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.
“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
Signal output : Photo-electric Conversion
Channel separation : 27db more（1kHz）
Weight : 7.7g
Output signal level : 70mV more
Canti-lever : Diamond
Body material : Ultra duralumin
Cantilever holder material ; Stainless
Needle pressure : 2.0g～2.2g(2.1g is recommended)
Stylus : Micro Ridge
