Dual CS 429
Dual belt-driven turntable, three speeds (33, 45 and 78 rpm), suspended tonearm and Ortofon 2M Red cartridge fitted as standard. For simple, well-crafted analogue listening.
Description
The CS 429 is a belt-driven turntable from Dual, designed to be used straight out of the box thanks to an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge already fitted to the tonearm. Its distinguishing feature is its ability to accommodate three rotation speeds, 33, 45 and 78 rpm, which opens it up not only to modern LPs and 45s, but also to old 78 rpm records, a format that many contemporary turntables overlook.
The design is built around an MDF chassis finished in wood, with a die-cast aluminium platter 305 mm in diameter, weighing 850 g including its 2.5 mm rubber mat. This rotating mass, combined with a hardened steel bearing housed in a brass sleeve, contributes to rotational stability: the stated fluctuation is below ±0.1% (DIN weighted measurement), a speed deviation too small to be perceived as pitch instability on a piano or a sustained voice.
The tonearm, fully suspended and statically balanced, has an effective length of 221.5 mm, an offset angle of 25.6° and an overhang of 19 mm. Tracking force is adjustable from 0 to 4 g, and the tonearm accepts cartridges with a mass of between 5 g and 9 g: this range leaves the door open to later replacing the 2M Red with another cartridge, provided these weight limits are respected.
This model suits the listener who wants a complete analogue source, ready to connect, without having to choose or align a cartridge. Its dimensions with the lid closed (435 × 367 × 145 mm) and its weight of 5.8 kg call for a stable piece of furniture of standard depth; you should, however, allow 400 mm of clearance above the surface to open the lid fully. The inclusion of 78 rpm playback also makes it a relevant choice for anyone with a collection of old records.
Technical specifications
| Drive | Belt-driven |
| Rotation speeds | 33, 45 and 78 rpm |
| Speed fluctuation | < ±0.1% (DIN weighted) |
| Tonearm | Fully suspended, statically balanced |
| Effective tonearm length | 221.5 mm |
| Offset angle | 25.6° |
| Overhang | 19 mm |
| Tracking force | 0 g – 4 g |
| Permissible cartridge mass | 5 g – 9 g |
| Cartridge fitted | Ortofon 2M Red |
| Platter | Die-cast aluminium, 305 mm diameter |
| Platter mat | 2.5 mm rubber |
| Platter weight (with mat) | 850 g |
| Bearing | Hardened steel in a brass sleeve |
| Material | MDF |
| Cabinet material | Wood |
| Automatic start/stop function | ✕ |
| Dimensions with lid closed (W × D × H) | 435 × 367 × 145 mm |
| Dimensions with lid open | D: 415 mm / H: 400 mm |
| Weight | 5.8 kg |
| Finishes | Walnut, Black Mat |
What to check before buying used
Check the condition of the drive belt: stretched or cracked with age, it can cause speed variations or a motor that struggles to start the platter turning. Examine the stylus of the originally fitted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, often worn or replaced on a previously used unit, as well as the condition of the platter's rubber mat. Test the tonearm across its full range of movement to rule out a suspension fault or a tracking force adjustment issue, and inspect the steel/brass bearing for any signs of a rubbing noise.
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