Decent Audio, Dual’s UK distributor, is offering the CS 429 turntable in a walnut wood veneer finish through its UK dealer network.
Sitting at the centre of Dual’s three-model fully automatic range – between the CS 329 and CS 529 – the CS 429 pairs classic one-touch vinyl convenience with the stability and precision expected of a modern hi-fi deck.
At the press of a button, the CS 429 tonearm lifts from its rest, begins its gentle commute into position over the start of the record and lowers itself with precision into playback. At the end of the final track, it lifts again and returns automatically.
The CS 429’s automation is designed to be smooth, reliable and won’t get in the way during playback. Under the surface, the CS 429 uses a belt-drive system with precision optical speed control at the motor, engineered to maintain stable rotation and minimise speed variation. Rather than adopting a direct-drive architecture, Dual opts for a mechanically decoupled design, helping isolate the platter and tonearm assembly from motor vibration.
Vibration damping elements built into the plinth and feet further reduce external resonance, supporting consistent playback conditions. The platter is a die-cast aluminium design running on a hardened steel spindle with a brass bushing, paired with a heavy rubber mat for additional damping.
The tonearm is a straight, statically balanced aluminium design with ball bearings and spring-loaded anti-skating. It is supplied with a factory-fitted Ortofon 2M Red, making the CS 429 ready to use straight out of the box.
The walnut CS 429 is available in the UK at £799, a £100 premium over the black version (£699).