Man your audio videos may not get a lot of views but they are my favorite when its comes the subject of phonograph audio reproduction. A wealth of knowledge. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Glad to find your videos on the Dual 618q. I've been wanting a higher-end turntable to upgrade to and have had my eyes on this one for awhile. My requirements are a non-glossy finish, higher-end cart like the blue and auto-lift. The only way to get this would be to grab the Technics 1500c, but then I'd still have to upgrade the cart. Glad to see you had a good experience with Hi-Fi Heaven as they seem to be the only ones that have them in stock. I may pull the trigger this week. Thanks!
I had considered the CS618Q this year when I upgraded, but went with a TEAC TN-5BB instead. It cost more but had some additional features I really wanted such as adjustable VTA and balanced in/outs. But I'm sure I would be perfectly happy with the Dual also, especially with the deal you got on yours.
@Joe Collins, I was reading up on these as I have been a Dual fan since the 1970s. From what I understand, these and all new Dual turntables are with the exception of the Primus Maximus are DESIGNED in Germany and Made in Taiwan.
It's very simple the CS type turntables are made in Germany and the DT series of cheaper turntables are made in China and Dual Germanymakes no secret of it. Indeed headshells are the same , I also have both and own a Dual automatic DT 400 player who is made also in a version for AT, for Denon etc. with some slight differences , with made in China on it but have the same automatic parts who is in fact an old Dual system made now in China, headshells are the same for that nearly the same DT 400 some with extra holes, different color but AT/Denon/Dual etc.for the DT en CS series are the same and are interchangeble.
I agree that the dual companies all have some links to Hanpin these days. That's not a bad thing, they perform very well for their cost. I can't hear any noise on my Technics SL-2000 either. No built in pre-amp though.- But there's some 50 Hz noise. Don't think that can be avoided totally
Indeed there are many rather decent tables out there that don't break the bank. As for your 50Hz noise, if you are not using an internal preamp cable quality is critical. You have to make sure it's fully shielded. Cable good enough to prevent hum will make the bean counters lift a brow. If you're using the internal preamp (you said you're not but for others)and still getting 50Hz encroachment then ditch the internal one and get an outboard phono preamp. Just don't fall for the $29.95 cheapie. They sound like what you pay for even if they don't hum.
Was wondering if you upgraded the cables that came with the turntable? I have the CS618Q and curious to know if it would make a difference doing the upgrade.
Nice table! Please do a video update on best cartridges and styli for 33 rpm LPs, 45 rpm LPs and singles and 78 rpm shellac records. I enjoy your detailed explanations of the issues involved in record play back.
I think some parts made in Germany for example the tonearm pivot assembly and some parts made in china for example the tonearm tube.... Despite that it's a nice turntable but i consider it a bit pricey ✌️
You can tell if the head shell will work by knowing the length of arm from pivot to overhang. It does say universal on the audio techniques I don't think there be any issues swapping them out. the only other place it could be made is in Europe would be the Czech Republic, the name slips me, they make tables for multiple brands I know they have made dual in the past. You want to check out the audio technique AT-VM95ml microline nude styli $150. Look at classic audio -spartan 5 $150, or look at the spartan 10 second hand, should be about the same price, got replaced by the 15. You can't go wrong with his phono stages spectacular hand built and parts are matched and very accurate RIAA, got the pro and it's a game changer don't think I'll be buying anymore phono stages better than the one I've got that cost 3 times the price. Phono stages are under realised it's the most important part of the chain. Make sure your wire is correct don't go buy manufactures specifications in capacitance, this can be way out, if you keep it to 1/2 to a 3/4 of a metre you'll be better off just to phono stage that is. That Staton could work well in a wooden body I like putting cartridges in a wooden bodie's, it's a Pickering isn't it what is that the 500, X2 I think??
@@jedi-mic Dual is using Hanpin parts just like a lot of other TT makers these days. The AT HS3 headshell is exactly the same geometry as the one that came with this CS 618Q. :)
Interesting that you noted the stark realities of matching the cartridge to the tone armm. The online brochure doesn't say much about what the arm itself is made of except a vague reference to aluminium. So what do you look for in a tonearm to estimate what characteristics you need in a cartridge or vise versa? Some arms are carbon fiber and I'm wondering how in your opinion or experience that changes your cartridge selection process vs an aluminium arm? I also have some radio related questions that I will post in a separate comment. Thanks.
The copy written for most audio related web pages and manuals today is very dumbed down. Useless. The arm is made from an aluminum tube and it's very well constructed with tight bearings and it feels good in the hand. The main ting to consider is mass when marrying a cart to a cartridge and that works with the compliance of the cantilever. That sort of mathematic voodoo is a bit over my head. I have had two carbon fiber arms and they are dark and brooding compared to an aluminum shaft. I haven't really listened long enough on this table to zero in it's characteristics but it appears to be just about free of unwanted resonance. That indicates a good match to the 2M, as I suspected. :)
Matching arm/cartridge effective mass and cartridge compliance was more of a concern 40+ years ago when manufacturers were chasing ultra low effective mass and low tracking forces with high compliance cartridges. These days manufacturers of mass market arms and cartridges have settled in on arm effective mass in the 9-12 gram range, cartridge mass in the 6-9 gram range, and compliance figures of around 15-20, making compatibility less hit and miss than it was in the late 70s when we had cartridges with 40 Cu compliance, and arms with 5 gram effective mass arms. Of course, even today, there are plenty of exceptions to these norms that need to be accounted for.
note any model that starts with cs is made in germany the other i think ds is china it looks like an imitation thechnics the othe dual is from korea the make audio eqiupment but I do not think TT's
Man your audio videos may not get a lot of views but they are my favorite when its comes the subject of phonograph audio reproduction. A wealth of knowledge. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Thank you for the very kind words. :)
Was watching your oldest videos on Turntables, glad you're still making videos on that.
Nice. I am happy that you have a follow-up video!🎉
Glad to find your videos on the Dual 618q. I've been wanting a higher-end turntable to upgrade to and have had my eyes on this one for awhile. My requirements are a non-glossy finish, higher-end cart like the blue and auto-lift. The only way to get this would be to grab the Technics 1500c, but then I'd still have to upgrade the cart. Glad to see you had a good experience with Hi-Fi Heaven as they seem to be the only ones that have them in stock. I may pull the trigger this week. Thanks!
Update: I bought this a few weeks ago and am loving it! Very nice turntable.
I had considered the CS618Q this year when I upgraded, but went with a TEAC TN-5BB instead. It cost more but had some additional features I really wanted such as adjustable VTA and balanced in/outs. But I'm sure I would be perfectly happy with the Dual also, especially with the deal you got on yours.
@Joe Collins, I was reading up on these as I have been a Dual fan since the 1970s. From what I understand, these and all new Dual turntables are with the exception of the Primus Maximus are DESIGNED in Germany and Made in Taiwan.
It's very simple the CS type turntables are made in Germany and the DT series of cheaper turntables are made in China and Dual Germanymakes no secret of it. Indeed headshells are the same , I also have both and own a Dual automatic DT 400 player who is made also in a version for AT, for Denon etc. with some slight differences , with made in China on it but have the same automatic parts who is in fact an old Dual system made now in China, headshells are the same for that nearly the same DT 400 some with extra holes, different color but AT/Denon/Dual etc.for the DT en CS series are the same and are interchangeble.
I agree that the dual companies all have some links to Hanpin these days. That's not a bad thing, they perform very well for their cost.
I can't hear any noise on my Technics SL-2000 either. No built in pre-amp though.- But there's some 50 Hz noise. Don't think that can be avoided totally
Indeed there are many rather decent tables out there that don't break the bank. As for your 50Hz noise, if you are not using an internal preamp cable quality is critical. You have to make sure it's fully shielded. Cable good enough to prevent hum will make the bean counters lift a brow. If you're using the internal preamp (you said you're not but for others)and still getting 50Hz encroachment then ditch the internal one and get an outboard phono preamp. Just don't fall for the $29.95 cheapie. They sound like what you pay for even if they don't hum.
Was wondering if you upgraded the cables that came with the turntable? I have the CS618Q and curious to know if it would make a difference doing the upgrade.
I really like these, I am thinking this will be my future table when i move from the RT85 i have. Is it alot better then the Fluance?
Dumb question, Joe--
Do you leave your turntable on the floor, or do you take it out of a cabinet for easy filming/viewing?
It is on a stand on the bottom shelf. It's the most stable place for a turntable in this room. .. Plus, it makes it easy to take videos. :)
I have a Dual CS 5000, which I haven't used for ages as all my music is digitized into either 320kbps/VBR MP3 or lossless FLAC.
That's no fun. LOL
@@EzeeLinux Maybe, but it's practical/convenient as I can access my music from anywhere or upload into my smartphone.
Nice table!
Please do a video update on best cartridges and styli for 33 rpm LPs, 45 rpm LPs and singles and 78 rpm shellac records.
I enjoy your detailed explanations of the issues involved in record play back.
I think some parts made in Germany for example the tonearm pivot assembly and some parts made in china for example the tonearm tube....
Despite that it's a nice turntable but i consider it a bit pricey ✌️
👍👍👍👍
You can tell if the head shell will work by knowing the length of arm from pivot to overhang. It does say universal on the audio techniques I don't think there be any issues swapping them out.
the only other place it could be made is in Europe would be the Czech Republic, the name slips me, they make tables for multiple brands I know they have made dual in the past.
You want to check out the audio technique AT-VM95ml microline nude styli $150.
Look at classic audio -spartan 5 $150, or look at the spartan 10 second hand, should be about the same price, got replaced by the 15. You can't go wrong with his phono stages spectacular hand built and parts are matched and very accurate RIAA, got the pro and it's a game changer don't think I'll be buying anymore phono stages better than the one I've got that cost 3 times the price.
Phono stages are under realised it's the most important part of the chain. Make sure your wire is correct don't go buy manufactures specifications in capacitance, this can be way out, if you keep it to 1/2 to a 3/4 of a metre you'll be better off just to phono stage that is. That Staton could work well in a wooden body I like putting cartridges in a wooden bodie's, it's a Pickering isn't it what is that the 500, X2 I think??
The AT headshell works perfectly... I mounted my Stanton 680 on it and it's amazing. :)
It's not the same as the original dual headshell, what's the difference between the two? @@EzeeLinux
@@jedi-mic Dual is using Hanpin parts just like a lot of other TT makers these days. The AT HS3 headshell is exactly the same geometry as the one that came with this CS 618Q. :)
Yeah the headshell did look the same but why is it better than the original then? is it a different material and if so what is it?@@EzeeLinux
It's cheaper and more easily obtained then the one Dual sells on their web page.@@jedi-mic
Interesting that you noted the stark realities of matching the cartridge to the tone armm. The online brochure doesn't say much about what the arm itself is made of except a vague reference to aluminium. So what do you look for in a tonearm to estimate what characteristics you need in a cartridge or vise versa? Some arms are carbon fiber and I'm wondering how in your opinion or experience that changes your cartridge selection process vs an aluminium arm?
I also have some radio related questions that I will post in a separate comment. Thanks.
The copy written for most audio related web pages and manuals today is very dumbed down. Useless. The arm is made from an aluminum tube and it's very well constructed with tight bearings and it feels good in the hand. The main ting to consider is mass when marrying a cart to a cartridge and that works with the compliance of the cantilever. That sort of mathematic voodoo is a bit over my head. I have had two carbon fiber arms and they are dark and brooding compared to an aluminum shaft. I haven't really listened long enough on this table to zero in it's characteristics but it appears to be just about free of unwanted resonance. That indicates a good match to the 2M, as I suspected. :)
Matching arm/cartridge effective mass and cartridge compliance was more of a concern 40+ years ago when manufacturers were chasing ultra low effective mass and low tracking forces with high compliance cartridges. These days manufacturers of mass market arms and cartridges have settled in on arm effective mass in the 9-12 gram range, cartridge mass in the 6-9 gram range, and compliance figures of around 15-20, making compatibility less hit and miss than it was in the late 70s when we had cartridges with 40 Cu compliance, and arms with 5 gram effective mass arms. Of course, even today, there are plenty of exceptions to these norms that need to be accounted for.
note any model that starts with cs is made in germany the other i think ds is china it looks like an imitation thechnics the othe dual is from korea the make audio eqiupment but I do not think TT's
👍
Am still jealous.