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Dual CS 518
The perfect start to the high-end
The CS 518, ideal for vinyl enthusiasts, impresses with a precise twin gimbal tonearm and the finest pivot ball bearings. The classic dual tonearm guides even the most demanding cartridges precisely and safely for a first-class listening experience.
With the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and switchable MM phono preamplifier, the CS 518 not only offers outstanding value for money, but also a very balanced sound.
Ease of use is guaranteed with the characteristic features of the CS series. The stepless antiskating can be easily adjusted using a rotary knob with a clear scale. The electronic adjustment of the three speeds is conveniently carried out via a rotary switch, while the appropriate pickup can be easily changed using the headshell.
Plinth:
- MDF construction with a black vinyl veneer
- Elastomer vibration absorber inside the feet
- Surface option: Walnut wood veneer
Platter:
- Aluminium die-cast, long term precision
- Heavy rubber mat for resonance damping
- Hardened steel spindle in a brass bushing
Tonearm:
- Accurate spring loaded antiskating
- Solid aluminium gimbal construction
- Four fine pivot ball-bearings
Drive:
- Selector switch for 33 / 45 / 78
- Rubber mountings for vibration decoupling
- Precision cut belt for lower wow & flutter
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
91/100
The Dual CS 518 delivers a full-bodied, fluid vinyl sound with expansive imaging, rich textures and satisfying low-end authority. What Hi-Fi? applauds its entertaining musical cohesion, while SoundStage Solo highlights its broad, focused soundstage. A precise twin-gimbal arm, fitted Ortofon cartridge and switchable phono stage make this a flexible, confident all-rounder.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Full-bodied, fluid and entertaining presentation with rich instrumental textures, expressive dynamics and cohesive organisation of complex music.
Broad, stable soundstage with convincing detail retrieval and strong image focus.
Twin-gimbal tonearm offers accurate tracking and a removable headshell for straightforward cartridge swapping.
Easy setup, supplied Ortofon 2M Red and switchable built-in phono stage create a versatile package.
&
Cons
Built-in phono stage is clear and low-noise, but lacks the dynamics and rhythmic drive of a better external stage.
Image layering, bass grip and ultimate rhythmic punch trail leading Rega and Pro-Ject rivals.
Cueing mechanism is not especially well damped, so care is needed to avoid bouncing the stylus.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
The CS 518 is widely praised for a full-bodied, fluent and entertaining presentation, with strong detail retrieval and a broad soundstage. Its main limitations are less incisive bass, dynamics and image layering than some key rivals, while direct evidence on isolation performance is more limited.
Overall Sound
90/100
SoundStage Solo called the sound “excellent,” highlighting convincing detail, exceptionally broad staging, useful depth and stable image placement. What Hi-Fi found it richly textured, cohesive and rhythmically engaging, though less punchy and dynamically forceful than the Rega and less precise in imaging and bass than leading competitors.
Speed Stability
88/100
The servo-controlled belt drive is specified at under 0.1% DIN-weighted wow and flutter, a figure SoundStage Solo considers good for this class. Gramophone also praised its smooth-running motor, accurate control and low flutter, though no reviewer supplied independent speed measurements.
Tonearm Performance
91/100
The twin-gimbal arm is a meaningful step up from Dual’s lower-priced model, with SoundStage Solo noting its tracking-focused mounting and What Hi-Fi citing improved cartridge compatibility. Gramophone was especially enthusiastic about its smoothness, precision and tracking accuracy; What Hi-Fi’s only reservation was that its finish and feel do not equal the slickest arms from Pro-Ject or Rega.
Noise Isolation
85/100
Gramophone found the elastomer-filled feet effective at reducing shocks reaching the deck, and also notes rubber motor mounts and a precision flat belt intended to curb vibration. SoundStage Solo describes the damped feet as protection against external vibration, but offers no direct listening finding on rumble, acoustic feedback or footfall resistance.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
Reviewers describe a solid, nicely finished MDF plinth, die-cast aluminium platter and substantial elastomer-damped feet. The construction is well executed for the class, although it remains a vinyl-wrapped MDF design rather than an especially luxurious or heavily engineered chassis.
Features Usability
88/100
The CS 518 arrives with an Ortofon 2M Red, built-in phono stage, electronic 33/45/78rpm selection and a removable headshell that makes cartridge changes straightforward. SoundStage Solo calls it easy to set up, while What Hi-Fi finds the phono stage clear, detailed and low in noise; there is no automatic start/stop or digital output.
Value for Money
91/100
At roughly $800, SoundStage Solo considers the workmanship and sound easily worth the asking price, placing it credibly beside Rega, Pro-Ject, Music Hall and Audio-Technica alternatives. What Hi-Fi likewise calls it well priced and sonically talented enough to be a viable alternative to the best options at its price.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Dual CS 518
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- AES — in-store — Mitte, Hessen, Germany (website)
- Akoustiki Kritis — online and in-store — Glifada, Greece (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- American Audio & Video — in-store — Southaven, Mississippi, United States (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Art et son — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- AUDIO 2000 — in-store — Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
and 88 more verified dealers