NOT satisfied with unleashing its range of cutting-edge optical phono cartridges on the vinyl world, Japan’s DS Audio now offers the HS-001 solid headshell, designed to “provide a superior fitting for any and all phono cartridges, not merely DS Audio’s own high-performance optical models.”
According to the press releases, the “simple design hones in on the point of contact with the tonearm and improves upon the conventional approach in two keys ways. In most conventional designs, there is a single vertical pin on the upper side of the connector. This results in uneven contact pressure between the arm and the headshell. In contrast, the HS-001 features both an upper and a lower vertical pin structure, which serves to equalise the pressure on the electrical contacts and ensure an even application of force across the connection to the tonearm.”
The whole contact surface is then further anchored by a domed headshell washer, custom-developed by DS Audio, for greater stability and resonance control at the point of contact with the tonearm.
“The HS-001’s body is precision-machined from a solid billet of duralumin, an ultra-light yet ultra-rigid aluminium alloy that delivers excellent resonance control. Following extensive listening tests, DS Audio selected a Japanese made Litz wire for the signal leads, which are carefully hand-soldered to preserve signal integrity for the optimal in sound performance.”
The headshell weighs about 10.5g (without the wires), and measures 21 x 40 x 55mm (h/w/d), excluding the connector and finger lift. The wires and connector parts are also available unsoldered.
The HS-001 is available now, retailing at £400 in the UK; contact your distributor for local prices.
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