Strain Gauge Cartridge Users?

[mkaramazov]

I thought I would start this thread for owners of strain gauge cartridge systems to share pictures and discuss these unique devices. I am aware that there are a few users of those amazing looking, albeit pricey, Soundsmith systems here at SNA. Perhaps there are folks using the also rare Emia systems. But I am also interested in experiences from more impoverished SNA members (such as myself  )  running vintage Panasonic / Technics or Win Labs systems. 

 

Here is a summary of where I am at. After years of being perversely interested in alternatives to moving magnet and moving coil cartridges - including crystal cartridges and those very rare Micro Acoustics cartridges - earlier this year I fell deep into the rabbit hole and acquired a Panasonic EPC 451c, liberated from a 1970s quadrophonic console system. I also acquired a cheap new generic stylus with a bonded shibata tip (probably Pfanstiehl origin)- the diamond was pretty poorly mounted and required some work on the azimuth front. 

 

 

I then found a Panasonic quad demodulator - the SE 405 - which I shipped from the US.  Turns out the SE 405 is beautifully constructed unit, though pretty complex. In addition to  the 'semi conductor' input for strain gauge cartridges, it also supports regular moving magnet cartridges with its own in built RIAA network. A nifty device. Check out the signature on the bottom - pride of workpersonship!

 

 

 

 

 

I mounted the cartridge in my Yamaha PX3 linear tracking turntable and connected it all up.

 

And the sound was pretty astonishing. Remember that I am using a cheaply constructed cartridge pulled from a console system, with an equally cheap and poorly aligned bonded shibata, into this unrestored 45 year old Panasonic phono stage. But even with these humble roots, I was hearing speed and clarity that rivalled the moving coils I had heard in my system. 

 

So what next? Get the soldering iron out of course. I proceeded to completely recap the Panasonic SE-405. Well not completely. I decided to leave aside the quad board for the moment, since this is not of interest to me. Nothing exotic in there btw - a few Elna and Panasonic caps in some of the obvious signal sections, but otherwise Jaycar sourced Lelon caps throughout. Some 40 capacitors later (!) it was ready to roll. 

 

 

 

 

So how does it all sound now? Frankly better than it has any right to. As far as I am aware, reading some of the forums,  the SE-405 by design only operates to 16,000hz in stereo mode.  However it sounds truly fantastic - detailed and clean. A slight bit of hum at high volumes, though not unexpected for an over complex 1970s phono stage. Importantly, the cartridge sounds amazingly fast, full and revealing. The music is natural, easy and unforced.  Percussion punches in a way I have never heard, and treble is clean, sweet and clear in a way that is neither artificial nor piercing, just beautiful. To put this cartridge in perspective, I have recently had an Audio Technica Art 9 in my other deck, a Thorens TD124 with SME 3012 ii. Though the Art 9 is rightly loved, I can say without doubt that I would prefer to listen to this strain gauge.

 

I guess I am going to keep playing. I have a NOS Technics stylus here with nude shibata diamond - I expect that will sound fantastic. I may also look at getting a retip done with a microline stylus to explore just how much detail is available.  A new preamp is an option too - there are a few designs for home brew preamps out there which I may also consider exploring. They apparently are much more simple than the quad demodulators; they perform better with less noise. 

 

Originally I was going to call this thread "Technics: Bring back the strain gauge!" This was partly tongue in cheek, partly serious.  We absolutely need more of these devices in the world, and hopefully at more affordable price points. Its a shame that given its obvious advantages, this technology is such a rare sight, and would have largely been lost to contemporary audiophiles if Soundsmith and others had not persevered. 

 

Anyway, love to see pictures and hear thoughts on these curious technologies. 

 

 

Edited September 9, 2022 by mkaramazov

[Xopher]

Hi,

I have a few of the Panasonic SG carts and a few of the WIN SG carts, my preference is the WIN which I use as my daily driver.

I had it upgraded some years ago with a Boron cantilever and a Geiger Diamond and it sounds far better than any cartridge I have tried in my system.

 

I have not heard the SE-405 but like you I don't want the quad stuff.

 

My friend and I designed a Jfet balanced pre circuit for it which can be used for the Panasonic and this was much better than the original 70s Win pre.

 

There are still o few of these around and definitely worth getting

 

Enjoy the Panasonic, it will improve with a new pre.

[mkaramazov]

Many thanks for your reflections @Xopher.

 

Pleased to hear you have a rare vintage Win Labs cartridge going as a daily driver. Your experience matches what I have read about these fine devices. It also confirms that upgrading the stylus / cantilever is a potential route for me. 

 

My understanding - and someone please correct me if I am wrong -  was that Win Labs had one of the early implementations of the design, Panasonic bought the patent from Win, and then Soundsmith's early designs were based around the Panasonic - which is an interesting lineage. 

 

I would love more details on your preamp design - I will keep an eye out for it. I know that apart from the Soundsmith and Emia designs, there were some older high end preamps such as the Electro Research EK 1, and an early Jeff Rowland preamp. 

 

Anyway, having a lot of fun with this now, even within the limits of  the Panasonic pre. Thanks again for sharing your experience. 

[Xopher]

Hi,

I have a few of the Panasonic SG carts and a few of the WIN SG carts, my preference is the WIN which I use as my daily driver.

I had it upgraded some years ago with a Boron cantilever and a Geiger Diamond and it sounds far better than any cartridge I have tried in my system.

 

I have not heard the SE-405 but like you I don't want the quad stuff.

 

My friend and I designed a Jfet balanced pre circuit for it which can be used for the Panasonic and this was much better than the original 70s Win pre.

 

There are still o few of these around and definitely worth getting

 

Enjoy the Panasonic, it will improve with a new pre.

[Xopher]

Very simple circuit 

Good luck and let me know when you have it complete

 

Chris

[mkaramazov]

4 hours ago, Xopher said:

Very simple circuit 

Good luck and let me know when you have it complete

 

Chris

Thanks again Chris

Look forward to this holiday project!