Dual CS-1236 Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable – Made in Germany

Dual CS-1236 Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable – Made in Germany, Fully Serviced

This German-built Dual CS-1236 automatic belt-drive turntable from the late 1970s offers excellent value in vintage hi-fi, combining reliable performance with classic Dual engineering. It features a precision four-pole synchronous motor and a robust aluminum tubular tonearm on a four-point gimbal bearing system, giving smooth, accurate tracking and very satisfying sound.

This CS-1236 has been fully serviced, including complete disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the mechanism. The dust cover has been polished, the small “dimpler” (steuerpimpel) that drives the automatic functions has been replaced, and a fresh belt has been installed. A new OEM Shure stylus has been fitted to the existing cartridge, followed by full calibration of tracking force, anti-skate, and automatic functions. The turntable has undergone thorough bench testing and performance and sound are described as excellent.

The CS-1236 offers the convenience of full automation with manual override, so you can enjoy single-button operation or cue and place the arm yourself as you prefer. The substantial 1.2 kg, 270 mm non-magnetic platter provides very good speed stability, while the precision tonearm geometry keeps tracking error low across the entire record. Cartridge compatibility from 4.5 to 10 grams makes it easy to enjoy the supplied Shure setup now and still have room to experiment with different cartridges in the future. The belt-drive system helps isolate the platter from motor vibration, contributing to clean, detailed playback with the engaging warmth people expect from vinyl. With its compact footprint and tidy styling, this German-made Dual integrates nicely into both vintage and modern systems.

Fully serviced Dual CS-1236, including:

Complete disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the mechanism

Dust cover polished for improved clarity and appearance

Steuerpimpel (dimpler) replaced to restore reliable automatic operation

New belt installed

New OEM Shure stylus fitted

Full calibration of tracking force, anti-skate, and auto functions

Thorough bench testing; performance and sound are excellent

Specifications:

Motor: Four-pole synchronous motor

Platter: 1.2 kg, 270 mm diameter non-magnetic platter

Speeds: 33.33 and 45 RPM

Signal-to-noise ratio: < ±0.15%

Rumble: > 56 dB

Tonearm: Aluminum tubular arm with four-point gimbal bearing

Bearing friction: 0.01 g (vertical), 0.08 g (horizontal)

Tracking force range: 0 to 5 g

Cartridge weight accommodation: 4.5 to 10 g

Overhang adjustment range: 5 mm

Dimensions: 13.0 x 4.7 x 10.8 inches (330 x 120 x 274 mm)
Weight: 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)

The Dual CS-1236 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact, fully automatic German turntable that has already had the important service work completed. With its new OEM Shure stylus, fresh belt, restored automatic functions, and careful calibration, this deck is ready to provide many more years of enjoyable, trouble-free listening.

Asking $395, backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day “Bumper to Bumper” warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, so you can purchase with confidence.