Please Contact Us With Any Questions, Options, Pricing, ET And To Order. Thank you.
The Strain Gauge cartridge is not at all like any other cartridge. All other cartridges, whether moving magnet, moving coil, or moving iron, are "generators" - that is, you put motion in, and you get energy out.....a tiny voltage that you amplify and send to your speakers. The key here in describing all other cartridges is in the word MOVING. All other cartridges need to move a mass around - a magnet, and iron core with wires (moving "coil") or moving iron. They are all magnetic generating systems, which require a mass to be constantly moved to generate a voltage.
When you move any mass, it has stored energy, just like your car when you get it going. When you need to turn, or slow down, the mass tries to keep you from doing so. Imagine a stylus in the groove of a record that must make lots of changes in direction to follow the groove walls. Imagine how the mass of the generating parts must restrain the stylus as it tries to move.
Now, imagine driving a car where you and the car have NO MASS. If you can, then you can understand only one reason why the Strain Gauge is so exciting; it has almost no "stored energy" in the moving system - there IS no large amount of "mass" to move around - it does NOT have to move around a magnet, or wire coils, or iron. This means that the stylus stays in much better statistical contact with the groove walls of your records because there is no large mass trying to keep it from doing so. Imagine how different that sounds.
Inertia (the law by which mass tends to stay at rest or continue in the direction in which it was moving) makes all styli "jitter" or jump about in the groove of the record, and not stay in intimate contact with the groove wall. If a stylus can't follow the groove wall, you cant hear what's on the record. Its that simple.
So how does it work if it doesn't generate a voltage???
The SG cartridge has two Strain Gauge elements, pieces of silicon crystal that when compressed or expanded by tiny amounts, change resistance. The cantilever suspension, a necessary part of any cartridge, is coupled to these elements. The energy that is usually always "lost" into the suspension of all cartridges is used to couple the stylus movement and create the signal in our Strain Gauge cartridge. It is also a purely "resistive" system, with no coils of wire to alter the high frequency performance, or pick up hum, noise or radio stations! Our preamp supplies it a flow of electricity, which it varies, and that gets amplified.
The Strain Gauge cartridge does not use or require an RIAA playback filter because it inherently plays the RIAA recording EQ curve used on the record correctly. This is because the RIAA recording curve used to make the original master recording with a magnetic cutter head COMPENSATES for the normal cutter head velocity response and thereby results in a groove that is basically equal “displacement” for a signal that is swept from 20 Hz. to 20 Khz. and is an amplitude flat (equal volume) input signal. How does that happen? Simply. Without RIAA, the "velocity" response of the magnetic cutter head would normally cut a large displacement groove for low frequencies, and less displacement as the frequency rises. Using RIAA, which LOWERS the amplitude (volume) as the frequency lowers and raises it as the frequency increases, it "COMPENSATES" for the natural displacement differences of a magnetic cutter head's response and RESULTS in a basically equal displacement groove, for a flat, frequency swept (20 to 20K) input signal. Since normal magnetic cartridges are velocity sensitive devices (whose output is sensitive or proportional to velocity), they need the RIAA inverse filter to result in a flat playback response of a groove cut with an RIAA recording curve. However, since the Strain Gauge is a DISPLACEMENT sensitive device, it automatically produces a basically flat response from a RIAA encoded groove, which as stated above, is a basically equal displacement recorded groove.
The Strain Gauge cartridge is a displacement device, producing an output that is dependent and directly proportional to the amount of displacement of the stylus, NOT the velocity, like magnetic cartridges. It therefore inherently plays the RIAA encoded groove correctly. If one inspects the RIAA EQ, one will discover that there are two areas that occur where a displacement type cartridge will deviate a small amount from a perfectly flat playback of the recorded RIAA groove, and therefore will not produce a perfectly flat response.
Attempts made in the distant past to perfectly and absolutely correct Strain Gauge cartridges for any amplitude anomaly have required complex equalization circuits, which add circuitry. Adding circuitry to the signal path is strongly against our audio faith tradition. It is the Soundsmith’s belief that human hearing is much more forgiving of amplitude errors than time errors, so we have made the required but absolutely minimal efforts to correct for any amplitude deviation from absolute flatness. The result is a very flat signal that does not deviate from the RIAA curve in an appreciable manner. We have also done it with NO ADDITIONAL circuitry that the signal must pass through. We believe that is the right way to do things.
Because it has ultra-low moving mass, and because it uses no wire coils, it has a high frequency performance to beyond 70 Khz. Because it goes all the way down to DC, we can use that DC information (on some models) to display tracking forces, forces on each groove wall, record eccentricity and "AC" component of the tracking force (record warp). Because it does NOT have to move around a large mass, and has almost not "stored" energy in a moving system that is required in magnetic cartridges, it can track details that MC and MM designs simply cannot hope to track as they suffer from the stylus "jittering" or chattering down the groove walls due to reflected energy from the generator. The stylus in a properly designed SG cartridge therefore stays in intimate contact with the record groove. And because we engineered it carefully, our Strain Gauge has user replaceable styli, a first for high end cartridges.
That's a lot of "because's". And there's more.
I will be glad to consult with those who are seriously interested in owning this system. All cartridges are individually hand-made by me, and I take great care in doing so.
If you search this website, you will find some anecdotal and additional technical information on our Strain Gauge Cartridge and preamp systems......both our entry level SG-200/210/230 systems as well as our top of the line Signature systems.
SG-200
Basic Strain Gauge system features fixed level line outputs suited for line level inputs on your system preamplifier. The supplied SG cartridge comes with the SG-5 stylus assembly as standard, however, you may purchase the system with the SG-6 stylus for a surcharge of $100 at the time of ordering. Like all SG preamps, the SG-200 features an auto-mute circuit that protects your system and speakers from transients due to an accidentally dropped styli. The front panel defeatable auto-mute also allows quiet introductions to playing or recording your vinyl.
All SG systems feature user replaceable styli, however, due to the nature of the cartridge design, styli are individually matched to each cartridge. If additional styli are desired, it is highly advisable to order them with your system order. The SG-200 is supplied in a black anodized case, however, custom wooden cases in black or mahogany are also available as accessory items.
SG-210
The SG-210 features both +15dB single ended variable outputs and fixed outputs. The +15 dB variable outputs allow using the SG-210 directly with your power amplifier, eliminating the requirement for a line amplifier in a vinyl playback system. They may also be used to match levels with other line sources in a multi-source system. The fixed level outputs may be used for recording or sourcing into a second system, and are not affected by the volume control.
The supplied SG cartridge comes with the SG-5 stylus assembly as standard, however, you may purchase the system with the SG-6 stylus for a surcharge of $100 at the time of ordering. Like all SG preamps, the SG-210 features an auto-mute circuit that protects your system and speakers from transients due to an accidentally dropped styli. The front panel defeatable auto-mute also allows quiet introductions to playing or recording your vinyl.
All SG systems feature user replaceable styli, however, due to the nature of the cartridge design, styli are individually matched to each cartridge. If additional styli are desired, it is highly advisable to order them with your system order. The SG-210 is supplied in a black anodized case, however, custom wooden cases in black or mahogany are also available as accessory items.
SG-230
The new SG-230 is a full-function system preamp with Strain Gauge circuitry as well as 4 line inputs and remote control over input selection, volume and muting. It features balanced +15dB variable outputs and single ended fixed outputs. The balanced outputs are available via split phase RCA jacks, convertible to XLR with our supplied RCA to XLR adapters. The +15dB balanced variable output is made available via RCA jacks which configures the output of the SG-230 into a highly adaptable unit, allowing easy bridging of two stereo amplifiers into double power mono blocks, subwoofer driving, biamping or sourcing into a secondary system. The fixed level outputs may be used for recording or sourcing into a second system, and are not affected by the volume control.
The supplied SG cartridge comes with the SG-5 stylus assembly as standard, however, you may purchase the system with the SG-6 stylus for a surcharge of $100 at the time of ordering. Like all SG preamps, the SG-230 features an auto-mute circuit that protects your system and speakers from transients due to an accidentally dropped styli. The front panel defeatable auto-mute also allows quiet introductions to playing or recording your vinyl.
All SG systems feature user replaceable styli, however, due to the nature of the cartridge design, styli are individually matched to each cartridge. If additional styli are desired, it is highly advisable to order them with your system order.
The SG-230 is supplied in mahogany wood case as standard, black wood is also available on special order.
| Replacement Styli |
| SG-1 |
Bonded Shibata/Aluminum Cantilever ~ US MSRP ~ NO LONGER AVAILABLE
|
| SG-2 |
Nude Elliptical, Aluminum cantilever ~ US MSRP ~ $499.95 |
| SG-3 |
Special 1 mil radius conical (for vintage 48-49 records) ~ SPECIAL ORDER
|
| SG-4 |
78 RPM stylus – EQ in line device should be used ~ US MSRP ~ $749.95 |
| SG-5 |
Nude Contact Line/Ruby Cantilever (standard design supplied with SG cartridge)
~ If Purchased separately ~ Stylus holder is black - US MSRP ~ $749.95
|
| SG-6 |
Nude “Optimized Contour” Contact Line/Ruby Cantilever- Stylus holder is red ~ US MSRP ~ $949.95 |
| SG-7 |
Boron cantilever with Micro Ridge Stylus. Excellent choice……MSRP US $1150 – Harder to break and maintains its performance over the 1000 hour lifetime…..(due to the Micro-Ridge design) |
All three models are powered by two identical external analog DC wall type power supplies - 24 VDC @ 500 Milliamps. Two are supplied and are required for each SG preamp system. The use of external power supplies helps keep the noise floor extremely low, and allows compliance with power regulations for varied countries.
The SG-230 comes with two supplies and our WWE filter device, which connects in-line with the cables from the two wall supplies. The WWE ensures that the DC power being supplied to the SG-230 is extremely clean and noise free in terms of ripple current and RF noise coming from the AC wall supply in any environment.
Power supplies are available in 120 VAC or 210-230 VAC as required for use outside of the US in some countries.
Replacement Styli: These are tuned for each cartridge and system. If you have one good stylus, we can build others to match by having the stylus and cartridge only. If you do not have one good stylus, we will need both the cartridge and electronics to build new styli for you. Styli can be easily moved in and out of the cartridge body by the owner.
Specifications:
| |
|
width |
height |
depth |
|
weight |
| Product Name |
inches |
cm. |
inches |
cm. |
inches |
cm. |
|
lbs. |
kg. |
| SG-200 |
|
6.250 |
15.875 |
3.500 |
8.890 |
9.750 |
24.765 |
|
3.00 |
1.36 |
| IN SHIPPING BOX |
10.000 |
25.400 |
6.000 |
15.240 |
16.250 |
41.275 |
|
6.92 |
3.14 |
| SG- 200 (wood case) |
7.625 |
19.368 |
5.000 |
12.700 |
10.625 |
26.988 |
|
7.00 |
3.18 |
| IN SHIPPING BOX |
16.000 |
40.640 |
16.000 |
40.640 |
16.000 |
40.640 |
|
15.00 |
6.80 |
| SG-210 |
|
6.250 |
15.875 |
3.500 |
8.890 |
10.000 |
25.400 |
|
3.00 |
1.36 |
| IN SHIPPING BOX |
10.000 |
25.400 |
6.000 |
15.240 |
16.250 |
41.275 |
|
6.92 |
3.14 |
| SG-210 (wood case) |
7.625 |
19.368 |
5.000 |
12.700 |
10.875 |
27.623 |
|
7.50 |
3.40 |
| IN SHIPPING BOX |
16.000 |
40.640 |
16.000 |
40.640 |
16.000 |
40.640 |
|
15.50 |
7.03 |
| SG-230 |
|
12.750 |
32.385 |
3.625 |
9.208 |
10.000 |
25.400 |
|
7.00 |
3.18 |
| SG-230 (wood case) |
14.250 |
36.195 |
5.500 |
13.970 |
10.750 |
27.305 |
|
14.00 |
6.35 |
| IN SHIPPING BOX |
24.000 |
60.960 |
12.000 |
30.480 |
20.000 |
50.800 |
|
24.00 |
10.89 |
SG-400 to 810 Systems
Features:
- Frequency response, DC to 70 kHz
- No "RIAA" filter circuitry is required or used in our preamp - just one ULTRA clean gain stage (this is because the Strain Gauge is a "displacement" device, not a "velocity" sensitive device like magnetic cartridges - see below).
- Compatible with standard "4 wire" tone arm wiring
- User Replaceable Nude "Contact-Line" stylus w/Ruby Cantilever (varied stylus types available)
- System Price includes Strain Gauge Cartridge and Soundsmith SG Preamp of your choice
- "Fixed" Line level & +10 dB variable outputs, both Balanced and Unbalanced (via RCA jacks)
- High Compliance design and freedom from low frequency saturation assures excellent tracking ability and performance with any tone arm
- All preamp models now feature toggling between the Strain Gauge function and single or (multiple) line inputs for maximum hookup flexibility to your equipment
- Low tracking forces with extreme precision
- Compatible with any ½" mount headshell - uses STANDARD 4 wire tone arm wiring
- Frequency response DC - 70 kHz with only 10° of phase shift in the audio band (rumble filter built in @ 12 Hz - passive type before single flat gain stage
- Front panel displays for tracking force (digital readout), AC component of the vertical tracking force, force balance per groove wall, and record eccentricity! (on models 810, 610,and 600 only)
- Fixed and variable, balanced and unbalanced outputs via RCA jacks. Our variable output will provide up to +10dB level, and may be used DIRECTLY into any amplifier with balanced or unbalanced inputs.
- Advanced muting features: Automatic Cue-Up muting (works with any turntable, and is user defeatable), manual muting control, and fault-sensing auto-mute to allow "hot plugging" of the tone arm or cartridge with the volume up, thus eliminating buzz or transients (allows stylus cleaning, adjustments, etc....)
- User replaceable styli available in varied compliance and configurations (Ruby & Aluminum cantilever, Nude Contact Line &, Elliptical Styli,78 Styli) Styli replacement costs from $350 - $950
- IR Hand Held Remote for remote controlled models controls volume, mute, power (and input switching on the SG-510 and SG-810)
- All models feature front panel finger "light-touch" control switches for power, manual muting and front panel lighting control (on models 810,610 & 600) allowing adjustable front panel lights from "automatic room lighting level" to variable intensity - full bright to off. (All other models have rear manual control for lighting intensity) Our lucite volume knob changes color to indicate the state of operation: RED (standby); Yellow (auto-mute); flashing yellow (manual mute); Blue (unmuted - playing)
- Our Strain Gauge cartridge requires specialized preamp circuitry, and is sold with any of seven models of Soundsmith's preamplifiers - All models have both fixed and +10 dB variable outputs - and can be used directly into an "aux" input on your preamp, or used DIRECTLY into any power amplifier.
-
- All models have identical sonic characteristics and vary only in features:
-
SG-810 - Our top model is a multi-function preamp and full function Strain Gauge Preamp; It features the SG function plus 4 line inputs & tape monitor, Front panel "touch" & Remote control input switching, volume, mute and power with full Strain Gauge performance displays and lighting intensity control (auto room adjust or manual "linear control" from lights off to full bright)
-
SG-610 - Dedicated Preamp for Strain gauge Plus ONE Line input- Front panel "touch" & Remote control for volume, mute and power; full Strain Gauge performance displays; lighting intensity control (auto room adjust or manual "linear control" from lights off to full bright)
-
SG-600 - Dedicated Preamp for Strain Gauge - Same as 610, no remote control
-
SG-510 - Dedicated Preamp for Strain Gauge and full function preamp - SG input plus 4 line inputs & tape monitor; Front panel "touch" & Remote control for input switching, volume, mute and power -NO DISPLAYS
-
SG-500 - Dedicated Preamp for Strain Gauge and full function preamp - same as SG-510, but no remote control
-
SG-410 - Dedicated SG Preamp Plus ONE Line Input- Remote & Manual control for Volume, mute & power
-
SG-400 - Dedicated SG Preamp Plus ONE line input - Manual Volume, mute & power
