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My new Soundsmith Straingauge cartridge

Well, after a bit of dillying and dallying, I finally got 'round to trying a home trial of this cart. After a couple of hours dialling in vtf, and esp. azimuth, it basically sold itself, and I bought it an hour later!
It's without doubt the fastest cart I've ever experienced, surpassing the Decca London Reference, but with none of that cart's tipped up 'whiteness'. But this blazing speed is combined with the natural sweetness of the Lyra Parnassus. It has the neutrality of the Transfiguration Orpheus with the dynamics and involvement of the ESCCo-modded Zu Denon 103. So, fast AND sweet, and neutral AND involving, combinations often too challenging for other so-called SOTA carts. All the carts I've mentioned I've had in my system over the years. But I admit, I haven't heard current contenders to the crown (Lyra Titan/Atlas, Ortofon Anna, Clearaudio Goldfinger etc) to make comparisons.
It's tracking really is superlative, 3d soundstaging/dimensionality is beyond the room constraints, and I really believe it has the least artifact-laden sound of any cart I've heard, with NO aural evidence of a diamond carving thru wax. It's really complimenting what's already a neutral, fast and dynamic analog rig in my system (Trans Fi Salvation direct rim drive tt/Trans Fi Terminator air bearing linear tracking arm)
spiritofmusic
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Harold, I'm going to get you to write my biography. You'll help me go down in the annals as a very important man, ha ha!
The setup sure sounds different from any analog or digital I've heard before, actually a little closer to 15ips tape that I've heard in the past.
Combines neutrality with warmth to leave you wanting for nothing.
Thanx for the kind words. Will post further on the batt psu in due course.
proftournesol
15 posts
 
Hi Spiritofmusic, I've just read through this sometimes bad tempered thread with interest as I've had a SS Strain Gauge cart for almost 2 years now, recently upgraded to the latest Mk 4 spec. I agree with your impressions of the SG, all I would add is that one of the most prominent attributes of the SG is it's really accurate reproduction of timbre in musical instruments, this is almost its most amazing quality for me. I'm interested in your experience with the Black Lightning PSU.
I must say that I was bemused at some of the comments regarding RIAA accuracy. Unless you are listening in a very well treated room, the room induced artefacts will contribute way more deviation from a flat response. Strangely, it does sound a very neutral cart on a number of turntables, arms and rooms. Mine os currently mounted on a Thales TTT-C and Simplicity arm.
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Proftournesol, I agree with you re timbre. Which is why it's so perplexing that so many find voices unnatural thru the cart.
Re the battery psu, it has transformed the cart. Has in particular opened up the top end to demonstrate a really shimmering treble. At the same time there has been no curtailing of low end extension, and mids are showing an amazing natural transparency.
I'd recommend it wholeheartedly, with one proviso - I hit a problem on the original install which needed me to send the SG200 box to Red Wine Audio with the batt psu. Email Vinnie Rossi at the company first to discuss Straingauge install specifics.
proftournesol
15 posts
 
Hmmm... I was hoping that you would say that it made no difference:)
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Prof, I don't know what to say. Much as I love the "standard" SG200 with the twin 24v wall warts psus, they're really holding back the performance of the Straingauge if the Red Wine Audio Black Lightning (RWA BL) twin battery pack psu is anything to go by.
In a nutshell, the whole top end of the cart is improved, with an amazing increase in shimmer and incision. This is adding a lot of energy to the presentation (could almost be "toppy" if the rest of the spectrum wasn't so good), with ambient cues and microdynamics really enhanced.
The midband is so much more natural and transparent, with female voices esp. sounding more ethereal than ever, but not at the expense of a realistic groundedness.
And the bass is phenomenal, with a whole lot more punch and extension, but not at the expense of real earthy tone.
A slam dunk no brainer for $1500.
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