DS Audio Grand Master EX – First Look
All Image Credit: DS Audio
On April 14th 2023 DS Audio made available their latest flagship optical cartridge, the Grand Master Extreme. This latest addition is based upon their Grand Master series using the same internal optical sensor systems and external power supply and amplifier. Its major “feature” is that the stylus and cantilever are made from a single diamond blank.
In most cartridge assemblies the stylus and cantilever are created separately and then bonded together using some form of glue. Using a 0.22mm square one-piece diamond cantilever with an integral Micro Ridge stylus tip, the DS Audio Grand Master Extreme transmits the groove modulation to the 3rd generation optical generator more accurately than the traditional bonded cantilever and stylus. This ensures that there can be no flexing and associated loss of detail at the bonded stylus/cantilever junction. As with all Grand Master cartridges the Extreme utilizes an independent LED and photo-detector arrangement for the left and right channels.
Image Credit: What’s Best Forum
The DS Audio Grand Master Extreme cartridge provides a 70mV output signal with a channel separation of at least 27dB (@ 1kHz). With a cartridge weight of 7.9 grams, the tracking force should be from 2.0 to 2.2 g, with the DS Audio recommending a tracking force of 2.1 g. The head body is made of Ultra duralumin aluminum alloy.
Image Credit: WAM Engineering
Specifications:
- Signal output: Photo-electric conversion
- Channel separation: >27db (@1kHz)
- Weight: 7.7g
- Output signal level: 70mV
- Cantilever & needle: ONE PIECE DIAMOND
- Body material: Ultra duralumin
- Cantilever holder material: Stainless
- Needle pressure: 2.0g to 2.2g (2.1g is recommended)
- Stylus: Micro Ridge
MSRP:
- US: $22,500.00
- UK: £TBC
- EU: €20,000.00
For more details visit DS Audio
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