Soundsmith's Axpona exhibit was no exception. Heard were the warm and somewhat romantic Strain Gauge cartridge (pictured) with SG 610 preamp (approx. $12,000, and sold as a system), VPI HRX TNT turntable (approx. $12,000), Frank Schröder Reference SQ tonearm (approx. $7000), Soundsmith HE 2006 amp ($42,500), and Monarch stand-mounted speakers ($2000/pair). Someday I'd love to hear these components with speakers other than Peter's little babies. I think I missed the one time he used other speakers, probably because the room was too full of eager listeners to attempt an entrance.
