RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Dual CS505-1 - Turntable - Spares or Repair
Why This One
ULM tonearm, sprung floating chassis, and 0.05% WRMS wow and flutter.
A sought-after early-1980s belt-drive deck — strong parts or restoration project value.
Condition: Spares or Repair
This Dual CS505-1 is a spares or repair-condition item. This unit has not been functionally tested by our team. Please review all photos carefully, as they provide an accurate representation of the cosmetic condition of the product.
What's Included
Dual CS505-1
No additional accessories included
About This Model
The Dual CS 505-1 is a semi-automatic belt-drive turntable manufactured circa 1981–1982, running at 33.33 and 45 RPM via a 16-pole synchronous motor. It features a ULM (Ultra Low Mass) straight alloy tonearm, 221 mm in length, mounted in a four-point gimbal low-friction tip bearing — a design aimed at minimising tracking distortion. The non-magnetic 304 mm platter weighs 0.9 kg and sits atop an anti-vibration sprung floating chassis. Wow and flutter is rated at 0.08% DIN / 0.05% WRMS, with a rumble figure of 69 dB weighted. Pitch control offers ±6% adjustment at both speeds, and the frequency response is quoted at 10–25,000 Hz. One compatibility note worth flagging: the tonearm is designed for Dual's clip-on cartridge system; fitting a standard ½-inch mount cartridge requires a rare dedicated adapter plate.
A great opportunity to own a Dual CS505-1 at this price point.
Generating expert take…
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.
See all Dual listings on RADAR.
