About the Dual CS 518
Dual CS 518: Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
The Dual CS 518 centers its appeal on the tonearm. A twin-gimbal aluminum assembly with four fine pivot ball bearings guides the supplied Ortofon 2M Red, while the belt-drive platform and understated MDF cabinet keep the design visually restrained.
System matching
A switchable built-in phono stage lets you connect to a suitable line input, or bypass it for your own phono stage. Use phono mode with a compatible phono input; line mode is for a line-level input.
How it fits the Dual range
The CS 518 adds a twin-gimbal tonearm with four fine pivot ball bearings over the CS 418. Both use belt drive, offer three speeds and include an Ortofon 2M Red and switchable MM phono stage.
Specifications
| Drive | Belt drive |
|---|---|
| Operation | Manual operation |
| Speeds | 33⅓, 45 and 78 rpm |
| Tonearm | Twin-gimbal aluminum tonearm with four fine pivot ball bearings |
| Cartridge | Ortofon 2M Red |
| Connections | Switchable built-in phono preamplifier; RCA phono or line output |
| Dimensions | 435 × 367 × 145 mm (W × D × H, dustcover closed) |
| Net weight | 5.8 kg |
Independent review
In COMPUTER BILD’s CS 518 review, Christoph de Leuw and Bernhard Rietschel found the CS 518 particularly clear and organized with complex recordings, with a more elaborate tonearm bearing than the CS 418. Their comparison described its leaner, more direct balance rather than presenting it as universally preferable.
For shellac 78 rpm records, use a suitable 78 rpm stylus or cartridge; the normal LP stylus is not intended for shellac playback.
Warranty
Dual’s CS-Series consumer warranty covers manufacturing and design defects for five years from the original purchase invoice, subject to its terms. Wear items including the belt, cartridge and stylus are excluded. Keep your original invoice.
Details
Engineering & Technology
Engineering & Technology
Designed around your listening
Hands-on vinyl listeners who want a manual belt-drive platform with Dual’s twin-gimbal tonearm design.
- Twin-gimbal tonearm with four pivot ball bearings
- Ortofon 2M Red cartridge included
- Switchable MM phono preamplifier
- Electronic selection of three speeds
Complete Specifications
Complete Specifications
| Outputs |
|
|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 435 × 367 × 145 mm (W × D × H, dustcover closed) |
FAQ
FAQ
What is the Dual CS 518, and who is it for?
Dual CS 518 is a manual belt-drive turntable. Hands-on vinyl listeners who want a manual belt-drive platform with Dual’s twin-gimbal tonearm design.
Is the CS 518 automatic or manual, and how is it driven?
Manual operation. It uses belt drive.
Does the CS 518 include a cartridge and phono stage?
Yes. It includes an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and a switchable built-in phono preamplifier. Use line mode for a line input or bypass the built-in stage when using a suitable phono input.
Which record speeds does the CS 518 support?
It supports 33⅓, 45 and 78 rpm. A suitable 78 rpm stylus or cartridge is required for shellac records.
How does the CS 518 compare with nearby Dual models?
The CS 518 adds a twin-gimbal tonearm with four fine pivot ball bearings over the CS 418. Both use belt drive, offer three speeds and include an Ortofon 2M Red and switchable MM phono stage.
What should I know about setting up the CS 518?
Complete assembly and set the tonearm balance, cartridge tracking force and antiskating as described in the Dual manual. Choose the correct phono or line output setting for your amplifier.
Shipping & Warranty
Shipping & Warranty
Warranty: 5-year Dual CS-Series warranty; original invoice required; belt, cartridge and stylus excluded
HiFi Boutique ships within the United States only. Orders ship within 2 business days, with a tracking number. See the shipping policy.