- Is the Dual CS 618Q worth it over a belt-drive turntable?
- It offers direct-drive speed stability, a built-in phono stage and auto lift in one package. Belt-drive rivals often need a separate preamp and more setup, so it depends on whether you value convenience and quartz speed control.
- Does it need a phono preamp?
- No. A phono preamp is built in, and it outputs both phono and line level over RCA, so it can go straight into an amp or powered speakers.
- What cartridge comes with it?
- An Ortofon 2M Blue is pre-mounted and aligned. That is a step above the entry-level styli usually bundled with turntables in this class.
- Can it play 78 rpm records?
- 78 rpm is listed among its speeds, but the supplied 2M Blue stylus is intended for 33 and 45 rpm microgroove records. You would need a suitable 78 stylus for shellac.
- Does it have USB or Bluetooth?
- No. There is no USB recording output and no wireless streaming, so digitising or streaming needs an external interface.
- What speeds and operation does it offer?
- It plays 33 and 45 rpm, with 78 rpm listed, and is manual apart from the automatic tonearm lift and auto-stop.
- Where is the Dual CS 618Q Direct Drive Turntable cheapest?
- At Audio Advisor, for $1,198.37, 25% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
- What do buyers say about the Dual CS 618Q Direct Drive Turntable?
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 88 ratings.
- Where can I buy the Dual CS 618Q Direct Drive Turntable?
- 6 stores we checked sell it, including Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Audio Advisor, Crutchfield, bhphotovideo.com.
