Soundsmith Straingauge SG-200 cartridge system

Phil, what a fantastic post. Just when I think I know enough about an item, an afficionado such as yourself fills in the remaining 90% of the story.
For the record, I've got two Zu 103s and a Transfiguration Orpheus. The Zu I'm running is not going for upgrade, but the other, well worn, Zu and Orpheus are getting the treatment, so no loss - if I didn't get surgery performed on them they would remain gathering dust in my draw.
So I'm curious to perform a 3 way shootout and confirm whether surgery will destroy what is so special about the Zu 103, or whether I like it, and how they both match up to my previous reference, the Orpheus.
The point of this thread however is to gather opinions of the Straingauge. I've just linked up with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable dealer in the UK who really believes this cart is the best out there, outclassing the Ortofon A90, Lyra Titan, and his own Orpheus.
His opinion is that the cart is as lively as a Decca London Ref, without being 'hot', sympathetic to surface noise, and a real retriever of detail. As a big fan of the Deccas over the years, this comparison fills me with confidence that it may become my cart of choice.

Just received my retipped Transfiguration Orpheus and Zu modded Denon 103. Can't wait for the face off. Esp. in preparation for my audition of the Straingauge in the Spring.
I've found a really enthusiastic proponent of this cart in the UK, and he believes it is the best out there, far in advance of the Orpheus, Lyra Titan etc. Can't wait to find out.
Other Straingauge owners, please air your views.

5 hours straight with the modded Orpheus and I'm just not getting on with it. Too cool, bass heavy, and just not involving. And this is after careful adjustment of VTF/azimuth. Grr!
Seconds after the modded Zu 103 hits the groove, and wow! Total love. Tonality and transparency in spades, and an amazing synergy with my Zu Def4 spkrs. At this rate, my interest in the Straingauge may really become redundant.

Another 5 hours today, and that's it! I'm totally sold on the ESCO modded Zu 103. Re my ESCO modded Transfiguration Orpheus (the only way to breath life into my extinct, once-reference cart): other than maybe a draw on soundstage grounds, the modded Zu totally blows away it's more illustrious (and 4x pricier) rival.
I'm getting tonality in spades, even handed dynamics, delicacy AND slam, superlative tracking and rejection of surface noise. What I'm finding fascinating is that Zu really are the Kings Of Tone - their Definitions4 spkrs that I own were voiced with their modded 103, so the two most critical transducers in an analogue system (cart and spkrs) really seem to speak of one voice.
The ESCO mod (Paratrace stylus and white sapphire cantilever) is replacing what was a tendency to stridency in the higher frequencies with the stock Zu 103, with a sweetness that is truly beguiling. This is more than compensating for maybe a smidgeon less urgency in the sound, a most acceptable trade off.
So, 2 days' listening has got me back in the Zu 103 fold fully, and terminated my fledgling interest in the Straingauge. Now my journey is going to take me to investigating upgrading my Tom Evans Audio Design Groove Plus SRX phono stage with Tom's flagship Mastergroove.

Just resurrecting this thread. Will be auditioning the Soundsmith Straingauge SG-200 at the end of the month. At this point, I'm happy that my ESCCo modded Zu 103 is ahead of my previous fave, the Transfiguration Orpheus. Really curious to hear how the S'gauge will stack up against the Zu 103.
So, still scouting for opinions on the S'gauge, from those familiar with it.