Other SG benefits are the really low rates of wear. I had used my sg6 stylus for years, probably close to 3,000 hours and thought surely it was time for a replacement. When I sent to Soundsmith I was told it wasnât even close to being worn out, and continued to use it for many years. The interchangeable styli are also really helpful, as some (especially used) vinyl can be too noisey with a hyper elliptical, and so itâs nice to be able to lift up the arm and pop in the SG5 which doesnât extend as far into the groove. Also lower LP wear as well, as proven by ability to play laquers without degradation, and low cost stylus replacement.
While some people use it as a full function preamp, it couldnât take the place of my tube line stage. My SG is a very early unit and will soon be brought up to the latest revision, so perhaps itâs even better than what Iâm hearing.
I havenât tried a different power supply, but Iâm wondering if the external power supply in my SG400 is any different from the ones from the SG200? I would be interested at some point in upgrading to a reasonably priced new one, based on the great things Iâve read.
But I really shouldnât post about the even further unique benefits of the SG (of which there are several), at least until I get mine to Soundsmith and back from upgrades and new styli built, so please donât buy one.
