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Dual CS 618Q
Dual has introduced the CS 618Q, a direct-drive turntable that represents the most advanced model in the company's current lineup and a clear statement of intent in its ongoing revival as a serious analogue specialist. Combining quartz-controlled speed regulation, a precision gimbal-bearing tonearm and a factory-mounted Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, the CS 618Q is positioned as a ready-to-use premium deck aimed at listeners who want high-performance vinyl playback without moving into the complexity of fully manual audiophile platforms. Although the CS 618Q sits at the top of Dual's contemporary range, its design deliberately avoids unnecessary complication. Instead, the turntable follows a restrained, classic layout that echoes earlier generations of the brand's direct-drive machines. A brushed-aluminium control plate carries the speed selector and status indicator, allowing switching between 33, 45 and 78 rpm operation, while the overall proportions remain close to traditional hi-fi component dimensions for straightforward system integration.
The chassis is built from a thick MDF structure supported by large elastomer isolation feet measuring 62 mm in height. This construction is intended to reduce the transmission of mechanical vibrations into the tonearm assembly, platter bearing and motor system while maintaining structural rigidity. Dual offers the turntable in three finishes, including a textured wood-effect vinyl version as standard and optional gloss black or real walnut veneer variants.
At the heart of the CS 618Q is a newly developed direct-drive motor system, marking a return to one of Dual's historic engineering strengths. The motor uses coreless inductors to minimize vibration and is stabilized by quartz-locked electronic speed control for precise rotational accuracy. Additional double shielding protects the drive assembly from magnetic interference. The die-cast aluminium platter rotates on a steel spindle with a brass ball bearing interface, and wow and flutter are specified at no more than 0.07 percent, underscoring the platform's emphasis on stable playback performance.
The tonearm continues the precision-engineering approach. Constructed from anodized aluminium and mounted on a four-point gimbal bearing system, it allows accurate adjustment of tracking force and anti-skating. Dual has adopted a semi-automatic operating concept, meaning playback is started manually but the arm lifts and the motor stops automatically at the end of a record side. This solution preserves the control and mechanical simplicity of manual decks while reducing stylus wear during unattended playback.
A notable feature at this price level is the inclusion of the Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge as standard equipment. Many competing turntables in the same class are supplied with the entry-level 2M Red, whereas the 2M Blue offers a nude elliptical stylus profile and improved high-frequency resolution, giving the CS 618Q a more refined and detailed presentation straight out of the box.
To further simplify system integration, Dual has equipped the turntable with a built-in phono preamplifier that can be bypassed if the user prefers to connect the deck to an external phono stage. This flexibility allows the CS 618Q to function equally well in traditional analogue systems and modern amplifier setups without dedicated phono inputs. With its quartz-regulated direct drive, semi-automatic operation and factory-installed premium cartridge, the CS 618Q is positioned as a serious step-up model within the mid-to-upper segment of the ready-to-play turntable category. It is priced at €1,199 in the standard finish and €1,299 in gloss black or walnut veneer versions, and like all current Dual turntables, it is supplied with a five-year manufacturer warranty. Info and photos by Dual.
