Dual CS 618Q vs Pro-Ject T2 W
Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Dual CS 618Q · Pro-Ject T2 W.
| Specification | Dual CS 618Q |
Pro-Ject T2 W |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Highlighted difference. $1,100 | $1,199 |
| Category | Hi-fi | Hi-fi |
| Status | current | current |
| Years | 2023–present | 2023–present |
| Drive | direct drive | belt drive |
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm | 33/45 rpm |
| Operation | manual | manual |
| Cartridge supplied | Ortofon 2M Blue | Sumiko Rainier |
| Phono stage | Yes | Yes |
| USB output | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Platter | die-cast aluminium | glass (10 mm, 1.7 kg) |
| Tonearm | straight aluminium | 9-inch aluminum |
| Wow & flutter | <0.07% | 0.19% |
Practical differences
Highlighted cells show a lower reference price, support for more listed speeds, or the presence of a convenience feature. They are not an overall score.
On price alone the Dual CS 618Q costs less, coming in $99 (about 9%) below the Pro-Ject T2 W.
The Dual CS 618Q spins its platter via direct drive; the Pro-Ject T2 W uses belt drive instead. Neither is objectively better — instant start-up, rock-steady speed under load, and enough torque to nudge or backspin the record — the reason DJs and scratch decks are built this way versus a motor that's mechanically isolated from the platter by an elastic belt, which is the usual route to a quieter noise floor — the default choice across most of hi-fi.
Bottom line: the Dual CS 618Q has the lower reference price; the table shows which documented features change with the $99 gap.
Live retailer offers
Checking current in-stock offers for Dual CS 618Q…
Retailer searches
4 US retailers stock Dual — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | marketplace | Free shipping on $35+ orders (free on most items with Prime, often same/next day). | View at Amazon ↗ |
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at Reverb ↗ |
| Turntable Lab | hifi independent | Free shipping to the continental US on most orders (bulk/oversized items excluded). | View at Turntable Lab ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at eBay ↗ |
Live retailer offers
Checking current in-stock offers for Pro-Ject T2 W…
Retailer searches
12 US retailers stock Pro-Ject — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | marketplace | Free shipping on $35+ orders (free on most items with Prime, often same/next day). | View at Amazon ↗ |
| Audio Advice | hifi independent | Free shipping on most orders. | View at Audio Advice ↗ |
| B&H Photo Video | electronics chain | Free expedited shipping on most orders in the contiguous US. | View at B&H Photo Video ↗ |
| Best Buy | electronics chain | Free shipping on orders $35+; free store pickup at most locations. | View at Best Buy ↗ |
| Crutchfield | electronics chain | Free shipping on nearly all orders, with free 2-day delivery on most gear. | View at Crutchfield ↗ |
| Elusive Disc | hifi independent | Free shipping on orders over $79. | View at Elusive Disc ↗ |
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at Reverb ↗ |
| Sweetwater | music retail | Free shipping on almost every order, no minimum. | View at Sweetwater ↗ |
| Turntable Lab | hifi independent | Free shipping to the continental US on most orders (bulk/oversized items excluded). | View at Turntable Lab ↗ |
| Upscale Audio | hifi independent | Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). | View at Upscale Audio ↗ |
| World Wide Stereo | hifi independent | Free shipping on all orders. | View at World Wide Stereo ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | View at eBay ↗ |
