The exceptional cartridges of the Japanese manufacturer DS-Audio are the buzz of the high-end scene. In contrast to classic "magnetic" representatives (MM, MC or MI), these cartridges operate by means of a photo-optical principle.
These cartridges are not only able to reproduce down to (theoretically) DC, but also to provide excellent resolution due to their extremely low moving mass.


Although a similar principle was introduced to the market around 50 years ago by Toshiba, Sharp, Trio, Kenwood, etc., it was discontinued due to several technical issues (especially the heat generated by the incandescent lamp used at that time) and the introduction of the compact disc.

But fortunately, technical progress does not stand still, and so in 2015 the Digital Stream Corporation (DSC) released this completely redeveloped line of optical cartridges under the "DS-Audio" brand.


Differences between an usual magnetic catrdidge and the photo-optical DS-Audio catridge (Pictures by DS-Audio)

For each of these fascinating cartridges a special supply unit is needed, because these systems need their own phantom voltage including a special equalization, and therefore they cannot be connected to usual MM and MC phono inputs.


The DS-Audio cartridge and control unit is normally sold as a package. However, the customer can also purchase the cartridges only, which are available in various configurations, separately. In any case, the key is that an external control unit is necessary for operation.

With the Mr. Nixie control units now alternatives of such equalizers for the optical cartridges of DS Audio comes out on the market, developed and handcrafted in small batches in Germany.

The design is based on the original equalizer circuit, which has been kindly published by DS Audio to encourage other suppliers to bring their own license-free supply units for these exceptional cartridges on the market.

The result can be "hardly seen", but heard all the more. The Mr. Nixie units perform very fine in comparative measurements with the original devices. In combination with a DS-Audio cartridge, the vinyl reproduction is simply overwhelming.
The extensive considerations for the expansion of the basic circuit and using high quality components have a positive effect on the performance of the cartridge. The qualities are now fully exploited. This authenticity and the physicality in the music reproduction paired with incredible dynamics are unrivaled.

The 3rd generation cartridges with channel-separated photosensors, such as the DS Audio 003, also harmonize excellently with this supply units.

You already own a DS Audio cartridge system with the corresponding control unit?
Simply tryout the Mr. Nixie units and your ears will be amazed.

You are planning - quasi as a newcomer - to try a photo-optical cartridge for the first time?
Please read the DS-Tube manual first and check first if your turntable - specially the cartridge wiring - meets the requirements for this installation.
Finally you can purchase your desired cartridge from your DS-Audio dealer and easily combine it with a Mr. Nixie control unit.

The future of analog playback is here and now.

After the Mr. Nixie control unit Mk II for DS-Audio optical cartridges caused a sensation and set the bar very high in relation to its price, it was understandable that customers would ask if there was even more that could be done.

And so, Mr. Nixie once again looked far beyond the horizon, threw all available technologies into a pot, and after vigorous stirring and adding Mr. Nixie's legendary Knoff Hoff seasoning, the control unit called DS-Tube with "Designed and Made in Germany" as the very first German series production was born.

The specifications for this development were not without their challenges:
It had to sound "even better" than the Mk II, but still have the same excellent noise behavior - and humming was definitely not an option, too. The tube and optical cartridge had to be treated electrically with care, and last but not least, the power consumption had to be kept low.

And so, after nearly countless research, the circuity for the DS-Tube control unit was developed, which for the first time operates a dual amplifier tube on a symmetrical power supply voltage. Combined with extremely low noise constant current sources and downstream MosFet impedance converters, as well as the Burr Brown output drivers from the SoundPlus series, an unprecedented level of sound quality was achieved.
The currently ongoing listening tests of pre-production models sustainably confirm this positive impression.

After countless listening sessions, the E88CC / 6N24P and their well-known "colleagues" were identified as worthy partners as amplifier tubes, as the 88/89's series has a much lower noise floor and significantly less microphonic than conventional grid manufacuring due to the frame grid construction. At the same time, the required low anode voltage also allows the resistance noise to be kept at a lower level. Furthermore, these dual triodes are still in roduction today - surplus needs are therefore ensured for many years.

For those who prefer an even more powerful sound for pop and rock or similar genres, Mr. Nixie offers the 6N24P NOS dual triode with the optical "Holy Grail" system as a special insider tip as an option, made possible by a rotatable tube board.

And also for those who desire an ultra-stable power supply, the new Super Capacitor Upgrade has been introduced, which increases the filtering capacity in the power supply from 8,200 µF to 478,000 µF and for the optical cartridge LED from 30,000 µF to 2,350,000 µF.

Features DS-Tube