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Dual CS 618Q Semi-automatic direct-drive turntable with built-in phono preamp (Black Vinyl Finish)

Item # 349CS618BK

This elegant direct-drive turntable offers solid construction and convenient features for vinyl lovers.

This elegant direct-drive turntable offers solid construction and convenient features for vinyl lovers.

Item # 349CS618BK

Every order includes

  • Free lifetime tech support
  • 60-day price-drop protection
  • 60-day returns
In stock
$1,499.00

Other options

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Expert help 400+ hours training Virginia-based

About the Dual CS 618Q

Eric A.

Product highlights:

  • quartz-stabilized brushless direct-drive motor for reduced vibration and greater speed stability
  • straight aluminum tonearm with precision pivot ball-bearing and twin-gimbal design
    • Ortofon 2M Blue moving magnet cartridge included
    • adjustable tracking force and anti-skating
  • automatic stop and tonearm lift (defeatable)
    • tonearm must be returned to rest manually
  • switchable built-in phono preamplifier
    • when switch is set to LINE, turntable must be connected to a standard line input (labeled AUX, CD, or TAPE)
    • when switch is set to PHONO, turntable must be connected to an outboard phono preamp or dedicated phono input
  • die-cast aluminum platter with vibration-damping rubber mat
  • solid MDF plinth construction dampens vibration for quieter performance
  • stabilizing feet with integrated elastomer vibration absorber
  • rotary speed selector (33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm)
  • stereo RCA audio output (cable included)
  • removable plastic dust cover
Performance specs:
  • wow and flutter: 0.07%
  • channel separation (with included cartridge): 25dB (at 1kHz)
  • frequency response (with included cartridge): 20-20,000 Hz
Dimensions and warranty:
  • 17-1/8"W x 5-3/4"H x 15-9/16"D (dust cover down)
  • weight: 15.43 lbs.
  • warranty: 5 years (1 year cartridge)
  • MFR # AAV-CS618BK
  • Item # 349CS618BK

What's in the box:

Dual CS 618Q owner's manual

If you need assistance accessing this owner's manual, please give us a call.
  • Turntable (tonearm pre-installed)
  • Headshell with cartridge/stylus assembly
  • AC power adapter (attached 58" DC cord
  • 3 AC plug adapter (US/UK/EU)
  • Platter
  • Mat
  • 45RPM adapter
  • Counterweight
  • 40" Stereo RCA cable (attached ground wire)
  • Dust cover
  • 2 Hinges
  • Instruction Manual
  • Warranty Card

More details on the Dual CS 618Q

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Features
Color Black
Operation Semi Automatic
Automatic Functions Stop, Tonearm Lift
Speeds 33-1/3, 45, 78
Speed Control Electronic
Drive Type Direct
Pitch Control No
Phono Preamp Built-in
Phono/Line Switch Yes
Adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle No
Adjustable Azimuth No
Bluetooth Built-In No
Wi-Fi Streaming No
45 RPM Adapter Yes
Dust Cover Yes
Materials and Construction
Plinth MDF
Platter Aluminum
Tone Arm Shape Straight
Tone Arm Material Aluminum
Tone Arm Lift Finger, Lever
Cartridge Info
Included Cartridge Ortofon 2M Blue
Cartridge Type MM
Removable Headshell Curved
Tracking Weight 1.8 g (18mN)
Frequency Response 20-20,000
Output Voltage 5.5
Load Impedance 47,000
Load Capacitance 150-300
Connections
RCA Audio Output Yes
3.5mm Audio Output No
5-pin Mini XLR Audio Output No
5-pin DIN Audio Output No
Ground Wire Terminal Yes
USB-A Port No
USB-B Port No
Audio Cable Detachable
Power Cable Detachable (12-volt DC adapter)
Audio Specs
Signal to Noise Ratio Not given
Wow and Flutter 0.07
Dimensions and Warranty
Width (Inches) 17.125
Height (Inches) 5.75
Depth (Inches) 15.5625
Weight 15.43 lbs.
Turntable Parts Warranty 5 Years
Turntable Labor Warranty 5 Years
Cartridge Parts Warranty 1 Year
Cartridge Labor Warranty 1 Year

Product Research

Features

Direct Drive Turntable: The Dual CS 618Q employs a quartz-stabilized, precision direct-drive motor for optimal sound performance. The rumble free direct-drive in the CS 618Q keeps the RPM totally stable, while operating without noise or vibration. There is no vibration through its coreless inductors and stray magnetic fields are eliminated by its double-shielded rotor magnets, resulting in precision playback.

  • Electronic 3-Speed: An electronic speed selector switch lets you easily switch between three different RPM speeds - 33-1/3, 45 (adapter included), or 78 (requires different cartridge/stylus).
  • Semi-Automatic: The turntables offers semi-automatic operation with an auto-stop feature that includes an automatic tonearm lift to reduce wear and tear on the needle as it moves to the end of the record. The tonearm only lifts; you will need to manually move the tonearm back to the tonearm rest. The record will stop spinning within 10 turns of recognizing the final locked groove of the record. You can turn the auto-stop feature off, if you prefer to fully operate the turntable manually.

Note: The turntable only has an auto-stop feature; it does not offer auto-play. Once you have selected the RPM speed and manually placed the tonearm onto the record, the platter will start turning for playback.

Solid MDF Plinth with Elastomer Feet: The Dual CS 618Q turntable features a solid MDF plinth with folded MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) construction that is covered in a black vinyl veneer. The solid MDF plinth sits on four elastomer vibration absorber feet to prevent unwanted vibration that could lead to distortion.

Note: The Dual CS 618Q is available in a matte black vinyl, gloss black paint, or walnut veneer finish.

Aluminum Die-Cast Platter with Rubber Mat: The CS 618Q turntable uses a heavy 12" (305mm) aluminum die-cast platter with a heavy 2.5mm thick rubber mat for resonance damping. The platter spins on a hardened steel spindle that is integrated into the turntable's direct-drive.

Twin-Gimbal Tonearm Design: The Dual CS 618Q is equipped with a twin gimbal tonearm design using straight, statically balanced aluminum tonearm with pivot ball-bearings for optimal precision. This advanced tonearm design has the ability to guide even high end pickups with the greatest degree of precision and reliability. The tonearm also features an adjustable tracking force and anti-skating adjustment.

Ortofon 2M Blue MM Cartridge: The Dual CS 618Q turntable comes with an Ortofon 2M Blue MM (moving magnet) cartridge with an improved engine for optimized sound reproductions and high level of sonic accuracy. The 2M Blue cartridge features Ortofon's trademark split-pole pins, an invention which enables the moving magnet cartridge to have a flat frequency response. It is outfitted with a Nude Elliptical polished diamond stylus that offers excellent dynamics and high resolution for a sound that is natural and open. The Nude Elliptical diamond stylus is mounted directly onto the cartridge's cantilever, rather than being mounted on a metal shank which is affixed to the cantilever; resulting in reduced tip mass for a quicker response to rapid changes in groove modulation - improving depiction of strong transients.

Note: The Ortofon 2M Blue MM cartridge/stylus headshell assembly does not come pre-installed and must be installed on the tonearm prior to operation.

Built-in Phono Preamp: The CS 618Q turntable features a built-in phono preamplifier that can be turned On or Off, so it can be connected to either a Phono MM input or Line-Level input on your AV receiver, stereo receiver, or integrated amplifier.

Stereo RCA Output: The Dual CS 618Q is outfitted with a set of stereo RCA outputs and comes with a detachable 40" stereo RCA cable to cut the turntable to your AV receiver, stereo receiver, or integrated amplifier.

Dust Cover: A hinged clear plastic cover helps protect the Dual CS 618Q turntable from dust and debris. The dust cover can also be removed.

  • Dimensions with Dust Cover Closed: 17.125" (w) x 5.75" (h) x 15.5625" (d)
  • Dimension with Dust Cover Open: 17.125" (w) x 15.75" (h) x 16.4375" (d)

AC Power Adapter: The Dual CS 618Q comes with an AC power adapter with an attached 58" cord that will need to be plugged into the back of the turntable and into an AC wall outlet or surge protector/line conditioner (sold separately - see Accessories Tab).

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Customer Q&A

6 questions already asked

Q
That is the minimum height that the cover will stay open? I'm hoping to install it in a shelf that is 13 1/8" tall.
seth  May 24, 2023
1 answer
A
We will not be able to provide that information, Seth. Keep in mind that the tabs on the dustcover slide into the hinges on the rear, so you can always place the tabs in the open position and simply set the dustcover on top and then remove carefully for use without attaching the hinges to the dustcover. This is a very useful tactic in situations like yours where you are installing your turntable on a shelf with tight clearances and the dust cover cannot open far enough to stay in the raised position. I hope this helps!
bo  May 24, 2023 (Staff)
Q
,Does it make sense to refurbish my Dual 1219 from 1970's or to buy a new Dual in stead? I live in Israel and would probably have to send the turntable to have it refurbished.
richard  Apr 17, 2023
1 answer
A
If you have to send it overseas and pay for it to be refurbished as well, it may not be worth the cost. I suppose it depends on what the cost of those two things would be. If you straight out buy a new one, it is also under warranty for what you pay versus investing a large amount into a table and then it needing work again.
brooke  Apr 17, 2023 (Staff)
Q
,Does it make sense to refurbish my Dual 1219 from 1970's or to buy a new Dual in stead?
richard  Apr 17, 2023
6 answers
A
I made the decision to buy new and i am glad i did the new has been improved to perform even better than the old one I am very happy with the new unit
steven charles  Apr 18, 2023
A
The new technology is just AWESOME. Up to you. I had an old Dual 1241. Bought the CS 618Q to play the 50th Anniversary Dark Side of the Moon release. Get the right stuff to set it up. Needle scale, tracking alignment Guage. Do it right. Take the time. Then sit back, play your albums and just enjoy. I'm all about the music. You won't be sorry. Crutchfield is the best.
james  Apr 17, 2023
A
To be honest I had the same question about my vintage Duel 1229Q. When my last spare Sure V15 type 3 cartridge right Chanel failed and being old school I did my research to refurbish. It can be done but decided to move on then refurbish later. I'm purchased a Duel 618Q from Crutchfield and very happy with it and it didn't break the bank.
david  Apr 17, 2023
A
I am not sure, will depend of how much effort and money you want to put in a 1970s electronics. But as I have restored many 1970s receivers and some other stuff like that I was thinking in buying an old TT and restore, however I decided to get the new 618Q and I can't be more happier. is a great TT with excellent balance of components, very low noise coming out of the motor and the arm is a solid high quality piece. Not to mention that it comes with a 200+ stylus .
omar  Apr 17, 2023
A
I would up date to CS 618Q it has all the bell's an whistles you want in my opinion plus it is direct drive it is an AWESOME TURNTABLE!!!!
jon  Apr 17, 2023
A
I think it will largely depend on the cost to refurbish it and the shape it's in. A lot of the vintage turntables still produce great sound.
brooke  Apr 17, 2023 (Staff)
Q
does this have adjustable feet for leveling the turntable?
richard  Mar 19, 2025
1 answer
A
It does not and will need to be placed on furniture that has adjustable feet so you can make all the gear level
jason  Mar 19, 2025 (Staff)
Q
Can you replace the stylus without having to buy another cartridge?
gonzo  Jan 24, 2024
1 answer
A
The Ortofon "Stylus 2M Blue" may be purchased separately to replace a damage or worn stylus. Unfortunately, we do not carry this item.
zachary  Jan 25, 2024 (Staff)
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Dual CS618 Black
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