Dual CS 418 Turntable
Vinyl should feel easy to start and rewarding when the music begins.
When a Simple Turntable Still Needs to Sound Proper
Many starter turntables make vinyl convenient, but they can also make the record sound smaller than it should. The music has charm, yet the bass can soften, the image can flatten, and the whole setup can feel more like a gadget than a source component.
The better approach is a turntable that keeps the first step simple without treating the record casually. The arm, platter, cartridge, and phono stage still matter, even when the goal is an easy first system.
Built for a Cleaner First Step Into Vinyl
We chose the Dual CS 418 because it gives a vinyl system the right foundation without asking for a complicated setup. The Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and switchable MM phono preamp make it ready to connect, while the MDF plinth, die-cast platter, and adjustable tonearm keep it closer to a true hi-fi turntable than a basic record player.
What the Specs Won't Tell You
It Makes Setup Less Intimidating
The built-in phono preamp means the CS 418 can connect to a line input or a dedicated phono input. That flexibility makes it easier to build a clean system now and improve the electronics later.
It Lets the Record Keep Its Shape
The 850 g die-cast aluminium platter, rubber mat, and MDF plinth help reduce the small vibrations that make bass feel soft and timing feel vague. You hear a more stable centre image and a record that feels more composed from beginning to end.
It Gives the Cartridge a Proper Platform
The statically balanced aluminium tonearm has adjustable tracking force and anti-skating. That matters because the Ortofon 2M Red can only do its job when the groove is being traced with the right pressure and control.
The Audio Two Verdict
The CS 418 makes sense when you want vinyl to be simple without making the system feel disposable. It is a good fit for a first serious turntable, a second system, or a compact music setup where the record player still needs to sound like part of a proper hi-fi chain.
| What You Hear | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| Records sound steadier and more focused | MDF plinth, elastomer feet, and 850 g die-cast aluminium platter |
| Easy connection to more systems | Switchable MM phono preamp with phono and line-level output |
| Cleaner tracking than a fixed-entry design | Adjustable statically balanced tonearm with anti-skating |
| Useful for older record collections | 33, 45, and 78 rpm speed support |
Technical Highlights
- Belt-drive turntable with 33, 45, and 78 rpm speeds
- Factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
- Switchable MM phono preamp for phono or line-level connection
- 850 g die-cast aluminium platter with 2.5 mm rubber mat
- Straight statically balanced aluminium tonearm
- Solid MDF plinth with elastomer feet
- 435 x 367 x 145 mm with dust cover closed; 5.8 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.