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DS Audio DS003
In 2020 DS Audio launched its new flagship Grand Master phono cartridge, the first model in the company's "third generation of optical cartridges". Now, the brand new DS003 draws on innovations from the Grand Master to update the existing DS 002 model, extending 'third generation' technology to a more affordable price point. Like the Grand Master, the new DS003 features a comprehensively re-designed optical system. Its independent LEDs and photo-detectors for the left and right channels deliver a significant increase in the cartridge's output voltage, from 40 mV to 70 mV.
Happily, this is achieved without compromising the excellent signal-to-noise ratio; in fact, the ratio has been further upgraded, giving the DS003 an even lower noise floor and greater musical clarity than its predecessors. What's more, the new independent design has made it possible to eliminate crosstalk, greatly improving left and right channel separation, particularly at higher frequencies.
The new design also sports a smaller shading plate made from 99.9% pure beryllium, allowing for a 50% weight reduction, down to 0.74 mg, less than 1/10th of the mass of a moving coil cartridge's core and coil system. The DS003 marries an aluminum cantilever with a line contact stylus. The cartridge's body is also aluminum and is designed for maximum rigidity. Internally, the wiring is 1.6 times thicker than in previous models, in order to reduce impedance.
In common with all DS Audio optical cartridges, the DS003 requires its own equalizer/phono stage. The new design here includes a thicker circuit board (increased from 1.6 mm to 2 mm) and thicker copper foil. In addition, the DS003 equalizer allows you to select from four low frequency cut-off points, allowing you to select the output that best matches your system. The new DS Audio DS003 optical cartridge and matching equalizer is available in the UK to audition now. DS003 cartridge & equalizer package is priced at £4,995, cartridge only - £2,298, and equalizer only - £3,147. Info and photos by DS Audio via David Denyer PR.
