Strain Gauge SG-200

About the Strain Gauge SG-200

The Soundsmith Strain Gauge SG-200 is a unique phono cartridge system that uses strain-gauge technology instead of traditional moving-magnet or moving-coil designs. This approach eliminates the need for moving magnets or coils, resulting in virtually no energy loss and allowing the stylus-cantilever system to respond more quickly and accurately to groove modulations. The system includes a dedicated preamplifier and power supply, and offers six user-replaceable styli to suit different playback needs. Notably, the strain-gauge design does not require RIAA equalization, as it inherently produces a signal with an inverted RIAA curve, simplifying the signal path and potentially improving sound quality. The system is known for its low noise, low phase shift, and ultra-clean transient response, making it one of the quietest and most accurate phono systems available.