Dual CS 529 in the test: comfort and sound combined – fully automatic for vinyl fans

Analogue revival or not: after the comeback of record players, they are playing previously ubiquitous fully automatic machines hardly any role anymore. The reasons may be varied: the expensive mechanics, for example. For the magic hand that guides the tone arm over the inlet groove on the selected side of the record at the push of a button, lowers it there precisely and at the end, after reaching the outlet groove, reliably lifts it up again and returns it to the starting position.

High-enders have always and still turn up their noses at the added convenience, which in their opinion swallows up investments that would be better spent on sound-enhancing measures. And “with all senses” synesthetes lament the loss “analog” feelwhen the inclined user no longer has to handle the tonearm and lift themselves. Arguments that are faced, heard and touched Dual CS 529 almost dissolve.

the CS 529 offers that for 1,000 euros Complete packageall around carefree too. On the one hand, it serves nostalgic feelings because it brings back – with further models – a traditional German brand like no other.

In the 1960s and 70s, dual was almost synonymous with affordable turntables made in Germany – and countless model variants did their job automatically. In music chests, compact systems and hi-fi towers that were in vogue at the time.

Then the CS 529 (the abbreviation CS already stood for high quality at the time) looks really chic. The stable MDF frame Arouses trust even in the standard black veneer – you can get it for around 100 euros extra As before, CS 529 also has a walnut finish acquire.

The rubber mat reinforced, which weighs around 850 grams, also works Die-cast aluminum turntable and the four-bearing tonearm with its headshell, which can be screwed on using a union nut, is anything but cheap.

Great comfort

For those who are impatient, the quick test shows that the automatic system works immediately and flawlesslythanks to separate selection of diameter and number of revolutions, singles with 33 1/3 and maxis with 45 revolutions can also be played. Even 78 rpm is available.

But the Dual CS 529 tops the great comfort feature of the fully automatic system: with a free appwhich can easily be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet. And then not just start or stop, but also repetitions per Bluetooth commands.

Speaking of Bluetooth: If you like, you can also connect to active speakers or suitably equipped amplifiers with wireless technology aptX HD produce. Everything works without any frills. Only the digitalization of records, which is also popular today, via one USB output the dual does not offer this. But it doesn’t matter.

Fine technology

Because on the analogue side, looking inside is also a lot of fun. The speed is controlled by opto-electronics using a kind of stroboscope. Various rubber buffers decouple the platter and tonearm from the chassis. In this way, engine noises or impact noise are effectively prevented from reaching the pickup needle.

A good old friend is installed as standard as a pickup: ThisOrtofon 2M Red is a scanner that has been tried and tested thousands of times based on the moving magnet (MM) principle. The Dual also offers him a so-called Equalizer preamp with on.

Records are made with a large bass cut to save space and a large treble boost to drown out the surface noise. This frequency response distortion must be undone. And beyond that, the weak signal from the pickups is raised to the level of CD players, for example, called Line. Many modern amplifiers no longer offer the “phono” input.

No problem with the CS 529. Because its built-in phono stage is not bad – it easily leaves most Alibi MM preamps behind. And it can easily keep up with most phono inputs on mid-range integrated amplifiers.

This became apparent when we selected the player MM phono or high level input a capital integrated amplifier like a Luxman L-505Z (test in AUDIO+stereoplay 10/24) operated. A huge compliment to Dual – because the company offers many analogue newcomers or returnees a serious problem solution. In addition to a record player, which, like its cartridge, also performed very well in the measurement laboratory (see below).

Of course, buyers still have to solve a “problem” themselves. Like every turntable, the Dual CS 529 belongs in the water. This has nothing to do with drowning, but rather means the exact horizontal alignment. If in doubt, scraps of paper or cardboard can help bring the air bubble of a one- or two-dimensional spirit level into the middle position.

Then plug in the somewhat puny accessory cable (a well-intentioned dealer might offer a better one) and off you go.

Convincing sound

Spirited, gripping and with a lot of sense of rhythm: The fully automatic machine also convinced the members of the hearing jury, who were less interested in the comfort than in the sound of the CS 529. Apparently the managing director of the new Dual Deutschland GmbH, the old Dual driver Dr. Josef Zellner, issued the maxim to build on the old glorious times with a good tone. Where some inexpensive analog players lack emotional involvement in the music with a slightly sticky sound, the Dual got down to business with a lot of feeling. Not just with strong voices.

Jethro-Tull-Boss Ian Anderson in 1995 with “Divinities“presented a magnificent instrumental solo album (AUDIO+stereoplay issue 11/2024 page 90). Crossover in the best sense. And with the magnificent, eight-minute “In The Times Of India“set a gripping conclusion. The CS 529 showcased this with an intensity that was massively surprising for its price range. The plucking Indian percussion, the jubilant flute, the massive orchestra – everything penetrated the hearing center with plenty of power.

It’s quite amazing that the Dual can deliver this intensity with its own phono pre to a high-level input of the outstanding Soulution 331 ( AUDIO+stereoplay issue 11/2024 Page 40) connected, could amplify. With it, vinyl beginners and those returning to vinyl have an analogue source that increases as the system is expanded. He even built the high-reaching sound cathedral of a Bruckner symphony with convincing dynamic differentiation.

Notes from the measurement laboratory

The drive produces an inconspicuous running noise without any mains or motor hum. In red the audio spectrum with a record, in blue with a measuring coupler. Yellow and green show the spectrum over the outer and inner grooves, while black shows the ambient noise.

The evaluated signal-to-noise ratio reaches a very good 73 dB with plate and 79 dB with coupler. Very good synchronization (0.09% IEC386, 2-sigma). Like the many previously tested 2M Reds, the pre-assembled system showed high channel separation (39/31 dB LR/RL) and a clean frequency response without and with a switchable RIAA amplifier (35 dB gain).

Dual CS 529: Fazit

With the CS 529, Dual has one more convincing bridging between tradition and modernity, between comfort and sound. Pick out your favorite LP, put it on, sit down. The listening pleasure then comes fully automatically.