It is difficult not to be impressed by the way this deck's mechanical logic operates. It's all the more impressive when you consider that there are no electronic systems to control things, as would be the case if a similar piece of equipment were to be designed today. For example, to play a record manually all one has to do is unlock the arm from its rest and place it on the record – the motor starts automatically with no further intervention. Returning the arm to the rest switches the motor off again in the same way. Fully automatic operation is instigated by moving the lever on the right of the plinth to 'start'. This sets the motor in motion and the arm cues in to either the 12in or 7in start point, depending on the setting of the speed control. Moving the lever to 'stop' parks the arm and stops the motor, or the manual stopping sequence can be used instead. Meanwhile, a small knob next to the control lever is used to select between single play and continuous repeat, the latter being cancelled as part of an automatic stop sequence should this be requested. Further refinements lie beneath the surface, such as the speed change mechanism being blocked unless the platter is rotating. This prevents damage to the belt if the speed change lever is accidentally moved while the power is turned off. The controls all have a light, positive and accurate feel too, like the dashboard switches of a quality German car of the period. Dual's unusual 'Vario Pulley' is used to give some fine speed adjustment. This clever arrangement sees the motor pulley split into eight segments whose overall diameter can be changed using a tapered pin which is pushed down into the top. With some Dual turntables this has to be done with a screwdriver, once the platter has been removed. In the case of the CS 601, however, a mechanism is provided that brings fine control of the speed out to a discrete knob, which can be found mounted in the pivot of the speed lever. The Dual 601 is a 2-speed fully automatic, belt-driven turntable with synchronous motor and pitch control. The speed can be adjusted using the illuminated stroboscope. It is equipped with RCA connectors, allowing it to be connected to all modern amplifiers (with a phono input). The subchassis, consisting of the turntable and tonearm, is suspended with springs, reducing the effects of vibrations from the motor and external sources. The arm too shows many examples of considered design. The downforce is applied dynamically using a spring-loaded roller on the pivot, the static setting being made by a counterweight which is decoupled by a soft plastic insert. The counterweight screws in and out for fine adjustments, or it can be telescoped in and out for larger changes, such as those that may be needed if fitting a heavier cartridge. Dual CS 601 – Automatic Turntable A German classic from the 1970s: the Dual CS 601 (also known as the Dual 601). Fully automatic, belt-drive, precision-built. Specifications & features • Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm  • Motor: 8-pole synchronous motor, virtually silent and with speed lock at mains frequency  • Platter / sub-platter: 1.3 kg metal platter + 0.8 kg sub-platter, flywheel effect  • Speed deviation: in measured tests, maximum −0.06% deviation  • Wow & flutter (peak): ~ 0.03% / up to 0.08% depending on frequencies  • Noise performance: due to the loop, it is better than Dual's original specification (63 dB), measured up to −65.7 dB (DIN-B weighted)  • Arm: torsion-resistant aluminum arm with gimbal bearing, spring-loaded anti-skate, automatic return & stop functions  • Finish: in original wood / metal base, DELIVERED with dust cover! #Dual #record #turntable #recordplayer #amplifier #vintage