Anyone have experience with Soundsmith’s strain gauge?

So much for perfect.

At any rate the first thing I look at is tracking. It has to do better Than 70 um at 315 Hz preferably better than 80 um. This is a spec that is frequently missing. If a cartridge has a stellar reputation I'll buy it and if It can't meet the spec turn around and sell it at a loss. I refuse to let any cartridge damage my records. Fortunately, I have not had to do this in a while. Cartridges are getting darn expensive.

Many of Micheal Fremer's comments have psychological underpinnings.
He could never admit than his mega buck phono amp was outdone by a system that cost a fraction. Same for his tonearm. Take everything he says with a grain of salt. 

Back in the late 70s I had a Win Labs STD 10 strain gauge cartridge. It was not awful but close. I only kept it a month or so before throwing in the towel. So, I suppose I'm a bit sour on the idea. I would have to hear one extensively before jumping on that bandwagon again.

MC, I see you still have the "jitter" bug.

Mijostyn, you mean MF's infamous retraction of comments re Whest v Boulder phonostages? I'm glad you've confirmed that, I was told I had that story wrong. Yep, I never paid any attention to his words after that low point.

I did have one negative observation about the Strain gauge...

It has that corny 1980's blue LED! That would be the first thing I would try to disable. It's 2020, are there STILL fans of the blue LED on audio equipment?

Blue LED's remind me of stuff made in...oh that's another thread. BAN the Blue LED!

Tablejockey, you are supposed to paint your turntable with phosphorous:)

I love my blue LED...really. For me, it's just another touch of unorthodox to go w my LT air arm, direct rim drive tt and 93 kg Stacore pneumatic/mass loading support.