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Strain Gauge Preamp/ Phono. A new standard?

This combo from Soundsmith seems to deserve a topic of its own.I have not heard it, but what I have read of comments so far is indeed interesting. Innovating technology,visually pleasing and and supposedly a superior sound. Could these products be considered as a serious alternatives to a traditional high- end analog combo? What will be the biggest trade off?
folke
kenyonbm
141 posts
 
Great topic, Folke

Soundsmith claims that their cartridge does not require RIAA equalization. Since that equalization is incorporated into the recording, I can't understand how in can be ignored on playback, regardless of the operating principle of the cartridge.

Can any one explain this?
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Check out the CES coverage here on the Gon.Soundsmiths' video covers the operating theory and its' implementation.Would love to hear one!
jbcortes
45 posts
 
I agree, it sounds like an interesting product. The bit about the RIAA doesn't make sense at all to me either, though.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,590 posts
 
All the Strain-gauge cartridges from the old days had the RIAA EQ built-in too.
slowhand
610 posts
 
I heard the Strain Gauge cartridge at the RMAF last October. It was one of the best sounding cartridges I have ever heard.
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