SoundSmith cartridges how good?

I have a brand new Voice but I won't be able to hear it until my turntable shows up. I'll get back after I have had a chance to hear it. I can say that it is beautifully made and all the parameters are right on. I will compare it to Clearaudio and Ortofon cartridges.

If I go anywhere from The Voice it could be to a strain gauge set up but for those people thinking about it it is important to listen to it first especially if you do not have access to digital EQ. The strain gauge does not completely follow the RIAA curve. It comes across a little on the bright side according to what I have read. As my daughter lives in NYC on a trip down there I plan on stopping by Sound Smith to have a listen. Peter relates they keep one on display perpetually. My first experience with a strain gauge (Wyn Labs) did not end well which makes me a little nervous about doing it again. I also really like the sound of my ARC phone stage. Maybe another turntable is the answer:-)

Craig, I seems that the real improvement in the strain gauge cartridge is it's tracking performance. It more readily follows the groove with according to sources much less record wear. I would assume the term solid state means more accurate in this regard w/o tube or other colorations. As for what sounds better is a matter of taste, accurate is not always better. 
As for stylus replacement it is important to note that unless you order your strain gauge with extra styli you have to send your cartridge back to Soundsmith as each stylus has to be matched to the cartridge. So, it is no different than a moving coil or Iron cartridge in that regard. I would order mine with one extra cartridge.

Thanx Chakster!  Shoot, Joseph Grado was building cartridges on his dinning room table in the 50's. He invented the moving coil cartridge! He invented the moving iron cartridge. He is as American as they get.