DS-W2

About the DS-W2

The DS-W2 is a high-end optical phono cartridge and equalizer system from DS Audio, designed as a more affordable alternative to their flagship Master 1. The cartridge features an aluminum body, a boron cantilever, and a micro-ridge stylus with a minimum curvature radius, delivering exceptional speed, tonal fidelity, and detail retrieval. It weighs 8.1 grams and has a recommended tracking force of 1.6 to 1.8 grams. The matching phono stage/equalizer is a substantial unit weighing about 12 kg, with dimensions 430W x 107H x 380D mm, and includes two sets of RCA and XLR outputs with selectable low-frequency cut-off points. The equalizer uses twelve large 56,000µF capacitors connected by thick copper bus bars for maximum power transfer and shielding. The system outputs a high 1.28V signal, suitable for standard line inputs, and features a bass boost starting below 100Hz. The DS-W2 is praised for its quiet background, excellent stereo separation, and natural, warm tonal character without sacrificing speed or detail. It is recommended for refined audiophiles seeking musical realism and beauty in vinyl playback. The system is no longer the absolute flagship but offers nearly all the performance at about half the price of the Master 1.