German Engineering Meets Modern Convenience - Premium Demo Unit with Ortofon 2M Red

YOUR GATEWAY TO GERMAN ANALOG EXCELLENCE

* Brand/Model/Finish: Dual CS 518 Manual Turntable in Piano Black with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
* Condition: Mint condition demonstration unit with less than 10 hours stylus use
* Design: Premium manual belt-drive turntable with built-in phono preamplifier
* Tonearm: Precision twin gimbal bearing system for exceptional tracking accuracy
* What's Included: Complete original packaging, factory carton with inserts, accessories, manual, removable dust cover

PRECISION ENGINEERING THAT MATTERS TO YOUR MUSIC

* Drive System: Low-noise synchronous AC motor with precision-ground belt drive
* Tonearm Design: Twin gimbal bearing tonearm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skating
* Cartridge: Factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge (MSRP $99)
* Phono Preamp: Built-in switchable MM phono preamplifier for direct connection to any line input
* Platter: Heavy non-resonant platter with premium felt mat for optimal damping
* Speed Control: Electronic 33⅓ and 45 RPM speed selection with fine pitch adjustment
* Wow & Flutter: Less than 0.10% WRMS
* Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 67dB
* Effective Tonearm Length: 221.5mm

A CENTURY OF BLACK FOREST TURNTABLE MASTERY

For over a century, Dual has represented the pinnacle of German turntable engineering. The St. Georgen facility in the Black Forest, where Dual turntables have been crafted since 1927, maintains the same commitment to precision that made models like the 1219 and 1229 legends among audiophiles. The CS 518 carries forward that DNA with contemporary refinements that make exceptional analog playback accessible to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to vinyl.

LIKE-NEW PERFORMANCE AT DEMO PRICING

This demonstration unit offers reference-quality German engineering at a fraction of retail cost. With less than 10 hours on the Ortofon stylus, you're essentially getting a new cartridge with 1,950+ hours of life remaining. The turntable mechanism shows zero wear, the dust cover is crystal clear without scratches, and every original accessory remains untouched. Professional inspection confirms perfect speed stability and tonearm geometry. The factory packaging has been meticulously preserved with all foam inserts, documentation, and even the alignment protractor still sealed.

THE TWIN GIMBAL ADVANTAGE AUDIOPHILES SEEK

The CS 518's twin gimbal bearing tonearm represents a significant engineering achievement at this price point. Unlike basic pivot designs, the gimbal system provides separate horizontal and vertical bearings, ensuring consistent tracking force across the entire record surface. This translates to superior channel separation, reduced tracking error, and extended record life. The gimbal bearings utilize precision ball races with tolerances measured in microns, eliminating the play and chatter common in lesser designs. Internal wiring uses high-purity copper in a low-capacitance configuration, preserving the delicate phono signal from cartridge to outputs.

ORTOFON 2M RED - THE CARTRIDGE THAT REVEALS HIDDEN DETAILS

The factory-paired Ortofon 2M Red features an improved engine design with split pole pins for reduced eddy currents and superior channel separation. Its nude elliptical diamond tracks high-frequency passages that spherical styli miss, revealing inner detail while treating your records gently. The 2M Red's 5.5mV output and moderate 1.8g tracking force perfectly match the CS 518's tonearm mass and built-in phono stage. With proper care, the elliptical stylus provides 2,000 hours of pristine playback.

SPEED STABILITY THAT PRESERVES MUSICAL TIMING

The synchronous AC motor operates with Swiss-watch precision, maintaining exact speed regardless of voltage fluctuations. Electronic speed switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM eliminates manual belt position changes, while fine pitch control (+/- 10%) accommodates off-speed recordings. The motor mounting employs sophisticated suspension that isolates vibrations from the plinth and platter. The precision-ground belt provides consistent torque transmission without the speed variations inherent in stretched or worn belts.

CONNECT TO ANY SYSTEM WITH CONFIDENCE

The switchable phono preamplifier eliminates the need for a separate phono stage, allowing direct connection to any amplifier or powered speakers. When bypassed, the pure phono signal feeds your existing high-end phono preamplifier. This flexibility makes the CS 518 equally at home in starter systems or as a second turntable in reference setups. The phono stage circuit employs premium operational amplifiers with RIAA accuracy within 0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.

HEAR WHAT YOU'VE BEEN MISSING IN YOUR COLLECTION

The CS 518 with Ortofon 2M Red delivers a presentation that balances analytical precision with musical engagement. Bass response extends deep with excellent pitch definition - acoustic bass lines maintain their melodic character rather than blurring into rhythmic accompaniment. Midrange transparency allows vocals to project with natural presence. High frequencies sparkle without brightness, capturing cymbal shimmer and violin harmonics with realistic metallic sheen. The gimbal tonearm's superior tracking extracts impressive detail from inner grooves where lesser arms struggle.

WHY CHOOSE THE DUAL

At the $999 retail price point, the CS 518 distinguishes itself through German engineering heritage, the sophisticated gimbal tonearm, and built-in phono stage flexibility. The included Ortofon 2M Red alone represents $99 value, while comparable turntables often include basic conical styli. Electronic speed control and fine pitch adjustment surpass the manual belt-moving designs common at this price. Build quality reflects Dual's century of experience - this isn't a first-generation design from a startup brand.

SEVEN REASONS THIS DEMO UNIT BEATS BUYING NEW

* Like-New Performance: Less than 10 hours means 98% of cartridge life remaining
* Complete Package: Every original component, manual, and packing material included
* Professional Verification: Speed accuracy and tonearm alignment confirmed perfect
* Significant Savings: Premium German engineering at a fraction of $999 retail
* Immediate Enjoyment: Professionally repacked and ready to ship in original packaging
* 5-Year Factory Warranty on turntable; 1-year warranty on Ortofon cartridge
* Zero Break-In Required: Motor bearings and belt already settled for optimal performance

YOUR INVESTMENT IN DECADES OF MUSICAL ENJOYMENT

This mint demo Dual CS 518 delivers everything that makes vinyl special: German mechanical precision, the musical Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, and the convenience of built-in phono amplification. With essentially full cartridge life remaining and perfect mechanical condition, you're getting flagship performance at a demo price. The combination of sophisticated engineering, thoughtful features, and pristine condition makes this an exceptional opportunity for anyone serious about analog playback.