Ds audio grand master system

Image of DS Audio Grand Master Cartridge

The new Grand Master optical cartridge system has been optimized, by implementing an independent LED and photo-detector arrangement for the left and right channels. As a result the cartridge output voltage has greatly increased from 40mV to 70mV. The Grand Master cartridge offers a greatly improved S/N ratio when compared to its stable mates, resulting in an even lower noise floor and far greater musical clarity.

A first for DS Audio, the Grand Master cartridge features the combination of a diamond cantilever with a microridge stylus. The cartridge body structure has been designed in such a way as to promote maximum rigidity. In addition to these features, the Grand Master utilizes internal wiring 1.6 times thicker than used in the second generation cartridges in order to reduce impedance.

Channel Separation: 27db or more (1kHz)

Output: 70mV or more

Stylus: Micro Ridge

Cantilever: Diamond

Recommended Tracking Pressure: 2.1g

Image of DS Audio Grand Master
Image of DS Audio Grand Master Equalizer

The DS Audio Grand Master equalizer features separate equalizer and power supply units, each contained in completely independent housings. The use of 2.34 million uF and 2.97 million uF electrolytic capacitors within the equalizer and power supply units respectively has resulted in a significantly stronger power supply design and, as a result, made improved reproduction of deeper low frequencies possible.


In addition to this, the Grand Master equalizer incorporates special film capacitors custom built to DS Audio’ s specifications and non-induction winding resistors. The design features a total of three transformers, each with a capacity 1½ times greater than that of the DS Master 1. One each, for the left and right channels, with the third handling the power supply to the optical cartridge.

Output: 700mV(1kHz)

Output Impedance: RCA 120Ω, XLR 120Ω

Output terminals: RCA terminal×3, XLR terminal×3

Dimensions: W45.2cm×H15.2cm×D48.6cm (Both Units)

Weight: 25.1kg (Equalizer unit), 29.8kg (Power unit)