Dual CS 518

This Dual is easy to use, has a built-in phono stage and sounds great

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It is tempting to start this review reminiscing about the 1980s when Dual dominated the budget turntable market; but we're not going to do that. Instead, let's go back a few months to our review of the company's new affordable model, the CS 418. Given Dual's lack of impact in the decades since its heyday, this deck was something of a surprise, being a terrific performer for the money (£499). Could the pricier, but closely related, Dual CS 518 build on these solid foundations, we wondered?

Given a little extra budget, Dual's engineers decided the best way of improving on its entry-level turntable was to change the arm to a more sophisticated twin-gimbal bearing design. This new arm promises improved performance as well as greater compatibility with more ambitious cartridge designs than the pre-fitted Ortofon 2M Red. This well-regarded Ortofon moving magnet is a standard fit on the cheaper deck too. Tonearm apart, the CS 518 is much the same as its junior sibling and that's no bad thing.

Solid and well-finished

Its MDF plinth is a pretty solid affair and nicely finished in black vinyl. At this price level, this Dual comes up against rivals such as the new Pro-Ject Debut Evo and Rega Planar 2/Nd, 3 both £599. It can't quite match them for aesthetic appeal, but then again, the CS 518 includes a phono stage that can be switched in and out of circuit depending on your system and needs. This is potentially really useful, considering many price compatible amplifiers don't include such a circuit.

The tonearm certainly looks and feels better than the one used in the CS 418, though it still falls short of the well-engineered slickness of those found on the Pro-Ject or even more impressive Rega Planar 3. Practicality is a positive though, as it has a detachable headshell, which makes swapping cartridges simple.