Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic Turntable

Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic Turntable

One-button full-auto vinyl playback meets reference-grade components — the Dual CS 429 delivers high-fidelity analog sound with effortless operation.

The Dual CS 429 is a premium fully-automatic belt-drive turntable engineered for discerning vinyl lovers who demand both convenience and high performance. With one press, the tonearm lifts, moves into position and lowers onto the record; at the end of the side it returns and stops—then you can also operate it manually for more control. The Dual CS 429 supports 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 RPM records, so it handles a wide range of your collection from modern LPs to vintage shellacs. 

The build quality of the Dual CS 429 is impressive: it features a solid MDF plinth with internal rubber damping and elastomer-absorbing feet for vibration isolation. The die-cast aluminium platter sits on a hardened-steel spindle housed in a brass bushing for long-term precision. Optical speed servo control and a precision-cut belt keep wow and flutter under ±0.08%. 

The tonearm is straight-aluminium, statically balanced with ball-bearing support, fully adjustable for future cartridge upgrades (tracking force and anti-skate adjustable) and is paired with a factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge (moving-magnet). A built-in switchable phono/line output lets you connect directly to an AUX input or a dedicated phono stage. 

Whether you’re stepping up from an entry-level deck or looking for a convenient yet serious end-game solution for your vinyl rig, the Dual CS 429 offers automatic operation with audiophile-grade design and upgrade-friendly flexibility.

For assistance or product questions, call 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to reach our team at All Elite Audio. We are an authorized dealer for Dual in Maryland and operate a full home audio showroom.

Key Specifications

• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45, 78 RPM
• Drive: Belt-drive, DC servo motor with optical speed control
• Wow & flutter: < ±0.08% (DIN) 
  
• Platter: 305 mm aluminium die-cast, 2.5 mm rubber mat; weight ~850 g including mat 
  
• Tonearm: Straight aluminium, statically balanced, effective length 221.5 mm, offset angle 25.6°, overhang 19 mm 
  
• Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red (factory installed)
• Plinth: MDF construction with vinyl veneer finish; elastomer-damped feet (Ø 62 mm) 
  
• Connectivity: RCA output with ground wire; built-in switchable phono/line preamp 
  
• Dimensions (with dust cover closed): 435 × 367 × 145 mm 
  

Top 20 Questions About Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic Turntable

What is the difference between automatic and manual operation on the Dual CS 429?
The Dual CS 429 allows fully automatic operation (tonearm lifts, moves, drops when you press “play”, and returns & stops at the end) or manual operation if you prefer to cue by hand.

Can I use the Dual CS 429 if my amplifier does not have a phono input?
Yes — the Dual CS 429 has a built-in switchable phono/line preamp. You simply set the switch to LINE and plug into a standard AUX/CD input. 

Does the Dual CS 429 support 78 RPM records?
Yes — it supports 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 RPM speeds. 

What cartridge comes with the Dual CS 429, and is it upgradeable?
The Dual CS 429 ships with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge pre-installed. The tonearm allows tracking-force adjustment and anti-skating so you may upgrade to compatible cartridges in the future.

How good is the speed stability of the Dual CS 429?
The Dual CS 429 uses optical speed control and belt drive with vibration isolation to achieve wow & flutter less than ±0.08% (DIN) for very stable playback. 

What kind of turntable is the Dual CS 429—belt or direct drive?
The Dual CS 429 is a belt-drive turntable with a DC servo motor.

How heavy and what size is the Dual CS 429?
With dust cover closed it is about 435 × 367 × 145 mm and weighs roughly 6.2–6.6 kg. 

Does the Dual CS 429 come with a dust cover?
Yes — it comes with a removable hinged dust cover included. 

Can the Dual CS 429 be upgraded with a better cartridge?
Yes — the Dual CS 429 tonearm supports cartridges in the 5 g to 9 g range, and both tracking force and anti-skate are adjustable for fine-tuning performance. 

What kind of vibration isolation does the Dual CS 429 offer?
The Dual CS 429 features an MDF plinth with internal rubber damping, elastomer feet to absorb vibration, and a rubber-mat on the platter to reduce resonance. 
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Do I need a separate phono stage with the Dual CS 429?
Not necessarily — if you set the preamp switch to LINE the built-in phono stage is active, so you can connect to any standard AUX input. If your system already has a dedicated MM phono stage you may set the switch to PHONO for that.

Is the Dual CS 429 compatible with high-end cartridges?
Yes — the tonearm and headshell mount are upgrade-friendly, and you can install higher-end cartridges (within the supported range) when you are ready.

How does the Dual CS 429 compare to semi-automatic turntables?
Because the Dual CS 429 is fully automatic, it offers maximum convenience (auto start, tonearm return) while retaining serious audiophile components — many semi-automatic models skip the full arm return feature.

What is the warranty on the Dual CS 429?
The product listing indicates a 5-year turntable warranty (varies by retailer/region) on the Dual CS 429. 

Does the Dual CS 429 come set up and ready to use out of the box?
Yes — it comes with the cartridge mounted, belt fitted, counterweight and mat included; you need to connect power and audio and do minimal tracking-force setting.

What power supply does the Dual CS 429 use?
The Dual CS 429 uses an external 12 V DC adapter (AC input range 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz) for universal compatibility. 

Can I change the dust cover on the Dual CS 429?
Yes — the dust cover is removable and standard in size, making replacement easier if needed.

How is the sound quality of the Dual CS 429?
User reviews note excellent speed stability, clarity, and detail for the class, though some mention you’ll get the most benefit with good downstream amplification and speakers. 

Where should I place the Dual CS 429 for best performance?
Place the Dual CS 429 on a level, vibration-free surface away from speakers and subwoofers to maximize its built-in vibration damping and to prevent feedback.

What kind of cartridges are compatible with the Dual CS 429?
The tonearm supports cartridges in the weight range 5 g to 9 g. Make sure to check mounting type and compliance when upgrading.