Strain Gauge Cartridge Systems
19/03/08 16:11
The Soundsmith Strain Gauge cartridge system is unique
- a system of phono cartridge, preamplifier and power
supply with audible advantages over magnetic devices.
Whilst the architecture and technology are different, the strain gauge cartridge system is compatible with conventional tone arm wiring.
The transducer and sonic performance are common throughout the range - further pre-amplifier and display functions are added with higher model designations.
For a Strain Gauge owner's perspective read his review posted on Audiogon.
Unique benefits of the Strain Gauge
A strain gauge cartridge has some performance advantages - because there are no coils or magnets attached to the cantilever the moving mass is a fraction of that of other cartridges. With less inertia to overcome, the strain gauge tracks better, extracts more detail and shows incredible agility with transients and dynamics.
The Strain Gauge transducer is constructed differently to any other cartridge and it sounds distinctly different. It is exceptionally fast, agile and very “open” sounding.
It is also ruthlessly faithful to the modulations in the record groove. It does not flatter or deceive, meaning that good records sound better than anything else and mediocre recordings are exposed.
It is capable of delivering a performance way beyond CD and SACD (with good recordings and pressings). Its designer believes that the stylus is in more intimate contact with the groove wall than other designs which “sample and average” information due their higher moving mass and inertia.
Whilst we are certain that the Soundsmith Strain Gauge cartridge offers the best vinyl replay performance available, it may not be the cartridge for the listener seeking a product that makes all their records sound good.
The Strain Gauge is measuring displacement so has a frequency response from DC to 50 kHz.
The inherent frequency response of the strain gauge cartridge is very close to the RIAA equalisation curve, so the amplification can be a single gain stage without passive equalisation. This results in a simpler circuit, free from phase anomalies, and a clearer insight into the music being played.
Because the strain gauge cartridge is measuring stylus displacement, it has been possible to display information on the stylus performance in the record groove in models SG600 and above.
Adjustment for azimuth and VTA is provided by screws within the cartridge body.
The Strain Gauge Range
All models have fixed and variable output and a choice of balanced or unbalanced connection. So the electronics can be used as a phono stage connected into a line stage or can replace your line stage. All models have auto-muting - when the stylus is not under load its input is automatically muted; once the stylus is moved the input un-mutes, within 0.5 second.
SG200 - Strain gauge cartridge with line level output for connection to line stage, £5245
SG400 - Strain gauge cartridge, preamplifier with volume control (fixed and variable outputs, balanced and single ended outputs) plus one line input - £6800
SG410 - As SG400 plus remote volume control
SG500 - As SG400 plus 4 additional line inputs and tape monitor
SG510 - As SG500 plus remote volume control
SG600 - As SG400 plus stylus performance displays - force per groove wall, VTF readout and vertical component of tracking force and variable display brightness
SG610 - As SG600 plus remote volume control
SG810 - As SG510 plus stylus performance displays and variable display brightness
How the Strain Gauge works
The cantilever is attached to two beams of silicon that are supplied with a current from the preamplifier. As the stylus moves in the record groove it distorts the silicon beams, changing their resistance, the low voltage resulting being amplified by the preamp.
Whilst the architecture and technology are different, the strain gauge cartridge system is compatible with conventional tone arm wiring.
The transducer and sonic performance are common throughout the range - further pre-amplifier and display functions are added with higher model designations.
For a Strain Gauge owner's perspective read his review posted on Audiogon.
Unique benefits of the Strain Gauge
A strain gauge cartridge has some performance advantages - because there are no coils or magnets attached to the cantilever the moving mass is a fraction of that of other cartridges. With less inertia to overcome, the strain gauge tracks better, extracts more detail and shows incredible agility with transients and dynamics.
The Strain Gauge transducer is constructed differently to any other cartridge and it sounds distinctly different. It is exceptionally fast, agile and very “open” sounding.
It is also ruthlessly faithful to the modulations in the record groove. It does not flatter or deceive, meaning that good records sound better than anything else and mediocre recordings are exposed.
It is capable of delivering a performance way beyond CD and SACD (with good recordings and pressings). Its designer believes that the stylus is in more intimate contact with the groove wall than other designs which “sample and average” information due their higher moving mass and inertia.
Whilst we are certain that the Soundsmith Strain Gauge cartridge offers the best vinyl replay performance available, it may not be the cartridge for the listener seeking a product that makes all their records sound good.
The Strain Gauge is measuring displacement so has a frequency response from DC to 50 kHz.
The inherent frequency response of the strain gauge cartridge is very close to the RIAA equalisation curve, so the amplification can be a single gain stage without passive equalisation. This results in a simpler circuit, free from phase anomalies, and a clearer insight into the music being played.
Because the strain gauge cartridge is measuring stylus displacement, it has been possible to display information on the stylus performance in the record groove in models SG600 and above.
Adjustment for azimuth and VTA is provided by screws within the cartridge body.
The Strain Gauge Range
All models have fixed and variable output and a choice of balanced or unbalanced connection. So the electronics can be used as a phono stage connected into a line stage or can replace your line stage. All models have auto-muting - when the stylus is not under load its input is automatically muted; once the stylus is moved the input un-mutes, within 0.5 second.
SG200 - Strain gauge cartridge with line level output for connection to line stage, £5245
SG400 - Strain gauge cartridge, preamplifier with volume control (fixed and variable outputs, balanced and single ended outputs) plus one line input - £6800
SG410 - As SG400 plus remote volume control
SG500 - As SG400 plus 4 additional line inputs and tape monitor
SG510 - As SG500 plus remote volume control
SG600 - As SG400 plus stylus performance displays - force per groove wall, VTF readout and vertical component of tracking force and variable display brightness
SG610 - As SG600 plus remote volume control
SG810 - As SG510 plus stylus performance displays and variable display brightness
How the Strain Gauge works
The cantilever is attached to two beams of silicon that are supplied with a current from the preamplifier. As the stylus moves in the record groove it distorts the silicon beams, changing their resistance, the low voltage resulting being amplified by the preamp.