"The game changer"

DS-E1

"I think it could be the sixth biggest game-changer in cartridges in three decades.
The other five? its older siblings."
Hi Fi News Ken Kessler

DETAILS 

Cartridge 

Using vibration system of the same design as DS Master1 and DS-W2 and DS002 

DS-El has a wire suspension mechanism which is the same design as DS Master 1 and DS-W2 and DS002 By implementing it, you realize high channel separation and stable music playback.
Moreover, by arranging the position of the slit at the position close to the needle point, it is possible to retrieve information with higher freshness.

Aluminum Cantilever with Elliptical needle 

Like the more expensive DS Audio cartridges, the DS-E1 cartridge body is machined from aluminum and echoes their distinctive design for best optical performance. The DS 002 features an aluminum cantilever and Elliptical needle to accurately reproduce the music recorded on the vinyl record album. 

Equalizer 

Small size, big performance 

The DS-El equalizer employs an operational amplifier at the heart of its amplification circuit, greatly reducing the number of components required. This also allows the DS-E1 to posses an extremely compact form factor, around 1/3 the size of the DS-002 equalizer, whilst still offering the world leading performance you have come to expect from DS Audio. 

Equalizer 

Proudly manufactured in Japan 

The DS-E1 features precision machined aluminum casework, an element it shares in common with its illustrious stable-mates. Each DS-E1 is manufactured by hand in DS Audio's facility in Sagamihara City.

REVIEW & AWARDS

Enjoy The Music - Read More 

"If you enjoy the romantic, richly voiced presentation of a Koetsu Rosewood, the DS-E1's more even-handed approach may not float your boat. On the other hand, if you value sonic purity, supple textures, commanding bass reach, and impressive dynamic scaling, the DS-E1 will almost certainly tickle your fancy. Its transient fidelity, almost unparalleled quietude, and superb retrieval of low-level musical detail won me over. As I shared with Garth Leerer in a recent email, I am keeping the DS-E1 as my new reference. It represents shockingly good value in a world where five-figure cartridges no longer shock, and it sounds great.
A product of the year candidate for sure. Very highly recommended." - Maurice Jeffries

HiFi New & Second Review - DS Audio DS-E1 Cartridge - Read More 

The Audio Beatnik - DS Audio E1 Optical Cartridge System - Read More

"I have heard cartridges with more depth as I mentioned earlier. I have heard cartridges with a bit more open and extended/airy top end. I have heard cartridges with a bit less congestion/compression in the upper mids when things get complex. However, as you ascend the DS Audio line some of the above-mentioned comments drop off of the list. This cartridge’s minor issues are subtractive in nature, and they are only noticeable in comparison to some very high-priced competition." - Ken Redmond

The Cartridge Dude - Read More

SPECIFICATIONS

DS-E1 Optical Cartridge

DS-E1 Equalizer for Optical Cartridge