Meietner Audo DS-EQ1 Optical Cartrodge EQ

[Gregadd]

Preview: Meitner Audio DS-EQ1 Optical Cartridge EQ​

• REVIEW
• by TAS Staff
• Mar 23rd, 2022
• A
• A
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Jacob Heilbrunn previewed this “phono preamp” at the Capital Audio Fest and rated it the “Most Significant New Product”. It provides equalization solely for DS Audio optical cartridges. Jon Valin is fond of several DS cartridges as he has explained in the pages of TAS. Ed Meitner discovered a similar fascination: “Initiating a collaboration with Tetsuaki Aoyagi, head of DS Audio, Ed purchased the W2 optical cartridge for development and was impressed during his preliminary listening experiences. Compared to his reference MC cartridge, the W2 exhibited improved resolution, clarity and low frequency response. This motivated Ed to dive back into the world of vinyl playback, resulting in the first EMM Labs optical equalizer, the DS-EQ1, designed exclusively for interfacing with DS Audio optical cartridges.”
$12500

 

[Gregadd]

Optical cartridge basic principle

The Basic principle of the optical cartridge First, We will explain the difference of detection principle between the optical cartridge and MM / MC cartridge. Both the MM / MC cartridge and the optical cartridge read the record groove through the needle, but the us...

www.ds-audio-w.biz

 

[Gregadd]

"Two years ago I reviewed the first iteration of a DS Audio cartridge, the DS-W1 “Night Rider,” and though, as you will soon see, several things have changed for the better in the DS 002, the basic operating system remains the same. If I may quote from that review without again being accused of going soft in the head, here is how it works: “The cartridge uses a light source (a miniature LED) that is powered via tonearm cables and internal tonearm wiring by an outboard equalizer/power supply (which you must purchase along with the cartridge and which replaces your phonostage). The record-groove vibrations transmitted by the stylus/cantilever modulates this LED light by means of an ultra-low-mass screen or shutter attached to the cantilever. This modulated light is picked up by the photodiode, which converts the light into an electrical signal, sending it back through the tonearm wires and interconnects to the equalizer/power supply unit where it is RIAA-equalized and amplified into a line-level output"
tas review

 

[BR549]

Mine is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Moving up from the DS-EQ2. I think the EQ2 is fantastic, so I can't wait to hear the EQ1. I am running the Grandmaster cartridge.

 

[BR549]

It was worth the wait. I think the EQ2 is likely the price/performance sweet spot, but the EQ1 adds so much more presence and depth to the presentation if your system supports it. I am over the moon with the DSAudio Optical Cartridge system.

 

[BR549]

I have heard that the EQ-1 takes a long time to warm up (24 hours or so). Do folks leave it on, and if you do, do you turn off the power to the tonearm? Appreciate your input.

 

[MRJAZZ]

In the literature on the DS Audio 003 EQ, they recommend leaving the power on for a minimum of a month, as the substantial Electrolytic “Filter Bank” (330,000 uf), needs a long time time to “break in”.
Not sure if the Meitner is any different, but I suspect it also requires a long time to settle in.
Cheers....

 

[gajgmusic]

That's interesting. I have played a little with this, mostly by accident, and I have not noticed an enormous amount of difference but that may just be my lack of hearing

 

[delm]

Ed says to power the DS-EQ1 and DS cartridge 24/7.

 

[gajgmusic]

I know he does, but honestly i don't notice it doesn't change a lot. But he leaves it on all the time in his office, thats for sure

 

[BR549]

After I installed my EQ1, I left it on 24/7 on the advice of many. I had to turn it off earlier this week due to some power stuff I was having done in the room. It literally sounded awful that night - I was worried something was off with the table or something, but then I remembered this thread and general conversation. Came back the next day and it was significantly improved and the day after that, all was well. Still loving it.

 

[gajgmusic]

After I installed my EQ1, I left it on 24/7 on the advice of many. I had to turn it off earlier this week due to some power stuff I was having done in the room. It literally sounded awful that night - I was worried something was off with the table or something, but then I remembered this thread and general conversation. Came back the next day and it was significantly improved and the day after that, all was well. Still loving it.

Delighted it’s back to your liking. I do leave it on all the time now. I was lucky enough to have Ed Meitner and his crew over last week to our audio club. They make great equipment.