Japanese audio engineers from DS audio have presented another optical-mechanical cartridge from the premium Grand Master series – the Extreme model. By the name, we can conclude that the new product is superior to the previous flagship of the brand, simply called Grand Master . And indeed, this time the mechanical part of the product, perhaps, has reached the maximum possible.
The thing is that the diamond tip of the needle on the needle holder is usually fixed with glue – this was done on the Grand Master. But the Grand Master Extreme uses a one-piece diamond needle holder, which, together with the needle, is a single unit.
DS audio stated, “There is no doubt that Grand Master Extreme, using a solid diamond cantilever, perfect cantilever shape and stylus tip, has reached a new analog limit.”
Otherwise, the Grand Master Extreme uses the same photoelectric conversion principle, which achieves more than 27dB (1kHz) channel separation and 70mV output level. It is produced in a case made of ultra duralumin, and the console holder is made of stainless steel. The weight of the novelty is 7.9 g, the recommended needle pressure is 2.1 g, everything is quite familiar.
In the US, the DS Audio Grand Master Extreme optical pickup costs approximately $16,500. For owners of Grand Master cartridges, the manufacturer offers an upgrade to the Extreme version for about $12,340.
