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Soundsmith Straingauge SG-200 cartridge system

Hi everyone, haven't heard much discussion of this one in a while. I'm just starting to run a direct rim drive Trans Fi Salvation tt sporting a Trans Fi Terminator air bearing linear tracking arm. It's a total game changer imho, but I fear the Zu modded Denon 103 cart on it, excellent as it is, may have performance bettered by something more SOTA. I'm looking for something to match the tt/arm's neutrality, solidity and eveness, and am drawn to the Straingauge. Reviews praise it's speed and naturalness, but some comments are more guarded commenting on tonal thinness, edginess and overanalytic quality.
If it helps I hate over sharp carts like Lyra Skala, are more comfortable with neutral carts like the Transfiguration Orpheus, and feel the humble Zu 103 is a giant killer in the rhythmn/timing/involvment stakes.
So comments please from those who have experience of the Straingauge, thank you.
spiritofmusic
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Another 5 hours today, and that's it! I'm totally sold on the ESCO modded Zu 103. Re my ESCO modded Transfiguration Orpheus (the only way to breath life into my extinct, once-reference cart): other than maybe a draw on soundstage grounds, the modded Zu totally blows away it's more illustrious (and 4x pricier) rival.
I'm getting tonality in spades, even handed dynamics, delicacy AND slam, superlative tracking and rejection of surface noise. What I'm finding fascinating is that Zu really are the Kings Of Tone - their Definitions4 spkrs that I own were voiced with their modded 103, so the two most critical transducers in an analogue system (cart and spkrs) really seem to speak of one voice.
The ESCO mod (Paratrace stylus and white sapphire cantilever) is replacing what was a tendency to stridency in the higher frequencies with the stock Zu 103, with a sweetness that is truly beguiling. This is more than compensating for maybe a smidgeon less urgency in the sound, a most acceptable trade off.
So, 2 days' listening has got me back in the Zu 103 fold fully, and terminated my fledgling interest in the Straingauge. Now my journey is going to take me to investigating upgrading my Tom Evans Audio Design Groove Plus SRX phono stage with Tom's flagship Mastergroove.
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Just resurrecting this thread. Will be auditioning the Soundsmith Straingauge SG-200 at the end of the month. At this point, I'm happy that my ESCCo modded Zu 103 is ahead of my previous fave, the Transfiguration Orpheus. Really curious to hear how the S'gauge will stack up against the Zu 103.
So, still scouting for opinions on the S'gauge, from those familiar with it.
junk981
25 posts
 
I'm waiting for a SG-810 two more months to go...
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
981, you must have demoed the S'gauge. It sure seems to divide opinion. My dealer rates it better than various Transfigurations and Lyras, others remain to be convinced. Can you sum up your thoughts on it, how it rates to other carts you're familiar with, and what it's replacing in your rig?
Thoughts much appreciated.
junk981
25 posts
 
I don't have the cartridge yet so I can't tell you how it sound! It'll replace my Allaerts MC1 Boron MKII, Klyne 7 PX2.5 phono and PAC Pro-Reference III preamp.
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