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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
 
As you know Peter, I've reached the end of my analog journey with the Trans Fi Salvation and Terminator tt and arm. No plans to return to belt drive/pivoted arm rigs. And now the RWA BL batt psu powered Straingauge SG200 cart has completed my final destination.
I'm always surprised how few analog high enders have investigated this cart. I've listened to a fair few top carts/phono stages (admittedly only a limited spread) in my time, and really believe this cart is really up there. Yet so few of our colleagues run one (in contrast to all the Lyras, Clearaudios, Van Den Huls, Ortofons, and yes, Airtights, out there).
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
We all have different tastes which accounts for one of the reasons that there are not more Straingauges out there. As you well know, it is difficult to audition cartridges in one's own system. We are often left having to rely on what we hear from demonstrations at various shows. Many roads lead to Nirvana.
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Of course, Peter. Of the 3 dealers in the UK who stocked the cart, only 1 was prepared to travel (500 mile round journey), and provided a fantastic service leading to my purchase. If he hadn't extended his courtesy to me, I wouldn't have started this thread.
cfluxa's avatar
cfluxa
127 posts
 
Spiritofmusic - very fascinated by your comments, and wondering whether you think Michael Fremer has a point with his critique of the midrange being harmonically underdeveloped, with a relatively "stingy" sustain to notes. He refers to a corresponding a tipped-up response that emphasizes, for example, the bow rosin and strings more than the wooden bodies of acoustic instruments? Is this something that you have experienced, and/or been able to address with proper setup?
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Cfluxa, yes I was aware of his comments plus others both praising the speed and dynamics of the cart but bemoaning it's lack of texture etc. And other comments that voices sounded unnatural. And Jack Roberts 100% positive review on Dagogo (really worth checking out). What Jack's review stated, was what I found in the demo - if it's not set up correctly (esp azimuth), it can sound thin and edgy. Maybe MF hadn't set it up correctly, I don't know.
However after a good amount of time with the Feikert set up app, it really revealed itself.
I have a very fast tt/arm (rim drive/linear tracker), and any lack of body in the cart would be ruthlessly revealed. I'm achieving amazing bass punch/extension, midrange texture/density, and treble airiness/energy.
I don't listen to a lot of classical, so can't comment at length on strings, but Bach harpsichord has never sounded so substantial and energetic, airy and grounded.
My other main test in audio is snare drum, and the SG200 presents the best combination of stick attack and shell depth I've yet heard.
And the RWA BL batt psu takes it's transparency to new heights.
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