Dual CS 618Q Semi Auto Turntable

Dual CS 618Q Turntable

Precision-engineered quartz-stabilised direct-drive vinyl playback for audiophiles and serious music lovers.

The Dual CS 618Q Turntable offers exceptional analog performance, bringing together the legacy of Dual’s direct-drive designs with modern convenience and precision. The Dual CS 618Q features a quartz-regulated motor delivering ultra–stable platter speed across 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM, making the Dual CS 618Q ideal for listeners who demand rock-solid rhythm and pitch accuracy.

Built around a heavy die-cast aluminium platter, elastomer-damped feet and an MDF plinth available in Walnut veneer, Vinyl black or Gloss black finishes, the Dual CS 618Q Fuse style with substance: it not only looks refined but also keeps unwanted vibration and resonance under firm control.

The tonearm on the Dual CS 618Q is a twin gimbal design mounted on four precision ball bearings enabling smooth tracking and fine detail retrieval. The Dual CS 618Q comes factory-fitted with an Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge mounted on a detachable headshell, giving immediate sonic polish while preserving upgrade potential.

For connectivity convenience, the Dual CS 618Q includes a switchable built-in phono stage: you can either use the internal preamp and connect to a standard line level input, or bypass it and plug into a dedicated phono input or separate external phono stage. The semi-automatic nature of the Dual CS 618Q means you’ll enjoy tonearm auto-lift and auto-stop at the end of playback — or you may disable those if you prefer full manual control.

As always, when purchasing through All Elite Audio you are buying from an authorized Maryland dealer with showroom service and expert support. In Stock. For assistance or product questions, call 443-402-5055 or text 443-402-5064 to reach our team.

Key Specifications

• Drive type: Quartz-stabilised direct-drive (33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM)
• Wow & flutter: < ±0.07% (DIN)
• Platter: 305 mm aluminium die-cast with rubber damping mat
• Tonearm: Twin-gimbal straight aluminium, 221.5 mm effective length, overhang 19 mm
• Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Blue included (premium MM)
• Built-in phono stage: Yes (switchable phono/line output)
• Output connectors: Stereo RCA + ground
• Plinth materials/finishes: MDF – Black vinyl, Gloss black, Walnut veneer
• Footing: Elastomer vibration absorber feet
• Weight: ~7.5 kg
• Dimensions (W×H×D): ~435 × 145 × 367 mm
• Warranty: 5 years (turntable)
• Manufacturer: Dual (Germany)

Top 20 Questions About Dual CS 618Q

What kind of motor does the Dual CS 618Q use?
The Dual CS 618Q uses a quartz-stabilised direct-drive motor, ensuring accurate, consistent platter speed without belt maintenance.

Can the Dual CS 618Q play 78 RPM records?
Yes, the Dual CS 618Q supports 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM speeds via a rotary selector.

Does the Dual CS 618Q include a cartridge?
Yes, the Dual CS 618Q comes factory-fitted with an Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge on a detachable headshell.

Is the built-in phono stage in the Dual CS 618Q any good?
The Dual CS 618Q’s built-in phono stage offers solid convenience and decent sound, though some audiophiles prefer an external phono stage for highest fidelity.

Can I bypass the built-in phono preamp in the Dual CS 618Q?
Yes, the Dual CS 618Q has a switch to toggle between line-level and phono output, enabling external phono stage use.

What is the tonearm design on the Dual CS 618Q?
The Dual CS 618Q features a twin-gimbal straight aluminium tonearm with four precision ball-bearings for smooth bearing motion and precise tracking.

Is the Dual CS 618Q suited for upgrades?
Absolutely — with its detachable headshell and high-quality base, the Dual CS 618Q is well positioned for cartridge, mat, or platter upgrades.

How is the build-quality of the Dual CS 618Q?
The Dual CS 618Q offers premium build with an MDF plinth, die-cast aluminium platter, elastomer-damped feet and a robust direct-drive motor.

Does the Dual CS 618Q have automatic functions?
The Dual CS 618Q has semi-automatic features including tonearm auto-lift and motor stop at the end of a side — and these functions can be disabled for manual control.

What finishes are available for the Dual CS 618Q?
The Dual CS 618Q comes in Black vinyl, Gloss black, and Walnut veneer finishes.

How do I set up the Dual CS 618Q?
Set the Dual CS 618Q on a level, stable surface, install the platter & mat, set tracking force and anti-skate as per the manual, connect RCA/ground, switch phono/line, and you’re ready.

What is the wow & flutter rating of the Dual CS 618Q?
The Dual CS 618Q is rated at less than ±0.07% wow & flutter (DIN standard).

What is the warranty on the Dual CS 618Q?
The Dual CS 618Q comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty on the turntable unit itself.

Does the Dual CS 618Q require a separate power supply?
The Dual CS 618Q uses an external power supply (AC adapter) which helps reduce noise and keeps motor vibration isolated.

Can I use the Dual CS 618Q with powered speakers or an AV receiver?
Yes — using the built-in phono stage of the Dual CS 618Q you can connect directly to a line-level input; if you bypass it you’ll need a phono-capable input or external preamp.

Does the Dual CS 618Q require belt changes?
No — because the Dual CS 618Q is a direct-drive design, there is no belt to replace or maintain.

Is the Dual CS 618Q good for beginners?
Yes — the Dual CS 618Q offers premium features with ease-of-use (auto-stop, built-in phono stage), making it a strong choice for both newcomers and seasoned vinyl fans.

How heavy is the Dual CS 618Q and is it easy to move?
The Dual CS 618Q weighs around 7.5 kg — solid enough for stability, though a bit heavier to carry frequently.

How does the Dual CS 618Q perform sound-wise?
Reviews highlight the Dual CS 618Q’s excellent transient detail, bass control, and dynamic rhythm, thanks to its motor and tonearm design. Some note that its phono stage is the weaker link if you’re chasing super-high-end detail.

For assistance or product questions about the Dual CS 618Q, 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.