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Description

Brand new in 2024:

The DS-Audio to RIAA Converter (barely larger than an XXL cigarette pack), is designed for all enthusiasts, especially those considering an upgrade, who have come to appreciate the dynamic sound and crystal-clear highs of DS-Audio cartridges but don't want to part with the cozy sound of their existing phono stage.
Therefore, the converter features DS-Audio / RIAA emphasis and offers outputs with MM level for direct connection to the phono amplifier input.
Due to its compact size, the converter can be discreetly installed inside the rack. The external 230V plug-in power supply prevents magnetic interference with existing components in tight spaces. The high filter capacitance of 2.5 F for the cartridge voltage supply offers a quality which can only be achieved by (rechargeable) batteries.


And, the first German DS-Tube tube powered supply unit is now on the market.

The unique cartridges from the Japanese manufacturer DS-Audio are currently making waves in the high-end scene. In contrast to classical "magnetic representatives" (MM, MC, or MI), these pickups operates by using a photo-optical principle.
These cartridges not only have the capability to theoretically sense down to DC but also excel in resolution due to their extremely low moving mass of <1 mg.

Each of these optical cartridges comes with a dedicated supply unit, as these systems require their own supply voltages and specific equalization. Consequently, they can't be connected to regular MM and MC phono stages (except for the DS-Audio to RIAA Converter) and can only be connected via external supply units to high-level Line or AUX inputs.

DS-Audio cartridges and the associated supply units are typically sold as a set. However, customers have the option to purchase only an individual cartridge. It is crucial to note that an external supply unit is always required for operation except the preamp offers a dedicated optical cartridge input.

With the supply units DS-Audio to RIAA Converter Supply Unit Mk II and DS-Tube Mr. Nixie introduces genuine alternatives of equalizers for DS-Audio cartridges, developed and lovingly handcrafted in Germany in small batches.
The result is "barely visible" but all the more audible. All Mr. Nixie supply units, liberated from heavyweight and cost-intensive components quantity battles and housings in extravagant "Bling-Bling Goliath" formats, perform excellently in comparative measurements and listening tests against the original supply units.

The original equalization circuit, published by DS-Audio free from licensing constraints to encourage other manufacturers, served as the template for creating independent tiny supply units for these optical cartridges.
Extensive considerations for expanding this template and the use of low-toleranced components – coupled with Mr. Nixie's expertise – positively impact the overall performance of the entire chain. The qualities of DS-Audio cartridges are fully maximized.
Even the 3rd generation cartridges with channel-separated photosensors, such as the DS Audio 003 or W3, harmonize exceptionally well with these supply units.

Do you already own a DS Audio cartridge with its corresponding supply unit?
Feel free to try a Mr. Nixie power supply unit, and your ears will become wide-eyed.

Are you planning, as a newcomer, to try an optical cartridge for the first time?
Please read the DS-Tube Owners Manual first and check if your cartridge wiring fully meet the requirements. You can next purchase your desired cartridge from your DS-Audio dealer and easily combine it with a supply unit, or opt for the DS-Audio to RIAA Converter along with your existing phono stage.

Download Owners Manual Version DS-Tube
Download Owners Manual Version Mk II

From Good to Extraordinary: The DS-Tube control unit


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.
SuperCap Upgrade
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

  • Low-tolerance WIMA polypropylene capacitors (1% or 2.5%) within the equalization circuity.
  • DS-Audio optical cartridge input via conventional RCA phono cable (please note the correct cartridge wiring).
  • RCA outputs 0.5 V line level.
  • Additional XLR outputs electronically balanced with Burr Brown DRV134 IC's optional.
  • Extended low frequency range with 15 Hz 4th order subsonic filter.
  • Steppless variable low frequency high pass on rear.
  • Power supply 18 VAC or VDC / ca. 550 mA (5.5/2.1mm DC jack).
  • Elaborate multi-stage internal pre-stabilization of all operating voltages for optimum sound quality.
  • Constant current filament power for the tube for optimum care.
  • For selection: 230 VAC dedicated wall mart transformer or a medical approved SPU for 100...230 VAC.
  • For selection: Mr. Nixie's insider tip: 6N24P (NOS) Dual Triode or S4A E88CC Performance.
  • SuperCapacitor-Upgrade with 478,000 µF and 2,350,000 µF for ultra stable power supply.
  • Discrete build source follower / impedance converter and inverter.
  • High quality operational amplifiers from Burr Brown's SoundPlus brand as output driver.
  • Very small dimensions of only 186 x 60 x 158, because the real star is the pickup, not the equalizer!
  • The tube LED lighting can be adjusted in color and brightness through three trimmers located on the front.

Features Version Mk II

  • Low-tolerance WIMA polypropylene capacitors (1% or 2.5%) within the equalization circuity.
  • DS-Audio optical cartridge input via conventional RCA phono cable (please note the correct cartridge wiring).
  • RCA outputs 0.5 V line level.
  • Additional XLR outputs electronically balanced with Burr Brown DRV134 IC's optional.
  • Extended low frequency range with 20 Hz 3rd order subsonic filter.
  • Steppless variable low frequency high pass on rear.
  • Power supply 18 VAC or VDC / ca. 550 mA (5.5/2.1mm DC jack).
  • Elaborate internal pre-stabilization of all operating voltages for optimal sound quality.
  • Select from a 230 VAC dedicated wall mart transformer or a medical approved Meanwell switching power supply for 100...230 VAC.
  • High quality socketed operational amplifiers Burr Brown OPA2134 and OP(A)27 in the audio path.
  • Discrete assembled BURSON V6 audio operational amplifier from Melbourne/Australia for the extra touch of tube sound.
  • Very small dimensions of only 171 x 55 x 130 mm, because the real star is the pickup, not the equalizer!
  • After removing the front the frame LED illumination can be set to seven different colors (red / green / blue / yellow / pink / cyan / white / off) and can be adjusted in brightness

Features DS-Audio to RIAA Converter

  • Low-tolerance WIMA polypropylene capacitors (1% or 2.5%) within the complete equalization circuity.
  • DS-Audio optical cartridge input via conventional RCA phono cable (please note the correct cartridge wiring).
  • RCA outputs with RIAA pre-emphasis and MM level for connecting to your existing Phono amplifier
  • Optional: balanced floating tranformer (Haufe brand) MC outputs.
  • With DIP switches quad adjustable low shelving filter with extra 20 Hz subsonic filter.
  • Power supply input 18 V floating, 600 mA max. inrush current when charging the Super Caps, 5.5/2.1 jack.
    For the moment only 230 VAC with EU mains plug 18 VDC linear power supplies are available.
  • Very low power consumption of only 30 mA @ standby and 100 mA when cartridge LEDs are turned on.
  • With 2,500,000 µF (!) Super Capacitor stabilized voltage supply for cartridge IR-LEDs.
  • Via switch the cartridge LEDs can be slow turned on / off.
  • Discrete with the Ultra-Low-Noise FET JFE2140 (TI Burr Brown Audio) designed amplifier stages.
  • Neutral sounding not to influence with the tonal characteristic of your phono pre-amplifier.
  • Very small dimensions of only 103 x 82 x 42 mm (w/o RCA jacks).

Feedback


Im HiFi und Lebensart-Forum gibt es die ersten Testberichte zu den DS-Tube Labormustern.
Im Analog-Forum unter "Tonabnehmer und Tonarme" gibt es mehrere Threads zu dem Thema.

Order



DS-Tube with options

Power Supply option


Tube option






Version Mk II with upgrade options

Netzteil / Power Supply






DS-Audio to RIAA Converter with upgrade options at introductory price


Please contact me via email before ordering: Mr.Nixie@Nixiekits.eu
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