Dual CS 518 Turntable

Dual CS 518 Turntable

High-performance belt-drive vinyl playback with twin-gimbal tonearm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge — a serious start to high-end audio.

The Dual CS 518 Turntable combines precision engineering and user-friendly features to give vinyl enthusiasts a serious, ready-to-play system. The Dual CS 518 features a twin-gimbal tonearm with four pivot ball-bearings for ultra-smooth tracking — an upgrade over many competitors in its class. 

Built on a rigid MDF plinth with vibration-absorbing elastomer feet and a die-cast aluminium platter with heavy rubber mat, the Dual CS 518 delivers stable rotation and minimal resonance. The belt-drive DC-servo motor supports 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM speeds via a front panel rotary switch. 

Out of the box the Dual CS 518 includes an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, so you’re ready to hook up and play. A switchable built-in MM phono preamp means you can connect the Dual CS 518 directly to either a line-level input or a dedicated phono input depending on your system. 

For assistance or product questions, call 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to reach our team at All Elite Audio, your authorized Maryland dealer with a full home audio showroom.

Key Specifications

• Drive type: Belt-drive DC-servo motor (33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM)
• Wow & flutter: < ±0.1% (DIN) 
  
• Platter: 305 mm aluminium die-cast with rubber mat, bearing: hardened steel spindle in brass bushing 
  
• Tonearm: Twin-gimbal aluminium, effective length ~221.5 mm, offset angle ~25.6°, overhang ~19 mm 
  
• Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red (moving-magnet) included 
  
• Built-in phono stage: Yes — switchable MM phono/line output 
  
• Plinth: MDF construction with Black vinyl veneer or Walnut veneer finish 
  
• Feet: Elastomer-damped vibration absorber feet 
  
• Dimensions (closed dustcover approx): 435 × 367 × 145 mm 
  
• Warranty: Manufacturer lists 5-year warranty for CS-series (see official specs) 
  

Top 20 Questions About Dual CS 518 Turntable

What kind of tonearm does the Dual CS 518 feature?
The Dual CS 518 features a twin-gimbal aluminium tonearm mounted on four precision pivot ball-bearings, designed for accurate tracking and upgrade capability.

Which cartridge is included with the Dual CS 518?
The Dual CS 518 comes factory-fitted with the Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge, allowing high-quality playback out of the box.

Can the Dual CS 518 play 78 RPM records?
Yes — the Dual CS 518 supports 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM speeds via an electronic rotary selector. 

Does the Dual CS 518 have a built-in phono preamp?
Yes — the Dual CS 518 has a switchable built-in MM phono preamplifier so it can output line-level or phono-level depending on your system. 

Can I bypass the built-in phono stage in the Dual CS 518?
Yes — you can switch the phono stage off and use a dedicated external phono input or separate phono preamp if you prefer.

What is the wow & flutter rating of the Dual CS 518?
The Dual CS 518 is rated at less than ±0.1% wow & flutter (DIN) according to manufacturer specs.

Is the Dual CS 518 belt-drive or direct-drive?
The Dual CS 518 is a manual belt-drive turntable with a DC-servo motor and precision cut belt for stability. 

What finishes are available for the Dual CS 518?
The Dual CS 518 is available in a Black vinyl veneer finish or Walnut wood veneer surface. 

Who is the Dual CS 518 suited for?
The Dual CS 518 is ideal for vinyl lovers who want serious performance with upgrade potential, and who appreciate precision engineering without moving into high luxury pricing.

How simple is setup for the Dual CS 518?
Setup is relatively straightforward: the Dual CS 518 includes a pre-mounted cartridge, you simply mount the platter, belt, set tracking force and antiskate, and connect RCA/ground.

What kind of support or warranty comes with the Dual CS 518?
The manufacturer indicates the CS-series, including the Dual CS 518, ships with a 5-year warranty from Dual. 

Can I upgrade the cartridge on the Dual CS 518 later?
Yes — the Dual CS 518’s tonearm uses a removable headshell and supports a range of cartridges (5 g–9 g cartridge weight range) according to specs. 

Does the Dual CS 518 have auto-start or auto-stop?
No — the Dual CS 518 is fully manual in operation (cueing, lifting, speed selection). 
SoundStage Access

What is the plinth made of on the Dual CS 518?
The Dual CS 518 uses a solid MDF plinth with vinyl or wood veneer finish to provide structural stability and reduce resonance. 

What kind of platter does the Dual CS 518 use?
The Dual CS 518 uses a 305 mm aluminium die-cast platter with a rubber mat for damping and a hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing. 

Is the Dual CS 518 good for casual or serious vinyl listening?
The Dual CS 518 offers serious turntable performance with excellent build and tracking, so it is well suited for serious listening and systems with upgrade potential.

Does the Dual CS 518 include a dust cover?
Yes — the Dual CS 518 comes with a hinged clear dust cover to protect the platter and tonearm when not in use. 

What system requirements are there for the Dual CS 518?
You’ll need a stereo system with either a phono input (if using the built-in preamp off) or line input (if using built-in preamp on), plus a stable, vibration-free surface for best results.

How does the Dual CS 518 sound?
Reviewers describe the Dual CS 518 as offering bold, dynamic and expressive sound with strong bass presence and good midrange detail. 

For help or questions about the Dual CS 518, who do I contact?
For assistance or product questions, call 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to reach our team at All Elite Audio, your authorized Maryland dealer with a full home audio showroom.