Audio T Verdict
The Dual CS 618Q is a strong choice for listeners who want the speed accuracy and reassuring engineering of a direct-drive turntable without giving up the traditional involvement of manually cueing a record. Its automatic end-of-record lift and motor stop provide useful protection for the stylus and record once playback has finished, while leaving the listener in control of starting each side.
Its quartz-stabilised direct drive supports 33, 45 and 78rpm playback, with electronic speed selection avoiding the need to move a belt manually. Dual combines this drive system with a substantial die-cast aluminium platter, resonance-damping rubber mat, MDF plinth and elastomer-isolated feet to provide a stable platform for record playback.
The twin-gimbal tonearm uses four pivot ball bearings and arrives with an Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge already installed. This is a notably capable factory cartridge and helps the CS 618Q deliver a more complete out-of-the-box package than a turntable supplied with a basic starter cartridge. The removable headshell, adjustable tracking force, stepless anti-skating and tonearm height adjustment also provide useful flexibility for future cartridge changes.
A switchable built-in phono stage means the turntable can connect to either a conventional MM phono input or a standard line-level input. That makes it suitable for a wide variety of amplifiers and powered speaker systems, while retaining the option to add a separate phono stage later.
The important distinction is that the CS 618Q is not fully automatic. You still position and lower the tonearm at the beginning of the record. For listeners who enjoy that manual ritual but would appreciate the reassurance of automatic lift and motor stop at the end, it offers a particularly appealing balance of performance, flexibility and everyday usability.
Dual CS 618Q Direct-Drive Turntable
The Dual CS 618Q is a manually operated, quartz-stabilised direct-drive turntable with three-speed playback, a twin-gimbal tonearm and a factory-installed Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge.
Dual positions the CS 618Q within its current range of manual turntables. Its design combines traditional record-playing controls with carefully chosen convenience features, including electronic speed selection and a switchable system that raises the tonearm and stops the motor when the record reaches its end.
Manual Operation with End-of-Record Assistance
To begin playback, the listener selects the required speed, positions the tonearm over the record and lowers it using the cueing control. The turntable does not automatically move the arm onto the record.
At the end of the side, the CS 618Q can raise the tonearm and stop the motor electronically. This helps prevent the stylus from remaining in the run-out groove if the listener is distracted or falls asleep while listening. Both the automatic tonearm lift and automatic stop functions are switchable.
Manual, Not Fully Automatic
The CS 618Q does not automatically place the stylus on the record or return the tonearm to its rest. Its automatic assistance operates at the end of the record by lifting the arm and stopping the motor.
Quartz-Stabilised Direct Drive
Unlike a belt-drive turntable, the CS 618Q drives the platter directly from its motor. The system is quartz stabilised to maintain accurate platter speed and supports electronic selection of 33, 45 and 78rpm.
Dual uses coreless inductors to reduce motor vibration and double shielding to minimise unwanted magnetic fields. The manufacturer specifies wow and flutter at less than ±0.07% under the DIN-rated measurement standard.
33, 45 and 78rpm Playback
Electronic speed selection allows the CS 618Q to play LPs, singles and compatible 78rpm records without manually repositioning a drive belt. This makes it particularly useful for record collections covering several formats and periods.
The supplied Ortofon 2M Blue is intended for modern microgroove records. Playing older 78rpm records will normally require a suitable 78rpm stylus or cartridge, as their groove dimensions differ from those used for LPs and 45rpm records. The removable headshell can make changing between appropriately prepared cartridge and headshell assemblies more convenient.
Twin-Gimbal Precision Tonearm
The aluminium tonearm is mounted in a solid twin-gimbal assembly using four pivot ball bearings. This arrangement is designed to let the arm move freely while maintaining stable cartridge geometry as the stylus follows the record groove.
The tonearm is statically balanced and provides a tracking-force adjustment range from 0 to 4g. Cartridge compatibility is specified for models weighing between 5 and 9g, while the clearly marked rotary anti-skating control allows continuous adjustment rather than relying on fixed settings.
Tonearm height is also adjustable, giving an Audio T specialist additional scope to optimise the arm position when installing a compatible replacement cartridge.
Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge Included
Dual supplies the CS 618Q with an Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge fitted at the factory. This established cartridge gives the turntable a capable starting point and avoids the immediate expense of buying a separate cartridge before the deck can be used.
As cartridge alignment, tracking force and anti-skating all influence record tracking and stylus wear, these settings should be checked during installation. Audio T can also advise on replacement styli, alternative cartridges and whether a cartridge change would provide a worthwhile improvement within the rest of the system.
Switchable Built-In Phono Stage
The CS 618Q can connect to both phono and line-level inputs. When used with an amplifier that does not have a dedicated moving-magnet phono input, the turntable's internal phono stage can provide the required signal amplification for connection to a standard analogue line input.
If the amplifier already has a suitable MM phono input, or if a separate phono stage is preferred, the internal stage can be bypassed. This flexibility makes the CS 618Q suitable for straightforward systems now while preserving a useful external phono-stage upgrade route.
Heavy Die-Cast Aluminium Platter
The platter is manufactured from die-cast aluminium and weighs 1,450g including its mat. Its 305mm diameter supports a record across the playing surface, while the supplied 2.5mm rubber mat provides resonance damping between the record and platter.
A hardened steel spindle and brass bushing form the platter bearing arrangement. Together with the direct-drive motor, these components provide the mechanical foundation required for consistent record rotation.
MDF Plinth and Elastomer-Isolated Feet
The CS 618Q uses an MDF plinth supported by 62mm feet containing elastomer vibration absorbers. These are intended to reduce the transfer of unwanted vibration into the turntable, but correct positioning remains important.
The deck should be placed on a rigid, level and stable surface, away from loudspeakers where practical. Suspended floors, flexible furniture and close proximity to powerful speakers can all allow acoustic or mechanical feedback to affect vinyl playback.
Removable Headshell and Cartridge Upgrades
The detachable headshell makes the cartridge easier to access for installation, alignment and replacement. It also allows more than one cartridge and headshell assembly to be prepared for different record types, subject to correct adjustment each time an assembly is fitted.
A replacement cartridge must be compatible with the tonearm's published 5 to 9g cartridge-weight range. Tracking force, anti-skating, cartridge alignment and tonearm height should then be set for the chosen cartridge rather than simply copying the settings used for the supplied 2M Blue.
Explore Audio T's range of turntable cartridges, or speak to your local store about fitting and setup.
System Matching and Setup
The built-in phono stage makes the CS 618Q relatively easy to add to an existing system, but the best connection method will depend on the quality of the turntable's internal stage, the amplifier's own phono input and any separate phono stage being considered.
An Audio T demonstration can help compare these options using suitable amplification and loudspeakers. We can also advise on equipment supports, cartridge setup, phono cables and record care so that the turntable is properly integrated into the complete system.
Browse more turntables and record players available from Audio T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dual CS 618Q a current turntable?
Yes. Dual currently lists the CS 618Q in its manual turntable range.
Is the Dual CS 618Q fully automatic?
No. It is a manual turntable. The listener positions and lowers the tonearm at the beginning of the record. At the end, the switchable system can lift the tonearm and stop the motor.
Does the tonearm return to its rest automatically?
No. The arm is lifted at the end of the record, but it is not automatically returned to its rest.
Which cartridge is supplied with the CS 618Q?
Dual supplies the turntable with an Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge installed at the factory.
Does the Dual CS 618Q have a built-in phono stage?
Yes. It can connect to a standard line-level input using its built-in phono stage, or to a suitable MM phono input with the internal stage bypassed.
Can I use an external phono stage?
Yes. The internal phono stage can be bypassed so the cartridge signal can be connected to a compatible external MM phono stage.
Which record speeds does it support?
The CS 618Q provides electronically selected 33, 45 and 78rpm playback.
Can the supplied 2M Blue play 78rpm records?
The turntable can rotate at 78rpm, but older 78rpm records will normally require an appropriate 78rpm stylus or cartridge. Ask Audio T for advice before playing valuable records.
Can the cartridge be changed?
Yes. The CS 618Q has a removable headshell and supports cartridges weighing between 5 and 9g. A replacement cartridge must be correctly aligned and the tracking force, anti-skating and tonearm height checked.
Does the CS 618Q have USB or Bluetooth?
No. Dual specifies analogue RCA connections and no digital output. The turntable does not include USB audio or Bluetooth transmission.
Does it include a dust cover?
Yes. The turntable is supplied with a hinged dust cover. Allow sufficient space above and behind the deck if the cover will be opened during use.
Can Audio T set up the turntable?
Yes. Your local Audio T team can advise on installation, levelling, cartridge settings, phono-stage selection and positioning within the rest of the system.
Why Buy from Audio T?
A turntable's performance depends on more than the deck alone. Correct setup, cartridge adjustment, support and phono-stage matching can all make a meaningful difference.
- Independent advice from experienced hi-fi specialists
- In-store demonstrations and system comparisons
- Help choosing between the built-in and external phono-stage options
- Turntable installation, levelling and cartridge setup advice
- Cartridge, equipment support and system-matching guidance
- Part-exchange options for suitable existing equipment
- Home demonstration options where available
- Ongoing support from your local Audio T store
Find your nearest Audio T store to discuss the Dual CS 618Q, arrange a demonstration or get help matching it to your system.