Dual CS 718Q

Overview

The Dual CS 718Q is the flagship of Dual's turntable line, built by a German manufacturer with roots stretching back to 1907. It pairs a precise direct-drive motor system with a Carbon-Aluminium sandwich tonearm featuring precision dynamic balance, delivering a stable, low-resonance platform aimed at listeners who want mechanical accuracy and long-term reliability from a serious analog source.

This is a turntable for the analog enthusiast who wants control over their setup. It ships without a cartridge, so the owner selects and installs their own to match their sonic goals and their phono stage. A removable, azimuth-adjustable headshell makes cartridge installation and fine alignment straightforward, and the deck offers both RCA and balanced XLR outputs so it can integrate with a wide range of phono stages and system topologies.

With its direct-drive character, adjustable arm, and dual output options, the CS 718Q is designed to be a long-lived centerpiece. Choose a cartridge and phono stage from the pairings below to complete the system, and you have a flexible, high-resolution front end that can grow with your collection.

Key Features

• Direct-drive motor system for immediate, stable speed
• Carbon-Aluminium sandwich tonearm with precision dynamic balance
• Removable, azimuth-adjustable headshell for precise cartridge alignment
• Ships without a cartridge so you choose and install your own
• Both RCA and balanced XLR outputs for flexible system integration
• Flagship build quality from a German maker established in 1907
• Designed for owners who want full control over cartridge selection
• Backed by a 5 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner

How the CS718Q Compares

Dual CS718Q vs Dual CS618Q

The CS618Q sits one step below the 718Q in Dual's lineup and covers many of the same analog priorities in a more streamlined package. The 718Q flagship adds the Carbon-Aluminium sandwich tonearm, azimuth-adjustable removable headshell, and balanced XLR output for owners who want maximum alignment control and a balanced connection. Choose the 718Q when you plan to run high-end cartridges and a balanced phono stage. See the Dual CS618Q.

Dual CS718Q vs Thorens TD 1601

The Thorens TD 1601 is a sub-chassis belt-drive design, a different mechanical philosophy focused on isolating the platter and arm from external vibration. The Dual CS 718Q instead uses direct drive for immediate speed lock and a rigid, coupled platform. Pick the Thorens if you favor the classic suspended belt-drive character, or the Dual if you want direct-drive stability with balanced output. See the Thorens TD 1601.

Dual CS718Q vs Thorens TD 404 DD

Both the TD 404 DD and the CS 718Q are direct-drive decks, so they share the same core drive character of quick startup and stable pitch. The Dual flagship differentiates with its Carbon-Aluminium sandwich tonearm, azimuth-adjustable headshell, and balanced XLR output for higher-end system integration. Consider the Dual when you want a more configurable flagship front end. See the Thorens TD 404 DD.

Recommended Cartridge and Phono Stage

The CS 718Q ships without a cartridge and has no built-in phono stage, so plan on adding a moving coil cartridge, a matching phono preamp, and an amplifier with the right input. Here are complementary pairings from our catalog.

• Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue A refined moving coil that suits the flagship arm and takes full advantage of the azimuth-adjustable headshell. It offers a balanced, detailed presentation well matched to the 718Q's resolving character.
• Audio Technica AT-ART9XI A dual moving coil cartridge with excellent tracking and a lively, open sound. It is a strong all-around choice for the CS 718Q when paired with a capable MC phono stage.
• Ortofon MC Cadenza Black Step up to the Cadenza Black for even greater detail and dynamic authority on the flagship arm. Ideal for listeners who want to push the 718Q toward its ceiling.
• TEAC PE-505 Balanced Phono Amp A fully balanced phono amplifier that pairs naturally with the 718Q's XLR output, keeping the signal balanced end to end for the lowest noise. A logical choice for a balanced system.
• Parasound JC3+ Phono Preamp A flexible MM/MC phono stage that works beautifully with the recommended cartridges and offers RCA connection if you prefer the unbalanced output. Feed it into any integrated amp with a line input.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Dual CS 718Q come with a cartridge?
No. The CS 718Q is the flagship and ships without any cartridge, so you select and install your own to match your taste and phono stage. See our recommended pairings above for suitable moving coil options.

What type of drive does the CS 718Q use?
It uses a direct-drive motor system, which locks to correct speed quickly and holds pitch stably during playback.

Does the CS 718Q have a built-in phono preamp?
No. You will need an external phono stage matched to your chosen cartridge, such as the TEAC PE-505 or the Parasound JC3+.

What outputs does the CS 718Q have?
It offers both RCA (unbalanced) and balanced XLR outputs, so you can integrate it with a wide range of phono stages and systems.

Can I run a fully balanced signal path?
Yes. The balanced XLR output pairs naturally with a balanced phono stage like the TEAC PE-505 to keep the signal balanced from cartridge to preamp.

What kind of tonearm does it use?
A Carbon-Aluminium sandwich tonearm with precision dynamic balance, designed to be rigid and low in resonance.

Can I adjust azimuth on the CS 718Q?
Yes. The removable headshell is azimuth adjustable, which allows precise cartridge alignment for optimal channel balance and imaging.

What cartridge type should I use?
The flagship arm is well suited to high-quality moving coil cartridges. Options like the Ortofon MC Cadenza Blue, Cadenza Black, or Audio Technica AT-ART9XI are excellent matches.

Is the headshell removable?
Yes. The removable headshell simplifies cartridge installation and lets you swap between cartridges more conveniently.

What speeds does it play?
It plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records.

How does the CS 718Q compare to the CS618Q?
The 718Q is the flagship and adds the Carbon-Aluminium sandwich tonearm, azimuth-adjustable removable headshell, and balanced XLR output. The CS618Q is a step down and offers a more streamlined feature set.

Do I need a special amplifier?
You need any integrated amp or preamp with a line input to accept the output of your phono stage. Options like the Luxman L-507Z, Yamaha A-S3200, or Accuphase E-3000 pair well.

Can I use a moving magnet cartridge instead?
You can, but the flagship arm and adjustable headshell are especially rewarding with premium moving coil cartridges, which is why we recommend the MC options above.

Is a dust cover included?
Yes, a dust cover is included to protect the platter and tonearm when the deck is not in use.

How do I set tracking force and alignment?
You set tracking force per your chosen cartridge's specification using the arm's dynamic balance, then fine-tune azimuth via the adjustable headshell. Consult your cartridge documentation for target figures.

Who makes Dual turntables?
Dual is a German turntable manufacturer with a history dating back to 1907. All Elite Audio is an authorized Dual dealer.

What warranty does the CS 718Q carry?
It is backed by a 5 year parts and labor warranty from Dual for the original owner.

Which phono stage should I choose first?
If you use the balanced XLR output, the TEAC PE-505 keeps the path balanced. If you prefer flexibility with RCA, the Parasound JC3+ or MoFi MasterPhono are strong choices.

Is the CS 718Q a good long-term investment?
Yes. As a flagship with a configurable arm, adjustable headshell, and dual outputs, it is designed to grow with your cartridge choices and system over many years.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized Dual dealer, so your CS 718Q arrives with full warranty support and expert setup guidance. We can help you match the right cartridge, phono stage, and amplifier, and we keep this model in stock in MD.