Paul and I heard the Strain Gauge in Peter's room at RMAF 2008 (apparently not the current version). We're also intimately familiar with ZYX 4D/Atmos, having penned the first ever review of that cartridge. See my signature.
From this experience I agree with much of what Peter wrote. We would not consider moving from one of these cartridges to the other to be a lateral move. They are very different cartridges with very different strengths and weaknesses. Our own preference for one over the other was quite strong, and for specific reasons having nothing to do with Raul's concerns.
If you like a pure, simple, dynamic sound that's quiet, accurate and makes no errors of commission, the Strain Gauge we heard might work for you. OTOH, if like my partner and me you are very (some would say inordinately) sensitive to the presence (or absence) and accuracy of upper order harmonics, if you enjoy very low level detail, then the ZYX is more likely to satisfy.
If you enjoy the strength of the 4D/Atmos in these areas and simply want more, buy a UNIverse or get your hands on a Lyra Olympos or Ortofon A90. Any of these outperform the Strain Gauge we heard in the reproduction of harmonic subtleties.
Those sonic priorities are ours of course. Only you can decide on yours.
From this experience I agree with much of what Peter wrote. We would not consider moving from one of these cartridges to the other to be a lateral move. They are very different cartridges with very different strengths and weaknesses. Our own preference for one over the other was quite strong, and for specific reasons having nothing to do with Raul's concerns.
If you like a pure, simple, dynamic sound that's quiet, accurate and makes no errors of commission, the Strain Gauge we heard might work for you. OTOH, if like my partner and me you are very (some would say inordinately) sensitive to the presence (or absence) and accuracy of upper order harmonics, if you enjoy very low level detail, then the ZYX is more likely to satisfy.
If you enjoy the strength of the 4D/Atmos in these areas and simply want more, buy a UNIverse or get your hands on a Lyra Olympos or Ortofon A90. Any of these outperform the Strain Gauge we heard in the reproduction of harmonic subtleties.
Those sonic priorities are ours of course. Only you can decide on yours.