DS AUDIO
DISTRIBUTED BY TOYAMA INC.

A True ‘Paradigm Shift’ for the World of Analog Music

What Is an Optical Phono Cartridge?

DS Audio’s optical phono cartridges employ a sophisticated light-based technology to detect vinyl grooves and generate electrical output, as opposed to traditional methods using coils and magnets. As the stylus traverses the grooves of a record, vibrations are transmitted to a wand that produces shadow movements on an optical detector screen. These shadows are then transformed into electrical signals, which are subsequently routed to the equalizer. This compact and lightweight optical system offers enhanced precision compared to moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, while also minimizing friction.

Why Is It Better?

The ideal phono cartridge would be lightweight with a high electrical output. And the optical cartridge offers just that.

The internal shading plate is made of beryllium, weighing just ten percent of the smallest magnet and coil systems. And the output level is an impressive 70 millivolts. Moving coil cartridges? They only produce 0.5 millivolts! This means your phono preamp doesn’t need to add as much gain and, therefore, will feature less noise that distorts audio quality.

Does This Make My Turntable ‘Digital’?

The use of LED light in the optical cartridge has led some traditional analog enthusiasts to question whether this technology renders their turntable systems "digital." However, it is important to note that this system remains fundamentally analog, enhanced by innovative technology that improves cartridge performance. The concept of the optical cartridge dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, but advancements in LED lighting technologies have since refined the design, making it accessible to audio enthusiasts today.