By Chris Martens

Peekskill, NY-based Soundsmith continues to evolve its family of six Strain Gauge phono cartridge systems, with models starting at $6000.

Those unfamiliar with strain gauge cartridges may be pleased to learn that they are powered devices whose outboard power supply/preamplifier boxes eliminate the need for conventional phono preamps.

Unlike traditional phono cartridges, the Soundsmith Strain Gauge cartridge does not use a comparatively massive moving coil or moving magnet motor assembly to generate audio signals.

Instead, it uses “two tiny silicon beams (to) sense the cantilever position and change electrical resistance” to modulate voltages from the outboard power supply/preamp.

The upshot, Soundsmith says, is that the Strain Gauge features an exceedingly low-mass stylus and cantilever mechanism capable of “staying in intimate contact with the record groove walls.”

After two brief listening sessions with the Strain Gauge system we came away impressed with its uncanny ability to retrieve very low-level sonic details from LPs. Further listening is certainly in order. Read more from Rocky Mountain Audiofest 2007.

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