EMM Labs DS-EQ1 Phono Pre-amp

All Images Credit: EMM Labs

EMM Labs of Canada has released their new optical cartridge equalizer, the DS-EQ1 which is fully compatible with DS Audio optical cartridge range.

Having auditioned the DS ES-1 optical cartridge, I am definitely an admirer of this cartridge technology. So it was with great interest when I saw that EMM labs is the first and only company to release a phono pre-amp that is specifically designed to support the DS Audio range of optical cartridges that require a different equalization to the typical moving magnet or moving coil cartridges.

The following is from the EMM Labs website:

When Ed Meitner of EMM Labs made the decision to dust off his extensive vinyl collection, he was interested in finding out what the current state of vinyl playback was. During his research, he became intrigued with DS Audio’s optical cartridge technology and their customers’ experiences.

Initiating a collaboration with Tetsuaki Aoyagi, head of DS Audio, Ed purchased the W2 optical cartridge for development and was impressed during his preliminary listening experiences. Compared to his reference MC cartridge, he found that the W2 exhibited improved resolution, clarity and low-frequency response. This motivated Ed to dive back into the world of vinyl playback, resulting in the first EMM Labs optical equalizer, the DS-EQ1, designed exclusively for interfacing with DS Audio optical cartridges.

Upon receiving the full line of DS Audio cartridges, Ed immediately recognized a common sonic signature within the line, increasing in its degree of refinement and depth from the entry-level E1 to the flagship Master1 cartridge.

Custom Ceramic PCB

The DS-EQ1 is designed with a desire to lower noise and distortion, and to extract every bit of detail and information from any DS Audio optical cartridge. The DS-EQ1’s circuits are all Meitner designed in-house, including its power supply, and are optimized for short and direct audio paths. EMM uses a custom made ceramic PCB for the equalization and amplification stages, which allow for the superior extraction of low level details in the audio.

Class A Amplification

From its proprietary equalization, class A amplification, and power supply systems, to its touch panel buttons and  aluminium chassis, EMM Labs say that the DS-EQ1 is the ultimate partner to any DS Audio optical cartridge.

“I found developing the DS-EQ1 both extremely interesting and highly satisfying. It was an honour to work on this project in close collaboration with DS Audio. I now find myself improving and appreciating my vinyl collection on a daily basis with DS Audio optical cartridges and the EMM Labs DS-EQ1 optical equalizer.”, says Ed Meitner.

• Proprietary & discrete equalization specifically designed for all DS Audio optical cartridges
• Ultra low distortion
• Custom designed discrete class A amplification
• Front panel user selectable standard 50Hz RIAA response or with added 2nd order 15Hz high pass filter.
• Optimized short audio paths throughout
• Latest generation custom made power system
• Custom aerospace-grade ceramic circuit board
• Power and filter touch buttons
• Precision-machined well-damped aluminum chassis
• Works with all DS Audio cartridges
• CE compliant

Power Supply

• Proprietary high-isolation resonant mode power supply for silent & eco-friendly operation
• Universal 85V-260V 50/60Hz IEC Input Connector
• Maximum 50W consumption

Technical Specifications:

• Inputs: RCA
• Stereo analogue outputs: XLR & RCA
• Output impedance: Balanced XLR – 300Ω, Single-Ended RCA – 150Ω
• Output Levels: XLR Output – 1V (+2.2dBu), RCA Output – 0.5V (-3.8dBu)
• Finish: Fine bead blasted silver or black
• Dimensions: W x D x H: 438 x 381 x 102mm
• Weight: 12kg

MSRP – $12,500.00

For further technical information including manuals and brochures see the DS-EQ1 here.

See my posts on the DS ES-1 optical cartridge here and here

See my post on the DS Audio Grand Master optical cartridge here.