While the optical cartridge has enjoyed a dramatic resurgence in the last decade – thanks to the vision and drive of DS Audio’s founder and CEO, Tetsuaki Aoyagi – what was, in our honest opinion, always missing was a phono stage that allows the optical cartridge to reveal its full potential.
Acoustical Systems is devoted exclusively to the very top end of analog front ends.
Consequently, Acoustical Systems took our time and, only after carefully observing the development of the DS Audio cartridges over the last years, did German analogue specialist begin designing a phono stage dedicated exclusively to the new generation of optical cartridges.
A phono stage that is nothing less than a reference statement and leaves nothing to be desired in design, components, features, or sonic performance.
From the very beginning, the firm decision was to go public and introduce the phono stage as a new product in the Acoustical Systems portfolio of top-range front-end products only once it was absolutely sure – beyond any doubt – that it would set a new reference standard.
Not to introduce just another “me too” product, but a phono stage that transcends the level at which the devoted audiophile can experience the finest optical cartridges.
Acoustical Systems went the extra mile, using only the very finest components available and the one special phono circuit that could alone deliver authority, transparency, dynamics, a pitch-black background, full tonal shading, a truly expansive soundstage extending far beyond room boundaries, and startling lifelikeness – all in a single package, in the most natural way possible.
The finest ingredients, a massive cabinet CNC-machined from two solid blocks of aluminum alloy.
