DS Audio HS-001 State of the Art Billet Headshell

Description

MY TAKE: Probably the most beautiful headshell on the market, the HS-001 is visually stunning, but the most attractive aspects are the unique features that set it apart from all other designs on the market. It's become our favorite headshell on our Technics SL-100RE-S. - Galen

The detachable headshell system used on many tonearms today is convenient and allows quick and easy cartridge swaps. However, current designs sacrifice ultimate rigidity due to the less than ideal coupling at the armtube. DS Audio took a fresh look at headshell design and have come up with a solution that significantly improves coupling rigidity and increased contact pressure.
 

The first step is machining the headshell from a billet of Ultra Duraluminum

Conventional headshells have a single locking pin, attached only to the upper side of the barrel, resulting in uneven contact pressure between the armwand and the headshell.

The novel design of the HS-001 Solid Head Shell utilizes dual locking pins, both upper and lower, equalizing the clamping force and providing uniform pressure on all the signal contacts. The added coupling force and even compression increases rigidity and adds stability to the interface.

Additionally, DS Audio designed a unique spherical washer for the interface between the headshell and armwand. The shape ensures even pressure around the entire circumference of the mating surfaces, providing improved mechanical coupling for improved stability and resonance control.

The problem of multiple temporary signal connections has been addressed in the HS-001. DS Audio hand solders the lead wires to the terminals inside the headshell.

The sonic benefits of the HS-001 are many, including improved dynamics (both macro and micro), better focus and soundstage along with greater clarity.
 

Check out the introduction video!

CUSTOMER COMMENTS:

"Galen: The headshell arrived today. What a work of art - really a well built unit. Sounds fabulous. Did an A to B with the stock and there’s no comparison. Listening to MJQ at Blues at Carnegie Hall (MoFi) and the detail and clarity are superb. Vibes sound so rich, full of overtones. Bass is clean and deep. Thanks for the recommendation." - R.P.

FEATURES:

• The dual pin design increases clamping force and provides uniform pressure of electrical contacts

• A special spherical washer stabilizes the interface between the headshell and armtube

• Each HS-001 is individually machined from a solid billet of Ultra Duraluminum for maximum rigidity and resonance control

• High-quality Japanese-made litz wiring

• Hand-soldered lead wires inside the headshell insure optimal signal transfer

• Gold plated headshell-to-tonearm contacts

• Adjustable azimuth

SPECIFICATIONS:

Material: Ultra duralumin
External Dimensions: H 21 × W 40 × D 55 mm
Connector Collett: Aluminum
Connector Terminal: Gold plating
Lead Wire: Litz wire 4N φ 0.08 x 10 x 3 yore rings
Weight: approx 10.5 g (excluding shell lead wire), 11.0 g (including shell lead wire)
Screws: Stainless Steel - M 2.6 L 8 × 2, M 2.6 L 12 × 2, M2.6 SUS but×2