Greetings from the UK, Greg. Another fascinating and detailed presentation of the new kid on the block of the cartridge world. Your grasp of the concepts involved and the ability to explain in layman's terms is a great credit to you. However good the DS Audio system may be, it is still a mechanical system that is subject to the inherent constraints provided by the laws of physics. I am looking forward to the day when the musical information is lifted out of the vinyl groove by laser process - completely devoid of mechanical constraints. In my opinion, that will be the pinnacle of musical fidelity. It just needs someone - probably from the far east - to design the system. Looking forward to that day ...
In addition to MC and MM there's also MI (moving iron) and SG (Strain Gauge). MI was originally B&O, but now (like SG) almost entirely SoundSmith. The SoundSmith SG is most similar in that it modulates a power supply voltage, which is what this DS does, only the SG design probably involves a lot less moving mass. The main weaknesses in the SoundSmith design are the power supply and the preamp stage, both of which are massively improved here. At great expense, but apparently well worth it. Thanks for another great and beautifully detailed review.
Hello, Charles. I hope it would be clear that I am well aware of both moving iron and the SoundSmith championed Strain Guage cartridge designs. You also must be aware that both methods combined occupy such a minuscule portion of the market that it really made no sense to go into their design and implementation in the limited time restrictions available for the UA-cam format! And thank you for watching, and for taking the time to write! PS - I love your profile image of Reginald Dwight from the cover of his "Honky Chateau" release! 😉
@@theaudioanalyst Thanks. Your reviews are impressively comprehensive and I could have been more clear. My thought is a survey of phono cartridge designs seems to show a trend where lower moving mass yields increased fidelity. Designers pursue this many other ways of course- stiffer less resonant materials, more powerful magnets, even electro-magnets (field coil designs) - but in general they all strive for extreme low moving mass. This seems to be a winning formula. It is hard to believe the LEDs in this design are lower mass than some of the low mass MI or MC, let alone SG. That's not to cast doubt on the design, or your review, which I am sure both are rock solid. It is to say the eddy currents the photo-cells eliminate are probably a much bigger problem than most would think. I for one am certainly surprised.
Greg, you always have a way of describing and breaking down complex matters in a way that even I can comprehend. I finally get it how this optical system works its magic. This coverage couldn't be more timely. Bing retired, as you are, I too must deal with the realities of costs and spending. My dealer (Dr Vinyl) brought to my house and installed in my system the newest and least expensive cartridge in the DS Audio line (the DS- E3) for me to audition. The unit was brand spanking new with zero hours on it. Within seconds of the needle drop, I was immediately stunned and transfixed by what I heard. As you mentioned, the quietness is remarkable and the explosive dynamics are propelled from a sea of darkness that was startling. The soundstage is insanely wide and spacious and all the subtle nuances within the music are easily heard and apparent. All the while, the cartridge system remains balanced, unfatiguing and with killer low-end slam and tightness. Frankly, I can't imagine that the other cartridges up the chain can be much better, as I could easily be content and happy with the DS-E3. Nonetheless, Dr Vinyl will be installing the DS-W3 this week to audition. Beyond question, this Optical Cartridge technology is astonishing and is a true game changer...
Glad you mentioned Toshiba there! When I first read of DS Audios optical pickup for vinyl I vaguely remembered Toshiba (and perhaps a small handful of other Japanese manufacturers) having an interest in a less accomplished version some time back... Amazing to consider such a method of information retrieval (that wasn't around at the invention of the modern record) allows even more music to be extracted. Seems that you liked what you heard Greg. 👍🏻
Salutations to London Town, my friend... Like doesn't even BEGIN to cover it, my friend. This system is revelatory in its ability to release relevant musical detail, scale, and nuance from the LPs groove... 😉
Again Greg, amazing review on this complex cartridge system, it’s incredible how they can push the envelope on cartridge technology, again, if I lived closer, I’d be over.
Unless I missed it, you didn't talk about how it dealt with surface noise (ticks and pops), compared to a typical phono cart. Laser based turntables are extremely good in this regard. The only problem with them is the record has to be perfectly clean in order for it to work. The upside is it reads the record like a CD, so nothing actually touches it.
Really! The first thing I talk about is the dead silence from which all music emanates from... NO cartridge, at least, not a good one, alleviates the pops and ticks from poorly maintained LPs. If you don't what to hear those, don't buy abused records...
Great video and outstandingly informative review. The fact you will replace your Etsuro Gold with the DS Audio is remarkable to me. Would the DS Audio be able to be used for mono as well as stereo records so as not to need a 2nd tonearm with a true mono cartridge for mono record play? If so, that too would be remarkable. Thank you!
Well, *technically,* you can play mono records with any cartridge, but I do suspect that a dedicated mono cart would be the preferred way to go...but I've no deep experience with mono recordings, so... 😏
Thank you for your kind words, and for taking the time to watch and to write! My current system details may ALWAYS be seen at my website here... www.theaudioanalyst.com/reference-system/
Thank you very much for the great review. This review explains not only the sound quality, but also the technical details. We really appreciate your effort for the review. We will share the video on our website and SNS. Aki
Hello, Aki! I am SO honored to hear you enjoyed my presentation... And, I apologize if I totally mispronounced your name! I tried my best... Thank you for taking the time to watch, and to write!
Greetings from the UK, Greg. Another fascinating and detailed presentation of the new kid on the block of the cartridge world. Your grasp of the concepts involved and the ability to explain in layman's terms is a great credit to you.
However good the DS Audio system may be, it is still a mechanical system that is subject to the inherent constraints provided by the laws of physics. I am looking forward to the day when the musical information is lifted out of the vinyl groove by laser process - completely devoid of mechanical constraints. In my opinion, that will be the pinnacle of musical fidelity. It just needs someone - probably from the far east - to design the system. Looking forward to that day ...
Wow, just catching up on the channel after a long vacation. Lots of innovation, it never ends… :)
Welcome back to the channel... I hope the R&R time was well spent, and highly relaxing! Thanks for watching, and for writing!
Great review, thanks.
In addition to MC and MM there's also MI (moving iron) and SG (Strain Gauge). MI was originally B&O, but now (like SG) almost entirely SoundSmith. The SoundSmith SG is most similar in that it modulates a power supply voltage, which is what this DS does, only the SG design probably involves a lot less moving mass. The main weaknesses in the SoundSmith design are the power supply and the preamp stage, both of which are massively improved here. At great expense, but apparently well worth it. Thanks for another great and beautifully detailed review.
Hello, Charles. I hope it would be clear that I am well aware of both moving iron and the SoundSmith championed Strain Guage cartridge designs. You also must be aware that both methods combined occupy such a minuscule portion of the market that it really made no sense to go into their design and implementation in the limited time restrictions available for the UA-cam format! And thank you for watching, and for taking the time to write!
PS - I love your profile image of Reginald Dwight from the cover of his "Honky Chateau" release! 😉
@@theaudioanalyst Thanks. Your reviews are impressively comprehensive and I could have been more clear. My thought is a survey of phono cartridge designs seems to show a trend where lower moving mass yields increased fidelity. Designers pursue this many other ways of course- stiffer less resonant materials, more powerful magnets, even electro-magnets (field coil designs) - but in general they all strive for extreme low moving mass. This seems to be a winning formula.
It is hard to believe the LEDs in this design are lower mass than some of the low mass MI or MC, let alone SG.
That's not to cast doubt on the design, or your review, which I am sure both are rock solid. It is to say the eddy currents the photo-cells eliminate are probably a much bigger problem than most would think. I for one am certainly surprised.
Greg, you always have a way of describing and breaking down complex matters in a way that even I can comprehend. I finally get it how this optical system works its magic. This coverage couldn't be more timely.
Bing retired, as you are, I too must deal with the realities of costs and spending. My dealer (Dr Vinyl) brought to my house and installed in my system the newest and least expensive cartridge in the DS Audio line (the DS- E3) for me to audition. The unit was brand spanking new with zero hours on it.
Within seconds of the needle drop, I was immediately stunned and transfixed by what I heard. As you mentioned, the quietness is remarkable and the explosive dynamics are propelled from a sea of darkness that was startling. The soundstage is insanely wide and spacious and all the subtle nuances within the music are easily heard and apparent. All the while, the cartridge system remains balanced, unfatiguing and with killer low-end slam and tightness. Frankly, I can't imagine that the other cartridges up the chain can be much better, as I could easily be content and happy with the DS-E3. Nonetheless, Dr Vinyl will be installing the DS-W3 this week to audition. Beyond question, this Optical Cartridge technology is astonishing and is a true game changer...
Hello Tony. Thanks for this... And tell Jose I got his message and am struggling to find time to call him back! 😉
Sure thing Greg, Jose is sponsoring an event at his shop Tuesday. I'll be sure to give him your message.
Glad you mentioned Toshiba there!
When I first read of DS Audios optical pickup for vinyl I vaguely remembered Toshiba (and perhaps a small handful of other Japanese manufacturers) having an interest in a less accomplished version some time back...
Amazing to consider such a method of information retrieval (that wasn't around at the invention of the modern record) allows even more music to be extracted.
Seems that you liked what you heard Greg. 👍🏻
Salutations to London Town, my friend... Like doesn't even BEGIN to cover it, my friend. This system is revelatory in its ability to release relevant musical detail, scale, and nuance from the LPs groove... 😉
Again Greg, amazing review on this complex cartridge system, it’s incredible how they can push the envelope on cartridge technology, again, if I lived closer, I’d be over.
Thanks, Henry!
Hi Greg. I used to read your reviews in one of the rags. Glad to find you again😊
Hello! I'm so glad to hear from a long-time reader. Welcome! Thanks for watching, and for taking the time to write...
Unless I missed it, you didn't talk about how it dealt with surface noise (ticks and pops), compared to a typical phono cart. Laser based turntables are extremely good in this regard. The only problem with them is the record has to be perfectly clean in order for it to work. The upside is it reads the record like a CD, so nothing actually touches it.
Really! The first thing I talk about is the dead silence from which all music emanates from... NO cartridge, at least, not a good one, alleviates the pops and ticks from poorly maintained LPs. If you don't what to hear those, don't buy abused records...
Great video and outstandingly informative review. The fact you will replace your Etsuro Gold with the DS Audio is remarkable to me. Would the DS Audio be able to be used for mono as well as stereo records so as not to need a 2nd tonearm with a true mono cartridge for mono record play? If so, that too would be remarkable. Thank you!
Well, *technically,* you can play mono records with any cartridge, but I do suspect that a dedicated mono cart would be the preferred way to go...but I've no deep experience with mono recordings, so... 😏
Thank you for a great review. May I ask what line preamp are you using?
Thank you for your kind words, and for taking the time to watch and to write! My current system details may ALWAYS be seen at my website here... www.theaudioanalyst.com/reference-system/
Horripilation. I learned a word today.
LOL... Thanks! I'm happy to help with vocabulary expansion in the course of bringing you the word on the state-of-the-art! 😉
Thank you very much for the great review. This review explains not only the sound quality, but also the technical details. We really appreciate your effort for the review.
We will share the video on our website and SNS. Aki
Hello, Aki! I am SO honored to hear you enjoyed my presentation... And, I apologize if I totally mispronounced your name! I tried my best... Thank you for taking the time to watch, and to write!