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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The Soundsmith Strain Gauge Custom is a custom-configured strain-gauge phono cartridge system, typically supplied with a dedicated Soundsmith energizer/preamplifier such as the SG-200. Unlike moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, it is a non-magnetic displacement-measuring design: silicon strain-gauge elements change resistance as the stylus follows groove displacement. It therefore requires the dedicated Soundsmith circuitry and does not connect directly to a conventional MM/MC phono input. The system uses standard four-wire tonearm wiring and interchangeable stylus assemblies. Published information identifies the Strain Gauge system as an active Soundsmith product family, although the exact “Custom” configuration is not separately documented as a current standalone model.
Analog signal output specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Strain Gauge Systems's compliance is 15 cu against the Strain Gauge Custom's 10 cu and its output voltage 0.3V RMS against 0.7V RMS. Both share channel separation (25 dB) and cartridge type (Strain_gauge).
The Strain Gauge 410's compliance is 20 cu against the Strain Gauge Custom's 10 cu, its output voltage 5.0V RMS against 0.7V RMS, and its cartridge type MM against Strain_gauge. Both share channel separation (25 dB).
The Strain Gauge SG-200's compliance is 15 cu against the Strain Gauge Custom's 10 cu and its weight 0.0045 kg (0 lbs) against 0.01 kg (0 lbs). Both share output voltage (0.7V RMS) and channel separation (25 dB).
The DS Master3's channel separation is 27 dB against the Strain Gauge Custom's 25 dB, its cartridge type Optical against Strain_gauge, and its weight 23 kg (51 lbs) against 0.01 kg (0 lbs). Both share output voltage (0.7V RMS).
Sutherland Engineering TZ Direct
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