The Strain Gauge cartridge was awarded "Best of Show" at last month's Rocky Mountain Audio Fest by the respected webzine Steremojo: [URL]http://www.stereomojo.com/RMAF%202008/RMAF2008BESTOFSHOW.htm[/URL] A Strain Gauge owner has posted an informative review on Audiogon: [URL]http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ranlg&1227193071&openmine&zzVac_man&4&5#Vac_man[/URL] Finally, Stereophile in the US has listed the Soundsmith SMMC-1 as a runner up in its' Best Analogue and Best Budget product of the year categories. The Aida is essentially the same cartridge, except the best measuring 5% of SMMC-1 production are mounted in ebony bodies. Soundsmith cartridge prices remain unchanged until the end of December. Here's the pricing for the UK and US on the Aida: Aida UK - £495, US - 9
