Grand Master

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Grand Master

“The Grand Master is so truly supreme in resolution, transparency, spatial recreation, neutrality and any other parameter I can name that it’s impossible for me not say what I usually try to avoid:‘This may be the best cartridge I’ve ever heard.’”
Ken Kessler Hi Fi News 2021

Details

Cartridge

Independent LED and photo-detector arrangement for the left and right channels

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 increased from 40mV to 70mV. The Grand Master cartridge offers an improved S/N ratio compared to its stable mates, resulting in an even lower noise floor and far greater musical clarity.

Weight of the shading plate is reduced by more than 50%

The implementation of independent left and right channel LEDs allow for the positioning of the optical system to be optimized as well as necessitating the use of a newly designed shading plate that has been significantly reduced in size compared to our earlier designs. In addition to this reduction in size, the material used to produce the shading plate has been changed from aluminum (as used in the second-generation cartridges) to 99.9% pure beryllium to reduce its mass further.

Diamond cantilever

The Grand Master is the first DS Audio cartridge to feature a diamond cantilever with a MicroRidge stylus. The unique cartridge body structure was designed to promote maximum rigidity. In addition, the Grand Master utilizes internal wiring 1.6 times thicker than used in the second-generation cartridges to reduce impedance.

Equalizer

The power unit and equalizer unit are completely separate units

The DS Audio Grand Master system features a separate equalizer and power supply, each in an independent chassis. Using 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 improved reproduction of deeper low frequencies. In addition, the Grand Master equalizer incorporates special film capacitors custom-built to DS Audio’s specifications, along with non-induction winding resistors. The design features three transformers, each with a capacity 1½ times greater than that of the DS Master 1, one for the left and one for right channels, with the third handling the power supply to the optical cartridge.

A total of 6 optional low-frequency cut-off points

The Grand Master equalizer features single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs. Additionally, you can choose from 6 different low-frequency cut-off points, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with any hi-fi system.