EMM Labs
DS-EQ1 optical equalizer
Designed by Ed Meitner after discovering DS Audio's optical cartridge technology, the DS-EQ1 is a solid-state, single-purpose "optical equalizer" built exclusively to interface with DS Audio's line of optical phono cartridges rather than conventional MM/MC designs. Because optical cartridges output an already-linear signal rather than requiring RIAA de-emphasis in the traditional sense, the DS-EQ1 instead applies proprietary discrete equalization and Class A amplification through a custom aerospace-grade ceramic circuit board, with a front-panel switchable subsonic filter option.
MSRP
$13,400
Used market · Good
$6,200
MSRP to used market
From $13,400 at launch to $6,200 today.
Specifications
- Price
- $12,500 USD MSRP
- Design
- Solid-state; custom-designed discrete Class A amplification with proprietary discrete equalization circuitry (no tube stages)
- Inputs
- 1 stereo set of unbalanced RCA inputs, optimized exclusively for DS Audio optical cartridges
- Weight
- 12 kg
- Outputs
- 1 stereo balanced XLR output (300 Ω, 1 V / +2.2 dBu) and 1 stereo unbalanced RCA output (150 Ω, 0.5 V / -3.8 dBu)
- Dimensions
- 438 × 102 × 381 mm (W × H × D)
- Power supply
- Proprietary high-isolation resonant-mode supply; universal 85–260V, 50/60Hz IEC input; max. 50W consumption
- Published price
- 13400 USD
- EQ filter options
- Front-panel selectable standard 50 Hz RIAA-style response, or with an added 2nd-order 15 Hz high-pass (subsonic) filter
- Compatibility gain
- Designed exclusively for DS Audio optical cartridges (all models, from entry-level E1 to flagship Master series); n.a. — no numeric gain figure was published in the fetched sources
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