the EU. This means that the end customer who owns an ORTOFON MC transducer receives the best possible service in case a tip needs to be replaced.

QUINTET RED is the perfect entry into the world of ORTOFON MC transceivers. This basic MC cartridge has a very high price/performance ratio and is regularly awarded by professional magazines worldwide, most recently winning the Golden Ear 2020 from Stereoplay, Germany.

The stylus is a polished and highly polished elliptical diamond mounted on a lightweight aluminium quiver, cut to ORTOFON's exact standards. The body is made of a special ABS (acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene) thermoplastic compound. This lightweight, impact resistant material is very suitable for injection moulding and provides a very scratch resistant surface. Neodymium magnets are implemented for optimum performance and the low internal impedance makes transmission line less sensitive to load and therefore ensures compatibility with the widest range of preamplifiers and step up transformers.

QUINTET RED provides an open, dynamic sound with a slight hint of warmth.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN A TRANSMISSION?

Of course, overall careful handling of the transducer, quiver and stylus is necessary. In addition to increased caution, care must also be taken to replace the stylus in a timely manner. Wear and tear of the stylus (MM & MI systems) or the entire transfer case (MC system) = the wear of the stylus is set at 1,000 hours without deterioration of the sound quality and after 1,500 hours it must be replaced. If you don't do this, you risk damaging every record you play by grinding out the grooves in it. At the price of a 1pc vinyl record, the hassle of replacing the stylus or the entire transfer is not a saving, but a loss! (to monitor the recorded hours of the stylus or the whole cartridge you can use the Stylus Timer Tonar)

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER WITH ANALOGUE?

Cleanliness....

Transmission, or rather its tip (stylus) and vinyls must be regularly cleaned to which use only branded cleaners, brushes, cloths, record washers.

With proper care, the turntable / cartridge / vinyl will reward you with the beauty of analogue sound.

• 2 years legal

+

• 1 year extended (provides DUAL)

+

• 2 years free service (provided by DUAL, during these 2 years the customer pays only for spare parts)

=

• This brings the total warranty on the new DUAL CS series to an extra 5 YEARS

NOTICE:

• the rubber strap is guaranteed for 6 months
• the transmission is subject to a 3 year ORTOFON CZ & SR warranty, the warranty does not cover mechanical damage to the transmission or mechanical wear and tear of the transmission