The Strain Gauge Cartridge at the London 2008 HiFi Show

there have been a couple of threads regarding the strain gauge cartridge. Audio Asylum/vinyl has had a number of discussions regarding the cartridge, and Soundsmith in general.

I heard the cartridge a couple of years ago at the Denver show and really liked the dynamics. It is an interesting cartridge, for sure. Because of its unique design and philosophy, it has its fans and detractors. As for myself, the test records I brought last year were a mixed bag when played on the SG cartridge. One LP sounded awesome, one awful. I went with the intention of purchasing one, but walked away empty handed.

I think Tone Audio is going to be reviewing Soundsmith cartridges in the near future. Not sure if the SG is included, but I sure hope so!

 

I heard this cart in the Gershman suite last year at RMAF and it was okay but not spectacular sounding for all the added expense.

 

The basic reason for the strain gauge cart was that it could be easily and precisely made in quantity at a lower cost than expensive moving coil carts while providing equal results. Really expensive strain gage carts defeat this basic reason for doing it in the first place.

Then again I am perhaps the wrong person to ask because I have never been motivated to own a cartridge costing more than a couple of hundred dollars despite having heard them extensively.

 

I use the old Panasonic version (an EPC-450C-II) for CD-4 records and it sounds very good. A lot of detail.

Doug

 

I just bought an old strain gauge (not a sound smith) this week. I haven't stopped playing records all day "working at home". Its brilliant and craps on everything else I own, which includes
- ZYX universe
- Grado reference
- Shure v15 V
- Sumiko Blu Point Special
- AT OC9
Need I say more? I am convinced its the bees knees.