Reed EQ

The Reed EQ is expertly engineered to receive the signal from the Reed optical cartridge with full capacity, ensuring optimal performance. We have crafted an equalizer that reflects our deep knowledge of high-end audio equipment design principles and techniques. The result is an audio experience that delivers unmatched quality, clarity, and immersion — the unique benefits that only an optical cartridge can provide.

Before you experience the sound, you first need to see and handle the equipment. Both the equalizer and its power supply — inseparable as a product — are crafted from machined aluminum. Their substantial weight and solid construction provide a premium feel, while the anodized surface offers protection from damage. The option to choose between Seashell White and Black versions ensures a seamless match with the rest of your audio equipment.

We follow a distinct electronics design philosophy that we have carefully implemented in our product. We believe that signal integrity, channel symmetry, and noise reduction are essential factors in amplifier design. To ensure the highest performance, we use only the finest components for signal processing. For example, one of the key components is a discrete audio op-amp, which benefits from lower distortion due to minimal thermal coupling between the op-amp components and ensures class A output stage. Additionally, the use of high-quality inductors in the passive equalizing circuit contributes to better stability, consistency, a more linear phase response, and lower losses. Both left and right channels are completely symmetrical because the signal inversion is done with passive components. The signal path PCB’s are gold plated to improve solderability and avoid oxidation.

The power supply is a separate body unit and also features several unique innovations. One standout is the use of batteries to supply power to the cartridge LEDs. This fully isolates the LED power supply from the rest of the system, ensuring the lowest possible noise levels. The batteries charge autonomously, without user intervention, and provide an uninterrupted experience. One battery pack is always charging while the other powers the LEDs, with seamless automatic switching. The power supply also incorporates three separate power transformers to power different modules, further isolating the electronic circuits to minimize interference.

The equalizer features RCA (single-ended) input and output connectors, as well as XLR (differential) output connectors. The control panel includes the following:

1. Mute switch – Removes the signal from the output, useful when mounting or adjusting the cartridge.
2. Filter switch (30Hz/50Hz) – Selects the high-pass filter cut-off frequency, allowing for better compatibility with different tonearm parameters.
3. Line/Phono switch – Switches between line and headphone output.

For occasions when listening through loudspeakers is not possible, we’ve included a headphone amplifier with a 6.35mm output socket.

To sum up, we are confident that our equalizer will offer a unique listening experience, allowing the listener to discover a whole new frontier in vinyl playback and shed new light on old records.