DS003 vs DS-E3
The DS-E3 matches the DS003 on output (0.1 mV), tracking force (2.1 g), output voltage (0.5V RMS), and output impedance (120Ω).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The DS Audio DS 003 is an optical phono cartridge system comprising the DS 003 cartridge and its dedicated DS 003 equalizer. Unlike conventional moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridges, it uses photoelectric conversion and must be used with a compatible DS Audio equalizer rather than a standard phono stage. Its redesigned optical system uses independent LEDs and photo-detectors for the left and right channels, increasing cartridge output to 70 mV and improving channel separation and signal performance. The complete system was retailed at approximately $6,000 in the U.S.
Analog signal output specifications
Phono cartridge specifications
Phono stage specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the DS003 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The DS-E3 matches the DS003 on output (0.1 mV), tracking force (2.1 g), output voltage (0.5V RMS), and output impedance (120Ω).
The 003 Energizer matches the DS003 on output (0.1 mV), tracking force (2.1 g), output voltage (0.5V RMS), and channel separation (27 dB).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The W3's tracking force is 1.9 g against the DS003's 2.1 g. Both share output (0.1 mV), output voltage (0.5V RMS), and output impedance (120Ω).
The Sussurro Paua's output is 0.3 mV against the DS003's 0.1 mV, its tracking force 2.0 g against 2.1 g, and its channel separation 34 dB against 27 dB. Both share stylus type (Line_contact).
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