What innovative, unconventional cartridge designs can you recommend?

 

 

pindac

3,727 posts

02-13-2026 at 09:46am 

@audphile1 I’m sure you are really trying to state, "I did not need another prolix reply to read through"
 

@pindac ahem…no not really.

I asked gemini to give me the word count and summarize your post. 
Word count: 1150

Gemini summary:

This essay argues that while Electromagnetic (Moving Coil/Magnet) cartridges are governed by predictable, linear physics, Optical Read cartridges face a fundamental "Achilles’ Heel": the inherent nonlinearity of photocells.

The Comparison:

• Electromagnetic: Highly predictable and measurable. While assembly precision affects distortion, performance is consistent enough to use standardized RIAA correction and enhancement tools (like the Ortofon FSE).

• Optical: While they benefit from high-end materials (Boron/Diamond cantilevers), the photocells vary wildly from unit to unit. Because their behavior is nonlinear and inconsistent, the author argues that each individual cartridge technically requires bespoke, custom-tuned circuitry to perform optimally.

Conclusion:

The author concludes that the optical cartridge market overlooks this lack of consistency, whereas traditional electromagnetic designs remain superior for those seeking predictable, calculable precision in audio reproduction.

Would you like me to create a bulleted list of the specific technical pros and cons mentioned for each cartridge type?

Optical attenuators are said to be unreliable or nonlinear such that channel to channel balance is tricky. I have no direct experience pro or con, except the testimony of an experienced audiophile that when working properly his was very transparent. I would think that DS Audio is aware of such issues and is careful about channel matching. And in any case, an attenuator is quite different from a phono cartridge. I’m interested in RB’s opinion once he’s had time to develop one.

Yes I’m also looking forward to @richardbrand thoughts on DS003 and how it works with the Soulnote phono equalizer

@pindac 

So FSE is an acronym that means roughly the same as FOS?

I think @lewm and others here are entitled to ask what you mean by a TLA without having to look it up.  I did look up FSE and the best fit was Fetal Scalp Electrode.  Not sure if that is a misspelling! 

An alternative is Field Service Engineer but they normally visit customers.

So please do explain what you mean by FSE?

It is normal courtesy to spell a Three Letter Acronym (TLA) in full the first time it is used.

Meanwhile it seems you have found a UFO who has convinced you what everybody else here knew intuitively - that the stylus shape and cantilever material are important for optical cartridges.

Oops - I forgot.  UFO = Unidentified Friendly Objector.

Now we have to deal with your frankly ridiculous assertion that optical sensors are non-linear and highly variable, which would logically lead to poor channel balance.  Does 0.3dB sound like bad channel balance to you?

Every digital camera and digital movie camera relies on optical sensors.  So does every optical mouse. Most astronomical telescopes, including the Hubble and Webb orbiting ones, uses optical sensors.

The relevant physics operates at the quantum level, as described by quantum sceptic Albert Einstein. When a photon of the right energy is absorbed by a photodetector, it displaces exactly one electron.  Nothing non-linear there.  The process is stochastic, but billions of atoms will average out very well.

There also nothing non-linear about the amount of shade cover provided to a photodetector in a DS Audio optical cartridge.

Quite remarkably, Tetsuaki Aoyagi, who was awarded TAS' 2025 Inventor of the Year TAS-Fall-2025_Innovator-of-the-Year_Tetsuaki-Aoyagi.pdf, published the circuit design for Equalizers about 4 years ago to encourage other manufacturers to produce them in direct competition with his own.  He provides technical support and there is no charge for other manufacturers, nor is there a licence fee.

He believes, rightly in my opinion, that optical cartridges should become a mainstream choice like Moving Magnet and Moving Coil.

@audphile1 

Apparently, mine is winging its way from Japan, and will Likely Meet the Bulldozers destroying Mountains of Parcels at the POff, Next Week. 

If Customs does not get there first.  They'll be collecting just 10% Goods and Services Tax.

Looks as if I'll have to renounce my British Citizenship if I ever want to visit there again.  No big deal, when I took my kids on a visit, they sauntered straight through on Aussie passports while I got royally interrogated by a gentleman from the sub-continent because I used my British one.