"...the optical cartridge offers a more open, dynamic, pacey and detailed sound, delivering excitement and energy while capturing subtle nuances in the mix and individual musicians’ contributions."
AUGUST 13, 2025
"Aki has now “trickled down” much of the Grand Master technology into one of his latest “entry-level” products—the DS003, the subject of this review. At “only” $2500 (with another $3500 for its dedicated DS003 phonostage/equalizer), it is not dirt cheap. But $6k is still a far cry from $60k. What do you get for one-tenth the money? Well…just about everything that makes the Grand Master the benchmark that it is...This is just a marvelous transducer. It will certainly be my nominee for TAS Phono Cartridge of the Year.”
- Jon Valin, The Absolute Sound
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"An upgraded version of the original and widely hailed Grand Master optical cartridge, it offers a rarefied experience, one not subject to the usual limitations of vinyl playback. Instead, it ascends to lofty Everest-like peaks of musicality that more fully access the hidden treasures buried in the black grooves of an LP."
AUGUST 7, 2025
"Sonically, the III has a wider dynamic window, lower noise, greater headroom, gain, transparency, detail, and resolution, with a new-found impression of roundedness, dimensionality, and density of tone and body."
AUGUST 7, 2025