Vinyl Paradise: Dual Cs 518 Vs Rega Planar 2 Face-Off

In the realm of vinyl enthusiasts, the Dual CS 518 and Rega Planar 2 turntables have long been revered as two of the finest choices. Both offer a unique combination of performance, reliability, and value. But when it comes to choosing between these two iconic turntables, which one emerges as the superior option? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of each turntable, examining their key features, strengths, and weaknesses, to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Dual CS 518: The Dual CS 518 boasts a solid and robust chassis, crafted from a combination of metal and plastic. Its platter, made of cast aluminum, provides a stable and resonant-free surface for your records. The tonearm is a unipivot design, ensuring precise tracking and accurate playback.

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2, on the other hand, features a sleek and minimalist design. Its plinth is constructed from MDF (medium-density fiberboard), offering excellent vibration damping. The platter is made of glass, providing a smooth and inert surface for record playback. The tonearm is a RB220, known for its low mass and high precision.

Cartridge and Stylus

Dual CS 518: The Dual CS 518 comes equipped with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge, which delivers a balanced and dynamic sound. The stylus is an elliptical diamond, providing excellent detail retrieval and tracking ability.

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 comes with a Rega Carbon cartridge, known for its clarity and transparency. The stylus is a conical diamond, offering a more forgiving playback experience for damaged or worn records.

Speed Control and Pitch Adjustment

Dual CS 518: The Dual CS 518 features a belt-drive system with a DC motor, providing stable and accurate speed control. It offers two speeds, 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, with manual speed adjustment.

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 also employs a belt-drive system, powered by a low-noise motor. It provides the same two speeds, 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, with fine-speed adjustment via a dial on the front panel.

Sound Quality

Dual CS 518: The Dual CS 518 delivers a rich and full-bodied sound, with a slightly warm and forgiving character. It excels at reproducing the nuances and textures of music, providing a captivating and immersive listening experience.

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2, on the other hand, is renowned for its neutral and transparent sound. It offers a wide and detailed soundstage, with exceptional clarity and resolution. It is an ideal choice for listeners who prefer a more analytical and revealing sound.

Price and Value

Dual CS 518: The Dual CS 518 typically retails for around $600-$800. For the price, it offers a remarkable combination of features, performance, and value.

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 is slightly more expensive, retailing for around $800-$1000. However, it justifies its premium price tag with its exceptional build quality, sound performance, and long-term reliability.

Wrap-Up: The Verdict

Both the Dual CS 518 and Rega Planar 2 are outstanding turntables, each with its unique strengths. The Dual CS 518 is an excellent choice for those seeking a warm and engaging sound, while the Rega Planar 2 is the ideal choice for listeners who prefer a more neutral and detailed sound. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your individual preferences and listening habits.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which turntable has a better cartridge?

A: Both turntables come with high-quality cartridges, but the Rega Planar 2’s Rega Carbon cartridge offers slightly better clarity and transparency.

Q: Which turntable is easier to set up?

A: The Dual CS 518 is generally considered easier to set up, as it comes pre-calibrated with the Ortofon OM10 cartridge.

Q: Which turntable is more durable?

A: Both turntables are well-built and reliable, but the Rega Planar 2 is slightly more robust due to its MDF plinth and glass platter.