DS Audio TB-100 Tube Phono Equalizer – First Look
All Image Credit: DS Audio
DS Audio has launched the TB-100, a tube based phono equalizer designed to support the company’s optical cartridge range. This latest design now adds the distinctive sound of valve amplification to their range of optical cartridges.
This TB-100 is a dual mono design that uses quad-matched ECC82 (12AU7) dual-triode valves whose parameters are in-house matched ensuring that variations in tube performance are limited to within 1% (0.1 dB). The stereo cartridge signal input (x1) and RIAA equalized stereo outputs (x2) are supported on unbalanced RCA connectors, with stereo output 2 supporting a fixed subsonic filter of 20Hz @ -6dB/octave. The design incorporates a simple two-stage amplification process with low-impedance cathode follower output stages. Each channel using; one tube for voltage amplification and one tube for the output buffer, which is said to produce “a rich and transparent sound”.
The TB-100 converts the optical cartridge’s photoelectric cell output from a current to a voltage signal, using a precision wideband transformer, that achieves precise phase alignment. Its design ensures a flat frequency response from 10Hz to 70KHz, with minimal deviation, that is said to deliver “a highly accurate and natural sonic presentation”.
The deployment of a symmetrical twin-mono configuration that uses independent ground and power transformers for each channel complete the design, reducing crosstalk and enhancing stereo separation.
The design employs two separated power transformers that provide; independent and isolated low-noise analog regulated power supplies. Each supply dedicated to feeding just one channel, its LED power and photoelectric cells negative bias voltage. Ensuring the stability of the voltage supplied to the cartridge.
Specifications:
- Rated output voltage: 500mV (1kHz)
- Input terminals (stereo x1): RCA
- Output terminals (stereo x2): RCA
- Selectable cut-off filters: 33Hz/50Hz
- Fixed low pass filter output 2: (20Hz, -6dB/octave)
- Output impedance: 700 ohms
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 44 x 15 x 48.2 cm
- Weight: 18.7 Kg
MSRP:
- US: $20,000.00
- UK: £17,500.00
- EU: €19,999.00
Read the News release here.
For more information visit the DS Audio web site.
Related posts:
- For all DS Audio cartridge posts click here.
