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The Dual CS 731Q is considered one of the finest and most advanced turntables ever produced by Dual. Manufactured in Germany between 1981 and 1984, this model represents the peak of Dual’s engineering, featuring a quartz-controlled direct-drive motor for outstanding speed stability, ultra-low resonance ULM (Ultra Low Mass) tonearm, and fully automatic operation. A true audiophile classic designed for precision and musicality.• Year of production: 1981–1984• Dimensions: approx. 44 × 36 × 13 cm• Weight: approx. 6.5 kgDM me to discuss transportation, as potential cost might be lower based on your location
Against your comps, this is above the 75th percentile at US$514 versus a used-market median of US$260, with the usual range spanning US$169 to US$370. That makes the asking price ambitious, and it would need unusual condition, a fresh service history, or meaningful extras to justify the premium.
That said, this model is well regarded for its direct-drive stability, quartz-locked speed accuracy, and generally polished user experience, so a clean example can still be a satisfying buy. If the unit is original, fully working, and includes the dust cover, headshell, and a healthy cartridge, the value proposition improves; if not, I’d treat the price as hard to swallow unless you specifically want this deck and can verify it has been serviced.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Dual emerged from the Black Forest region of Germany in 1907, when brothers Christian and Joseph Steidinger began manufacturing clockwork and gramophone components in St. Georgen. The company adopted its now-iconic name in 1927 after pioneering dual-mode power supplies that allowed gramophones to operate from either mains electricity or mechanical wind-up mechanisms. This innovation marked the beginning of Dual's transition from component supplier to full-fledged audio manufacturer, establishing a foundation of engineering precision that would define the brand for decades.
Dual built its reputation primarily as a turntable specialist, becoming Europe's largest turntable manufacturer by the post-war era with over 3,000 employees across multiple factories. Beyond vinyl playback, the company expanded into cassette players, CD players, and broader consumer electronics throughout the 1970s and 1980s, demonstrating versatility across analog and digital formats. The company's focus on mechanical excellence and stable drive systems earned it recognition as a dependable, quality-focused manufacturer throughout its European heyday.
Today, Dual occupies a fragmented market position following corporate restructuring in the 1990s and subsequent ownership changes. The original German turntable line continues production in St. Georgen under Alfred Fehrenbacher GmbH, maintaining traditional manufacturing standards and appealing to vintage enthusiasts and collectors. Separately, Namsung Electronics markets Dual-branded consumer electronics in the Americas at accessible price points. The brand's legacy rests primarily on its classic turntables, which remain highly sought after by collectors and audiophiles valuing precision engineering and heritage craftsmanship.
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