The Japanese company DS Audio, a division of Digital Stream Corporation with over 25 years of experience in laser optics, which in cooperation with Microsoft created a computer mouse based on a LED laser, and which was involved in the development of the USB v1 interface and established production of CD/DVD/Blu-ray laser heads, has released a new model of opto-mechanical vinyl sound cartridge with an additional corrector that compensates recording bias and provides the option of a roar filter.
In this model called Grand Master, DS Audio technologies were brought to an absolute level. Thus, instead of a single optopath, two separate channels appeared on both channels, the modulator flap changed its size and shape, as well as the material (beryllium 99% instead of aluminum), losing weight, already negligibly small. The head holder is made of diamond, while the diamond needle is sharpened with a Micro Ridge. The body of the duralumin head is curved and optimized for anti-resonance properties.
A specialized corrector, the output of which contains a linear signal that can be fed directly to a preamplifier or integrated power amplifier, is for the first time implemented in a two-block version (total weight 50 kg). The power supply unit in a separate housing contains three transformers, one anan each channel and the last optocoupler to power the LEDs. The total capacity of the power supply's storage capacitors, which is more than 5 million micro-farads, is amazing.
The user can choose one of the six frequencies of the roar filter cut or bypass it completely. Grand Master outputs are available in both unbalanced and balanced versions.
Compared to previous DS Audio models, including the former DS Master flagship, the new model features significant gains in output level, signal-to-noise ratio and non-linear distortion.
The retail price of the Grand Master set on the Russian market is $62 400.
