DS Master3 vs W3
The W3's tracking force is 1.9 g against the DS Master3's 2.1 g. Both share output (0.1 mV), output impedance (120Ω), and channel separation (27 dB).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
The Living Sounds Audio DS Master3 is a premium optical phono cartridge system from DS Audio consisting of the Master 3 cartridge and matching equalizer. It uses photo-electric conversion instead of conventional magnetic generator technology, with independent LED and photodetector arrangements for the left and right channels to improve output, separation, and noise performance. The cartridge is positioned as a semi-flagship model and is notable for its square pillar diamond cantilever, Micro Ridge stylus, ultra-duralumin body, and 99.9% pure beryllium shading plate. The matching equalizer is a dual-mono design with separate left/right circuits, three transformers, balanced and unbalanced outputs, and six selectable low-frequency cutoff/output patterns. Current product pages and dealer listings show it as actively sold rather than discontinued.
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
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The W3's tracking force is 1.9 g against the DS Master3's 2.1 g. Both share output (0.1 mV), output impedance (120Ω), and channel separation (27 dB).
The Ultimate Exceed Astro's output is 0.2 mV against the DS Master3's 0.1 mV, its tracking force 2.0 g against 2.1 g, and its channel separation 30 dB against 27 dB. Both share stylus type (Microridge).
The Ultimate Exceed Diamond's output is 0.2 mV against the DS Master3's 0.1 mV, its tracking force 2.0 g against 2.1 g, and its cartridge type MC against Optical. Both share stylus type (Microridge).
The Ultimate VX Astro Diamond's output is 0.2 mV against the DS Master3's 0.1 mV, its tracking force 2.0 g against 2.1 g, and its channel separation 30 dB against 27 dB. Both share stylus type (Microridge).
DS-W2
Master 1
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