Get off My lawn Posted October 24, 2018 Posted October 24, 2018 (edited) I was wondering if someone here on SNA has any experience/thoughts on the Soundsmith range of cartridges? Having heard the Soundsmith Strain Gauge system at the recent Hi-Fi show , as well as some others at the VAF Turntable night, I'm tempted to venture in that direction. Probably not the Strain Gauge, as I already have a decent phono stage, but maybe something else in the range. Cheers Edited October 24, 2018 by pine weasel
elcamry Posted October 24, 2018 Posted October 24, 2018 (edited) It would pay if I read things properly Edited October 24, 2018 by elcamry
PKay Posted October 24, 2018 Posted October 24, 2018 I think that @thesnodger has one albeit a higher spec based on reading a post some time ago. It would be great to get your thoughts. 1
Get off My lawn Posted October 24, 2018 Author Posted October 24, 2018 3 hours ago, elcamry said: It would pay if I read things properly Sorry, My fault! I think I edited my post to mention what I'd heard at VAF before I read your reply. 1
Wimbo Posted October 24, 2018 Posted October 24, 2018 @pine weasel Talk to Dennis at Castle Hill HiFi. He's set a lot of them up as well as listened to them including Strain Gauge. 1
audiofeline Posted October 25, 2018 Posted October 25, 2018 The SoundSmith's I heard at the HiFi show sounded very nice (several stalls, including the VAF) - although I'm sure that the models demonstrated were at the higher-end of their range. I would be interested in exploring these next time I'm shopping for a cartridge. I would also be interested in the comments of those who have them, including the types of arms they are suited for.
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 25, 2018 Volunteer Posted October 25, 2018 When did the strain gauge get so expensive?
Wimbo Posted October 25, 2018 Posted October 25, 2018 Soundsmiths were always expensive. 14 hours ago, Sir Sanders Zingmore said: When did the strain gauge get so expensive?
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 26, 2018 Volunteer Posted October 26, 2018 1 hour ago, Wimbo said: Soundsmiths were always expensive. sure, but they've more than doubled in price. This ad from from 2012 has the SG-200 RRP as $5,750 and Sydney hifi has the price as $13,500 https://www.sydneyhificastlehill.com.au/shop/turntables/cartridges/soundsmith-strain-gauge-sg-200-system/ Even taking into account that the AUD was stronger back then doesn't explain the price rise
Ian McP Posted October 26, 2018 Posted October 26, 2018 interesting to compare strain guage to the DS Audio optical cartridge, another alternative to magnetic https://www.ds-audio-w.biz/?page_id=39 requires a similar but different power supply as opposed to RIAA EQ phono
Wimbo Posted October 26, 2018 Posted October 26, 2018 13 minutes ago, Sir Sanders Zingmore said: sure, but they've more than doubled in price. This ad from from 2012 has the SG-200 RRP as $5,750 and Sydney hifi has the price as $13,500 https://www.sydneyhificastlehill.com.au/shop/turntables/cartridges/soundsmith-strain-gauge-sg-200-system/ Even taking into account that the AUD was stronger back then doesn't explain the price rise Here it is back in 2013 with the SG220 for $8600 american
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 26, 2018 Volunteer Posted October 26, 2018 (edited) 8 minutes ago, Ian McP said: interesting to compare strain guage to the DS Audio optical cartridge, another alternative to magnetic https://www.ds-audio-w.biz/?page_id=39 requires a similar but different power supply as opposed to RIAA EQ phono I think there was an optical cart on the TT in the magico/Vitus/Soulution room. Edited October 26, 2018 by Sir Sanders Zingmore
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 26, 2018 Volunteer Posted October 26, 2018 8 minutes ago, Wimbo said: Here it is back in 2013 with the SG220 for $8600 american I don’t see a link? even so, the AUD was around 95 cents in 2013 which puts the price around A$9k
Wimbo Posted October 26, 2018 Posted October 26, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, Sir Sanders Zingmore said: I don’t see a link? even so, the AUD was around 95 cents in 2013 which puts the price around A$9k https://www.dagogo.com/soundsmith-sg-220-strain-gauge-cartridge-system/ This is the 220 anyway. I cant see any other current prices . Edited October 26, 2018 by Wimbo
Ian McP Posted October 26, 2018 Posted October 26, 2018 37 minutes ago, Sir Sanders Zingmore said: I think there was an optical cart on the TT in the magico/Vitus/Soulution room. yes, that was the DS Audio!
Ian McP Posted October 26, 2018 Posted October 26, 2018 scroll down for pics of Soundsmith Peter Ledermann's presentation at MAC in 2009
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 26, 2018 Volunteer Posted October 26, 2018 8 minutes ago, Ian McP said: yes, that was the DS Audio! Hard to tell what the cartridge contributed to the sound as the rest of the gear was unfamiliar to me. Overall, that room was very good though Thanks for the link, the chap in that room as very friendly but didn't seem all that knowledgable!
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