DS-EQ1 Optical Equalizer

When Ed made the decision to dust off his extensive vinyl collection, he was interested in finding out what the current state of vinyl playback was. During his research, he became intrigued with DS Audio’s optical cartridge technology and their customers' experiences.

Initiating a collaboration with Tetsuaki Aoyagi, head of DS Audio, Ed purchased the W2 optical cartridge for development and was impressed during his preliminary listening experiences. Compared to his reference MC cartridge, the W2 exhibited improved resolution, clarity and low frequency response. This motivated Ed to dive back into the world of vinyl playback, resulting in the first EMM Labs optical equalizer, the DS-EQ1, designed exclusively for interfacing with DS Audio optical cartridges.

Upon receiving the full line of DS Audio cartridges, Ed immediately recognized a common sonic signature within the line, increasing in its degree of refinement and depth from the entry-level E1 to the flagship Master1 cartridge.

The DS-EQ1 is designed with an obsessive desire to lower noise and distortion, and to extract every bit of detail and information from any DS Audio optical cartridge. The DS-EQ1’s circuits are all Meitner designed in-house, including it’s power supply, and are optimized for short and direct audio paths. EMM uses a custom made ceramic PCB for the equalization and amplification stages, which allow for the superior extraction of low level details in the audio.

From its proprietary equalization, class A amplification, and power supply systems, to its touch panel buttons and sophisticated aluminium chassis, the DS-EQ1 is the ultimate partner to any DS Audio optical cartridge.

“I found developing the DS-EQ1 both extremely interesting and highly satisfying. It was an honour to work on this project in close collaboration with DS Audio. I now find myself improving and appreciating my vinyl collection on a daily basis with DS Audio optical cartridges and the EMM Labs DS-EQ1 optical equalizer.”, -- Ed Meitner

Key Features

• Proprietary & discrete equalization specifically designed for all DS Audio optical cartridges
• Ultra low distortion
• Custom designed discrete class A amplification
• Front panel user selectable standard 50Hz RIAA response or with added 2nd order 15Hz high pass filter.
• Optimized short audio paths throughout
• Latest generation custom made power system
• Custom aerospace-grade ceramic circuit board
• Power and filter touch buttons
• Precision-machined well-damped aluminium chassis
• Works with all DS Audio cartridges
• CE compliant

Power Supply:
Proprietary high-isolation resonant mode power supply for silent & eco-friendly operation
Universal 85V-260V 50/60Hz IEC Input Connector
Maximum 50W consumption

Specification

Inputs: RCA
Stereo analogue outputs: XLR & RCA
Output impedance: Balanced XLR – 300Ω, Single-Ended RCA – 150Ω
Output Levels: XLR Output - 1V (+2.2dBu), RCA Output – 0.5V (-3.8dBu)
Finish: Fine bead blasted silver or black
Dimensions: W x D x H: 438 x 381 x 102mm
Weight: 12kg

EMM LABS AUDIO WARRANTY STATEMENT

Your new EMM Labs product is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period, subject to the limitations contained in this warranty.

EMM Labs warrants the product against defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of time specified by the product’s serial number from the date of first delivery to the owner. The warranty time period is 5 years. Warranty is limited to the original owner and is non-transferable.

The period of warranty coverage for your EMM Labs product can be found in your owner's manual.

For all warranty claims, a copy of the original invoice must accompany the product.

Opening the product or modifying it in any way by the owner, including but not limited to cryogenic treatment, will void any warranty.

Please contact Audio Visual Technology Solutions LTD for RMA number and shipping instructions before shipping any products to EMM Labs.

EMM Labs products are sold worldwide through authorized dealers with restricted territories. EMM Labs product purchased from non-authorized dealers or from a dealer selling outside his / her authorized territory will automatically void product warranty.

This Warranty Is Subject To The Following Limitations
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

1. Any EMM Labs product that has been altered or modified in any way or upon which the serial number has been tampered with or altered.
2. Any unit that has been damaged due to misuse, negligence, accident or improper operation.
3. Shipping damages of any kind.
4. Any unit that has been subjected to extremes of humidity or temperature.
5. Any unit that has been purchased from an unauthorized dealer, or upon which unauthorized repair or service has been performed.

PLEASE RETAIN A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL PROOF-OF-PURCHASE. It will be necessary should in-warranty service ever be required.

The above warranties do not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse or as a result of modification by other than the EMM Labs service facility.

EMM Labs or Audio Visual Technology Solutions shall not be held liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kind arising from the sale or use of its products. Some sates do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Warranty Outside the United States
EMM Labs has formal distribution agreements in many countries. The EMM Labs importer in those countries has assumed the responsibility for servicing EMM Labs products. Please contact the dealer or distributor in the country where you purchased your product for any service issues

Note: All warranty returns should be sent to Audio Visual Technology Solutions (UK) Limited freight prepaid through an authorised UK dealer and must be accompanied by proof of purchase (a copy of the original sales receipt). Direct returns from consumers or non-authorised dealers will be refused unless specifically authorised by Audio Visual Technology Solutions (UK) Limited with a valid return authorisation number. Warranty expiration on products returned without proof of purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated as this date is previous to purchase date. Return only defective components. Non-defective items received will be returned freight-collect at the expense of the customer. Customer is responsible for shipping charges and insurance in sending the product to Audio Visual Technology Solutions (UK) Limited. Freight damage on returns is not covered under warranty. Always include proof of purchase (sales receipt).

Note: Products that require inspection and repair should be packed carefully, preferably in the original packaging material. Audio Visual Technology Solutions (UK) Limited may charge the customer under its discretion for supplying new packaging material if deemed that the packaging material supplied by the customer is not fit for shipping of the products after remedial work is complete.

Note: Products purchased from unauthorised dealers are not covered under warranty. Please see our list of authorised UK dealers.