DS-W3 with Emm Labs DS-EQ1 vs DS-W3 Equalizer

[Chauncey79]

Will the Emm Labs DS-EQ1 work with the new DS Audio DS-W3 Cartridge? Has anyone compared the DS-EQ1 vs the DS Audio Equalizers?

 

[dennis h]

Will the Emm Labs DS-EQ1 work with the new DS Audio DS-W3 Cartridge? Has anyone compared the DS-EQ1 vs the DS Audio Equalizers?

Yes, the Emm Labs DS-Eq1 will work with the DS Audio DS-W3 cartridge.
Sorry, I have no listening experience yet.

 

[gds7368]

I owned the Emm Labs DS-EQ1 with the Grand Master cartridge for over a year, before first upgrading to DS GM Equalizer, and then more recently upgrading to the DS GM EX cartridge. I’ve never heard the W3 BTW.

Prior to purchasing the DS-EQ1, had an in home demo of the DS-EQ1 and the DS Audio Master 1 equalizers at the same time and I much preferred the DS-EQ1. More detail and more natural at the same time. The Master 1 sounded constrained and a bit veiled by comparison. Yes the GM equalizer is a nice step up from the DS-EQ1, but EQ1-to-GM-equalizer is well along the law of diminishing returns curve. The DS-EQ1 is fantastic - and even underpriced for its performance - IMHO.

 

[gajgmusic]

The DS-EQ 1 works with any DS audio cartridge. The Meitner DS-EQ2 is the lower priced version and an amazing performer at its price. I would echo the above comments. I have had the Grand Master and EQ1 for 3 years and love it. I have compared to different DS equalizers and with the exception of the Grand Master two box, have preferred the Emm labs. But its just my opinion, and I like the Emm sound - I have a lot of their other gear. The two box Grand Master has superior bass - oomph, but not a lot over the EQ1 in the rest of the range. Both brands are excellent, just my preference. Hope that helps.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Does anybody know what actually goes on in the box of these decoders? How does the EMM decoder differ from the DS Audio decoder? What are they doing differently?