Anyone have experience with Soundsmith’s strain gauge?

Nicely summarised Jeff.
My additional thoughts are that despite increased micro resolution, this is not a forensic presentation, more a lifting of veils.
For me, the startling uptick going to my LPSd SG is lifelike speed at no compromise to tone density. This fast but full sound means a startlingly lifelike representation of pace and texture.
And timbral discrimination is right up there. Most critical in areas like massed strings and horns, jazz w dual horns, and differentiating the low registers on acoustic bass, piano and kick drum.
Yes, my enjoyment of jazz, string quartets, solo piano, big band and massed orchestral, are transformed.

Just checked w my contact
He runs his SG w
Kecces P8 24V, 2 no. R and L channels, $700 each
Absolutely transforms microdetail resolution, air, imaging, grain reduction, bass power, speed
...basically impvts across the board
$10k gets you a world class cart w no need for phono
Imho, superior to Transfiguration Orpheus and Lyra Parnassus which I've run in my system
Leaves Zu Denon 103, Lyra Skala, Roksan Shiraz, in it's wake

Yes that sounds quite incredible according your description and I can understand why some people may not like the sound. It reminds of the reaction people get when moving from electrodynamic speakers to magnepans or electrostats, it’s very different. You mentioned your Turntable is extremely high end and it makes me wonder if my Prime Scout is up for the job or if the money is better spent elsewhere. 

Also has anybody heard the optical cartridges from DS audio? They seem to be a similar concept for a comparable price.

@spiritofmusic first and importantly, yes I have and seek out opportunity to hear unamplified singers as references- Sarah McLachlan, The Wailing Jenny’s, etc.... Peter Gabriel would be a treat. small but world class chorale groups....certainly maintain the emotional connection is important:-) 

you imply each record on the SG has distinct and optimal azimuth and VTA. How much adjustment are you doing in actual practice?

Fremer is in love with the pricetag And long term loans. I listen to inputs from long term owners who are not constantly flipping references and I especially discount those raving on about stuff they have yet to hear.. So before falling all over myself, I will invest in hearing it.

the life cycle cost advantages are not insignificant:-) Good for Peter - my hope is he can thrive as we seek refuge in music

grace and peace

Thermionic, my tt/arm not considered high end, but I've maxxed out performance w some fairly radical mods incl €6k Stacore isolation.
Audio is a synergy and a blend, and I've spent as much on the tt/arm as I have on the SG which I consider a cart/phono system.
So in pure monetary terms the SG is not out of place or extravagant here.