DS Audio DS-E1 Optical Cartridge

Image Credit – DS Audio

Early last year I posted an article on optical turntables and cartridges. Well things have moved on and audiophile quality optical phono cartridges are now here and affordable.

The only company producing optical cartridges is DS Audio, based in Sagamihara City, Japan. The earlier models, starting six years ago with the DS-W1, DS Master 1 and DS 002, were extremely expensive and to be honest apparently could not match the performance of high end MC or MM cartridges. Well, with the introduction of the new entry-level DS-ES1 this new technology is now in the reach of many more audiophiles and has upped the anti on its technical performance.

The DS-E1 has the same optical-mechanical system and wire-suspended cantilever as the DS Master 1 and other models, allowing more than 24dB in channel separation, with an output exceeding 500mV. Built to meet the lower price, the new cartridge features an aluminium cantilever and elliptical stylus. The accompanying and matching DS-E1 equaliser/phono stage uses an operational amplifier at the heart of its amplification circuit to cut down on the number of components required. This unit is more compact and lightweight being about a third the size of the original DS-002 equaliser.

Image Credit – DS Audio

Here is the DS Audio press release extolling the virtues of an optical cartridge:

“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.”

Image Credit – DS Audio

Technical Specifications:

DS E1 Optical Cartridge

DS E1 Equalizer

• Inputs – RCA x2
• Outputs – RCA x2
• Rated Output Voltage – 500mV @ 1KHz
• Output Impedance – 120 ohms
• Input Impedance >10K ohms
• Dimensions 10(W) x 7(H) x 16(D) cms.
• Weight 1.4Kg
• Equalization  – RIAA. Proprietary to the cartridge output.
• Frequency Response – not released.

Price for both the cartridge and equalizer in the UK is £2,295.00 incl. VAT – List. With a US price of $2,700.00 list and is now available at several retailers.

Will the DS-E1 phono cartridge be the ideal pairing with HD Vinyl?

See here for my original post on optical turntables and cartridges.

See here for the DS Audio Web site.