W3

About the W3

The DS Audio W3 optical cartridge system uses independent LEDs and photo-detectors for the left and right channels, increasing output voltage from 40mV to 70mV and improving channel separation and signal-to-noise ratio. It features a boron cantilever with a line contact stylus and an aluminum (A5052) body designed for maximum rigidity. The shading plate is made from 99.9% pure beryllium, reducing weight by 50% compared to previous designs, contributing to an incredibly low effective mass and improved trackability. The system includes a dedicated phonostage/equalizer with discrete circuitry, multiple bass roll-off curves, and both XLR and RCA outputs. The phonostage outputs 500mV with low impedance and accepts inputs with impedance over 10kΩ. The W3 system is regarded as a reference-level product offering superior musical clarity, imaging, and dynamic range compared to earlier models and typical moving coil cartridges.