Meitner Audio DS-EQ2

DS-EQ2 Optical Cartridge Equalizer Following in the footsteps of the ground-breaking EMM Labs DS-EQ1 optical equalizer, Ed Meitner is proud to introduce the Meitner DS-EQ2. The DS-EQ2 integrates Meitner's proven optical equalization technology learned during the development of the DS-EQ1 into a single-ended, streamlined package accessible by a wider variety of end users while maintaining Meitner’s high standard of quality. In keeping with the Meitner brand ethos, it is a true value proposition in the analog ecosystem. With the release of DS Audio’s third generation optical cartridges, including the more affordable DS-003 system; Ed was once again collaborating with Tetsuaki Aoyagi and his team at DS Audio. This time to develop the Meitner DS-EQ2 optical equalizer. The DS-EQ2 is designed with an obsessive desire to lower noise, lower distortion, and extract every bit of information from any DS Audio optical cartridge. The DS-EQ2’s circuits are all Meitner designed in-house and optimized for short and direct audio paths. In Meitner's philosophy, the DS-EQ2 is a “less-is-more” component. The DS-EQ2 utilizes a simplified chassis construction, high quality components and connectors, and a universal power supply hand-selected to fit Meitner’s design criteria. The DS-EQ2 proudly holds the Meitner flag by offering exceptional performance in an attractive package, with value metrics that are hard to best. Designed for simplicity, the touch buttons on DS-EQ2’s front panel allow the user to safely and silently control power to the cartridge and select the desired filter without fuss. Proudly designed and manufactured in Canada, simply connect the DS-EQ2 to any phono system equipped with a DS Audio optical cartridge, sit back and prepare to have a paradigm shift. The Meitner DS-EQ2 is the perfect partner to any DS Audio system no matter the budget.   Key Features Proprietary & discrete equalization specifically designed for all DS Audio optical cartridges Ultra low distortion Custom designed single-ended discrete class A amplification Front panel electronically selectable DS Audio standard filter response or with added 2nd order 15Hz high pass filter Optimized short audio paths throughout Noiseless cartridge power function Power and filter touch buttons Works with all DS Audio cartridges   REVIEW & AWARDS Recommended Reference Component: Meitner Audio DS-EQ2 Optical Phono Preamplifier - Read More "As Jason concluded in his DS-EQ2 review, the Meitner Audio DS-EQ2 is superior to the DS 003 phono stage that DS Audio supplies for its optical cartridge, but not quite as good as the EMM Labs DS-EQ1 stage. But the performance spread between the EMM Labs and Meitner Audio designs is miniscule compared to the difference in their prices. As a result, the DS-EQ2 earned a Reviewers’ Choice award when Jason’s review was published on July 1, and we are now recognizing it with a Recommended Reference Component award."   Meitner Audio DS-EQ2 Optical Phono Preamplifier - Read More "So the bottom line here is that the DS-EQ2 is a superb component, one that, in the end, can stand alone in the admittedly limited pantheon of optical phono stages. I’ve said it before, and the Meitner Audio DS-EQ2 makes me say it again: If you want to find out just how much information is hiding in your records’ grooves, you need to hear them via a DS Audio optical cartridge and this phono stage. " - Jason Thorpe     SPECIFICATIONS Power supply Power factor corrected Universal 90V-260V, 50/60Hz Power consumption: max. 50W CE Approved Stereo single ended (RCA) inputs and outputs Output voltage 0.5V nominal (~ -3.8dBu) Output impedance 150Ω unbalanced Dimensions (WxDxH) 338 x 286 x 67mm / 13.3 x 11.3 x 2.7in Weight 3.7kg / 8.2lbs Finish Fine bead blasted front panel available in silver or black Designed and Manufactured in Canada