Would Like To Hear From Strain Gauge Owners


I would like to hear from owners of Strain Gauge cartridges (particularly Soundsmith owners)as to how you like the strain gauge system compared to previous cartridges you have owned. Is there any drawbacks to the Soundsmith Strain Gauge system?

I am located in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Is there any Soundsmith Strain Gauge owners in the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana area?

I read the review of the Strain Gauge system on Audiogon by Vac man. It was a very good review and answered many questions for me. I would like to hear from others who also own strain gauge cartridges.

Thanks in advance for any info that you can give me.
slowhand
wow! Being a person who thoroughly enjoys the Denon dl 103 and TUBES, I learned long ago not to even post if Mr. Raul was around! In fact when I see his name on a post, I quickly skip past it. I am a humble enthusiast, but I must say the amount of stubborn arrogance put forth by some of these designers really takes the appeal out of the hobby itself. Let us not forget the fact that if a product is really exceptional, it will find success through forums like this one, reviews be damned! I don't listen to my records with an ossiloscope, and nine times out of ten I buy products upon the reccomendations of fellow enthusiasts who have experience with several types of products and have developed their systems over time, piece by piece..... I care not what a manufacturer has to say about product a vs product b, Raul I have witnessed your hijacking of several threads on this site, and I find you a rude, annoying pest. Seek therapy, or at the very least learn how to make your point and move on! No one wants to read 20 posts by you, trust me. Tubes..... Denon mc cartridges! There, I said it Raul!!
Ps. Mr Lederman, thAnks for the retips on my denons, they sound wonderful!
Hxt1, So I take it that Raul alienates you because of his preference for solid state phono stages (i.e., his own) and his dislike of the Denon DL103, plus the fact that he is a bit dogmatic at least on the former subject. Notwithstanding these factors, I find him to be in general kind and courteous in his remarks, even though he is unwavering in his opinions. Also, he brings to this forum more experience with oddball turntables, tonearms, and cartridges than anyone else I know of, and I enjoy hearing from him on those products that I have never even seen. For example, lots of folks seem to have benefited from Raul's revival of interest in MM cartridges (at least in this tiny world). I feel free to disagree with him on the odd occasion; you should too. To refer to him as an "annoying pest" is a bit over the top, IMO.
I agree with Lewm. Raul has his opinions, but he is also very experienced. He has always answered my e-mails to him regarding specific cartridge/table/arm combinations and offered me good advice. Thanks Raul. I appreciate his contributions. Sorry to go off topic here.
Dear Hxt1: +++++ " There, I said it Raul!! " +++++

Now, you are done!!! and happy, good.

Btw, Lewm and Peter: thank you for your understanding and kindness words.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
I agree with all of you. For the record, Raul has given me very helpful advice on these forums, I simply got caught up in the passion of it all, and perhaps allowed my own dogma to colour my previous post... Consider this a retraction(?) and thank you again Raul for your advice on the Shure 97! I may remount it this weekend and try again ! Enjoy the weekend guys, I have to work:-( Harv.