Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic Turntable
A turntable can make vinyl easier without making the system feel basic.
When Manual Cueing Gets in the Way
Not everyone wants the ritual of lowering the tonearm every time a record plays. That does not mean the system should be reduced to a throwaway record player with a lightweight arm and a noisy platform.
The better answer is proper automatic operation built into a real hi-fi turntable. The record should be easy to start, but the sound still needs weight, clarity, and stable timing.
Automatic Playback With Hi-Fi Bones
We chose the Dual CS 429 because it brings full automatic operation to a turntable that still uses an adjustable tonearm, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, MDF plinth, and switchable MM phono stage. It gives vinyl a more relaxed daily routine without giving up the basics that make records sound right.
What the Specs Won't Tell You
It Makes Records Easier to Enjoy Often
Press start and the tonearm lifts, moves, and lowers automatically. That makes the CS 429 especially useful in a shared music area where vinyl should feel welcoming, not delicate or intimidating.
It Still Treats the Cartridge Seriously
The statically balanced aluminium tonearm is adjustable for tracking force and anti-skating. That gives the Ortofon 2M Red a better chance to track cleanly than a fixed plug-and-play arm.
It Connects Without Forcing an Amplifier Choice
The switchable MM phono preamp lets the CS 429 work with a line input today or a dedicated phono input later. That keeps the system simple without locking you into one setup.
The Audio Two Verdict
The CS 429 is the Dual turntable we would choose when ease of use matters as much as sound quality. It is a strong fit for a living space, office, or main music system where records should be played often and confidently.
| What You Hear | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| Vinyl feels easier to use day to day | Fully automatic tonearm start, lift, movement, and stop |
| Records sound more stable than a basic automatic | MDF plinth, elastomer feet, and optical speed control |
| The cartridge tracks with better control | Adjustable statically balanced aluminium tonearm |
| The system stays easy to connect | Switchable MM phono preamp for phono or line input |
Technical Highlights
- Fully automatic belt-drive turntable
- 33, 45, and 78 rpm speed support
- Factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
- Switchable MM phono preamp
- 850 g die-cast aluminium platter with 2.5 mm rubber mat
- Straight statically balanced aluminium tonearm
- 435 x 367 x 145 mm with dust cover closed; 6.6 kg
Why Choose Audio Two
Audio Two ships across Canada. If you don't have access to a proper high-end dealer in your city, this is your way in — real expertise from people who've heard the system, matched the electronics, and can guide you through a decision this size.