Would Like To Hear From Strain Gauge Owners

Hxt1, So I take it that Raul alienates you because of his preference for solid state phono stages (i.e., his own) and his dislike of the Denon DL103, plus the fact that he is a bit dogmatic at least on the former subject. Notwithstanding these factors, I find him to be in general kind and courteous in his remarks, even though he is unwavering in his opinions. Also, he brings to this forum more experience with oddball turntables, tonearms, and cartridges than anyone else I know of, and I enjoy hearing from him on those products that I have never even seen. For example, lots of folks seem to have benefited from Raul's revival of interest in MM cartridges (at least in this tiny world). I feel free to disagree with him on the odd occasion; you should too. To refer to him as an "annoying pest" is a bit over the top, IMO.

I agree with Lewm. Raul has his opinions, but he is also very experienced. He has always answered my e-mails to him regarding specific cartridge/table/arm combinations and offered me good advice. Thanks Raul. I appreciate his contributions. Sorry to go off topic here.

Dear Hxt1: +++++ " There, I said it Raul!! " +++++

Now, you are done!!! and happy, good.

Btw, Lewm and Peter: thank you for your understanding and kindness words.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

I agree with all of you. For the record, Raul has given me very helpful advice on these forums, I simply got caught up in the passion of it all, and perhaps allowed my own dogma to colour my previous post... Consider this a retraction(?) and thank you again Raul for your advice on the Shure 97! I may remount it this weekend and try again ! Enjoy the weekend guys, I have to work:-( Harv.

"I came away loving the Voice & finding the Strain Gauge more analytical like CD."

Also Flying Red indicates the strain gauge design does transient response better than most others.

Transient response is one area where CD has a clear advantage in that there is no mass and inertia involved in the playback as there is with vinyl. Also, the strain gauge advertises extremely low mass as well, so this makes sense.

Is it possible that as mass becomes less of an issue with a cartridge/stylus, more like with digital, that the sound starts to approach that "analytical" sound associated with excellent transient reponse that many vinyl lovers do not like with CDs?

Most musical instruments including the human voice have excellent transient response, so this is an area that is important to good playback as well I believe.

Wouldn't be ironic if the state of the art in vinyl playback was really not that much different than the same with digital?