DS AUDIO DS-E3

The DS Audio DS-E3 represents the most accessible entry point into the world of optical cartridges—a sonic universe radically different from that of traditional magnetic designs. In a field where mechanical precision and high-quality materials are essential, DS Audio adopts a completely alternative approach: instead of generating an electrical signal through electromagnetic induction, the DS-E3 modulates light to translate groove information into music. This paradigm shift enables a level of fidelity and naturalness that is difficult to achieve with conventional technologies.

At the heart of the system is an LED that illuminates a photodetector, partially shaded by a thin plate connected to the stylus tip. As the stylus follows the groove modulations, the plate moves and alters the intensity of the light reaching the optical sensor. This mechanism, which experiences no physical resistance or mechanical inertia, is capable of capturing even the finest nuances of the signal and reproducing them with stunning precision. Unlike magnetic cartridges, the DS-E3 is not a generator but a modulator: it doesn't create energy, but instead varies an existing light signal. It's like adjusting the airflow on a wind turbine with a lightweight shutter rather than cranking a dynamo by hand—resulting in significantly greater efficiency and sensitivity.

This third-generation optical system features a refined design that physically separates the light source (LED) from the detector (photodiode), improving channel separation and providing a higher output. A key element is the beryllium shading plate, chosen for its exceptional lightness and rigidity, which contributes to a dynamic, distortion-free sound reproduction. The aluminum cantilever holds an elliptical diamond stylus—an ideal balance between performance and production reliability on a large scale.

Finally, one of the most compelling aspects of optical technology is its complete immunity to magnetic hysteresis, a physical phenomenon that affects all induction-based cartridges and inevitably introduces distortion. The DS-E3, free from magnetic components, completely avoids this issue, delivering a more linear, transparent, and master-accurate sound. It is a visionary and refined alternative, bringing all of DS Audio’s engineering expertise into a format that is both accessible and remarkably advanced.

Specifications:

• Signal conversion type: Photo-electric conversion
• Channel separation: Over 26 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Weight: 7.7 grams
• Output signal level: Over 70 mV
• Cantilever: Aluminum
• Body material: Aluminum
• Recommended tracking force: 2.0 g to 2.2 g (2.1 g recommended)
• Stylus: Elliptical tip