Post by Owen Y on Feb 1, 2019 9:24:04 GMT 12
DS Audio in Japan have just released (now shipping) a new entry-level optical cartridge system (including a new smaller DS E1 Equaliser unit).
This joins their other 3 optical cartridge models - DS-W1, the flagship DS Master 1 & previous entry-level DS 002.
- weight 8gm
- VTF 1.6-1.8g
- elliptical stylus
- Equaliser output 500mV
£2,295
DS Audio press release:
" In contrast to moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges that work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, an optical cartridge uses a beam of light to read stylus/cantilever movement. The advantage of this system is two-fold; it makes the cartridge much lighter and more agile, while also completely eliminating the magnetic frictional force caused by magnets and coils and the resulting influence on stylus/cantilever movement.
A further key advantage lies in the cartridge’s output. In conventional MM and MC designs, the output signal depends on the velocity at which a tiny magnet or coil moves in an electromagnetic field. At lower frequencies the magnet or coil moves slowly so the output signal is small, while at higher frequencies it moves more quickly and so the output signal is disproportionately large – hence the need for equalisation.
In contrast, in an optical cartridge, the output signal depends on the distance that the stylus moves, so there are no disparities between high and low frequencies. Therefore, no equalisation is required (other than RIAA curve correction) and low frequency reproduction is much enhanced, since an optical cartridge can theoretically detect signals as low as 1Hz.
The resulting sound has delicacy, subtlety, natural warmth and a deep richness. Most important, it is stunningly real, capturing all of the minuscule yet critical details that make a musical performance come to life. "
(The smaller DS E1 Equaliser is on the left.)
This joins their other 3 optical cartridge models - DS-W1, the flagship DS Master 1 & previous entry-level DS 002.
- weight 8gm
- VTF 1.6-1.8g
- elliptical stylus
- Equaliser output 500mV
£2,295
DS Audio press release:
" In contrast to moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges that work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, an optical cartridge uses a beam of light to read stylus/cantilever movement. The advantage of this system is two-fold; it makes the cartridge much lighter and more agile, while also completely eliminating the magnetic frictional force caused by magnets and coils and the resulting influence on stylus/cantilever movement.
A further key advantage lies in the cartridge’s output. In conventional MM and MC designs, the output signal depends on the velocity at which a tiny magnet or coil moves in an electromagnetic field. At lower frequencies the magnet or coil moves slowly so the output signal is small, while at higher frequencies it moves more quickly and so the output signal is disproportionately large – hence the need for equalisation.
In contrast, in an optical cartridge, the output signal depends on the distance that the stylus moves, so there are no disparities between high and low frequencies. Therefore, no equalisation is required (other than RIAA curve correction) and low frequency reproduction is much enhanced, since an optical cartridge can theoretically detect signals as low as 1Hz.
The resulting sound has delicacy, subtlety, natural warmth and a deep richness. Most important, it is stunningly real, capturing all of the minuscule yet critical details that make a musical performance come to life. "
(The smaller DS E1 Equaliser is on the left.)
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