2. analog
  3. 1368310143

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, as far as I can tell ALL the Soundsmith Straingauge models are EXACTLY the same cart, only the electronics are different. Personally I didn't want to get rid of my pre amp, so more complicated electronics were not needed by me. hence the cheapest option with SG200 energiser serve my needs sufficiently.
Make sure you go for the recent Mk2 version. I don't know what the electrical differences are from the Mk1, but it was almost night and day in my system, esp re bass performance.
lharasim
130 posts
 
I would have to agree with Raul on this one...I have heard SS cartridge on several occasions IMO it does sound different! and IMO not a musical correct different..
I am a manufacture but not of cartridges :)

to each his own

Lawrence
Fidelity_Forward
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Lawrence, and Raul, please be a bit more specific than just saying "different".
harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
Hello Spirit, Now I understand it all. I would certainly like to try that unique cartridge hopefully in near future (firsly I need to save some money... or sell something...)
Anyway, I´m glad you´re enjoying, your analog rig is truly very very special. Quite possibly one of the very best there can be. Congrats and Thanks !
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Hi Harold, I wouldn't presume it's one of the best, but it certainly outperforms a lot of pricier rigs out there IMHO.
Just installed a Red Wine Audio Black Lightning twin battery psu for the Straingauge. Maintaining all the attributes currently, with a near-zero noise floor. Amazing.
More to discover