DS Audio W3 Cartridge & Phonostage System

A photoelectric cartridge with independent detectors for each channel, boron cantilever, and a line-contact stylus.

The DS-W3 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 DS-W3 cartridge features the combination of a boron 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.

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

Specifications

Cartridge

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

Body: A5052 aluminum

Channel Separation: > 27 dB

Output Level: 70 mV

Cartridge Weight: 7.9 g

Phonostage

Output Voltage: 500 mV

Output Impedance (RCA, XLR): 120 Ω, 600 Ω

Input Impedance: >10 kΩ

Dimensions (WHD): 17.7″” x 4.7″” x 17″” (45 × 12 × 43.5 cm)

Weight: 29.7 lb (13.5 kg)