Description
About the DUAL CS 618Q Manual HiFi Turntable
At Rapallo, the DUAL CS 618Q Manual HiFi Turntable is one of the most compelling turntables for customers wanting the performance of a premium direct-drive deck combined with the musical warmth of vinyl.
The quartz-regulated motor delivers excellent speed accuracy, while the twin-gimbal tonearm and Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge reveal impressive detail and soundstage depth.
What we particularly like is the balance between precision engineering and everyday usability. The CS 618Q offers manual control for purist listening but adds thoughtful features like auto-lift and a built-in phono stage, making it easy to integrate into modern Hi-Fi systems.
Designed for serious music lovers, the CS 618Q blends audiophile performance with thoughtful convenience features like auto tonearm lift and motor stop at the end of a record, helping protect your stylus and records while maintaining a traditional manual listening experience.
View Owners Manual >> View Product Brochure >> View DUAL Products >>
Frequently Asked Questions
- What cartridge comes with the Dual CS 618Q?
The turntable comes factory-fitted with the Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge, known for its detailed and balanced sound. - Is the Dual CS 618Q a manual or automatic turntable?
The CS 618Q is a manual turntable, meaning you manually place and return the tonearm. However, it includes an auto-lift and stop function at the end of a record to protect the stylus. - Does the CS 618Q include a built-in phono preamp?
Yes. The turntable includes a switchable built-in phono stage, allowing it to connect directly to standard line inputs or dedicated phono inputs. - What record speeds does the Dual CS 618Q support?
The turntable supports 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM records, making it compatible with both modern LPs and older records. - Can the cartridge be upgraded on the Dual CS 618Q?
Yes. The removable headshell allows easy cartridge upgrades if you wish to experiment with other moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridges. - Is the Dual CS 618Q a good turntable for serious vinyl listeners?
Yes. With its quartz-stabilised direct-drive motor, precision tonearm and Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, the Dual CS 618Q delivers excellent speed stability and detailed analogue sound. It is widely considered a strong choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking for a high-performance Hi-Fi turntable.
What the Experts Say
- What Hi-Fi? Reviewers praised the CS 618Q for its stable, clear and balanced sound performance, noting its strong build quality and useful convenience features.
- SoundStage Access – they highlighted the combination of direct-drive precision and the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, which together deliver impressive analogue performance.
- “Dual’s latest CS-618Q is a polished performer, with a characteristically smooth and unbiased sound. Its speed stability is exemplary, and the build quality is what you would expect at this price point…” View StereoNet Review >>
- “What Dual is supremely good at though is delivering a consistently engaging take on a wide spread of musical styles, all encased in a turntable that feels like it will last a very long time indeed. This all round ability and day to day user friendliness is likely win Dual a whole new generation of enthusiastic converts and it is well auditioning…..” View What Hi-Fi+ Review >>
Features
Ideal For
- Premium vinyl listening systems
- Two-channel Hi-Fi setups
- Audiophiles wanting direct-drive precision
Quartz-Stabilised Direct Drive
The CS 618Q uses a precision quartz-regulated direct-drive motor, providing extremely stable platter speed with minimal vibration and noise.
Premium Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge
The turntable comes factory-fitted with the Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge, known for its detailed, dynamic and balanced sound signature.
Twin-Gimbal Precision Tonearm
A statically balanced aluminium tonearm mounted on precision bearings ensures excellent tracking accuracy and improved detail retrieval.
Semi-Automatic Convenience
The auto-stop and tonearm lift function automatically raises the arm at the end of the record, protecting the stylus and vinyl.
Built-In Switchable Phono Stage
A built-in phono preamp allows direct connection to line-level inputs, while also allowing bypass for use with an external phono stage.
Three Speed Playback
Supports 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM records, giving flexibility for modern LPs and vintage records alike.
Specifications
Brand: Dual
Model: CS 618Q
Product Type: Manual HiFi Turntable
Drive System: Quartz-stabilised direct drive
Operation: Manual with auto tonearm lift / stop
Speeds:
- 33⅓ RPM
- 45 RPM
- 78 RPM
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Blue MM cartridge
Phono Stage: Built-in switchable phono preamp
Platter: Die-cast aluminium platter with rubber mat
Tonearm: Aluminium twin-gimbal precision tonearm
Wow & Flutter: < ±0.07% (DIN)
Dimensions: approx. 435 × 145 × 367 mm
Weight: approx. 7 kg
MPN: CS618Q
SKU: Dual-CS618Q
EAN / UPC / GTIN: 4260136676356
Why Buy From Rapallo
✔ New Zealand Hi-Fi specialists since 2005
✔ Authorised Dual dealer with genuine products and full manufacturer warranty
✔ Expert advice on turntable setup and system matching
✔ Free NZ shipping on orders over $299





















