DS Audio 003 System: Cartridge & Phonostage

A photoelectric cartridge with independent detectors for each channel,

aluminum cantilever, and a line-contact stylus.

The new DS003 optical cartridge system has been optimized with a separate LED and photo-detector arrangement for the left and right channels. This greatly increases the cartridge output voltage from 40 mV to 70 mV, allowing for a better signal-to-noise ratio and far greater musical clarity.

The separate optical systems means that the shading plate can be significantly reduced in size compared to earlier designs. Also, the material of the plate has changed from aluminum to 99.9% pure beryllium, resulting in a 50% drop in the weight of this part. 

The DS003 cartridge features the combination of an aluminum cantilever with a line contact stylus. The cartridge body is made of aluminum and the structure has been designed in such a way as to promote maximum rigidity. In addition to these features, the DS003 utilizes internal wiring that’s 1.6 times thicker, offering lower internal resistance.

The DS003 equalizer offers four settings for the low-frequency cut-off, allowing you to select an output that better matches your system.

Every component part used in DS Audio products is tested and evaluated by expert Japanese technicians.

Specifications

Cartridge

Type: Photo-electric conversion, line contact, aluminum cantilever

Body: A5052 aluminum

Channel Separation: > 27 dB

Output Level: 70 mV

Tracking Force: 2.0 g~2.2 g (2.1 g recommended)

Cartridge Weight: 7.7 g

Phonostage

Output Voltage: 500 mV 

Output Impedance: 120 Ω

Input Impedance: >10 kΩ

Dimensions (WHD): 13″ x 3.6″ x 11.6″ (33 × 9.2 × 29.5 cm)

Weight: 11 lb (5 kg)