Soundsmith

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Overview

Soundsmith is a specialty audio manufacturer focused on phono cartridges, audio repairs, and related high-end audio components, located in Peekskill, New York. The company is known for its hand-crafted products including Strain Gauge and fixed coil cartridges, as well as restoration services for cartridges from brands like Bang & Olufsen, and repairs for major audio equipment brands worldwide. It holds a reputation in the audiophile market for sonic quality and value through in-house engineering and manufacturing.³⁴⁵

History

Founded in 1972 in Westchester County, New York, Soundsmith was pursued full-time by Peter Ledermann starting in 1991 after he left IBM. Key milestones include reverse-engineering and manufacturing Bang & Olufsen cartridges under license after their production ceased in 1986, becoming the sole global source, and introducing a commercially viable Strain Gauge cartridge at CES in 2001 along with fixed coil moving iron cartridges. The company continues development under Ledermann as chief engineer and CEO.³⁴

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Strain Gauge Cartridges	High-end dynamic phono cartridges	$3,000 - $10,000
Fixed Coil Cartridges	Low-mass variable reluctance designs	$1,500 - $5,000
MI Cartridges	Moving iron phono cartridges	$500 - $2,500
Cartridge Restoration	Rebuild and repair services	$200 - $1,500
Audio Equipment Repair	Service for high-end brands	$100 - $2,000

Manufacturing

All products are hand-crafted in Soundsmith’s factory in Peekskill, NY, by a team of artisans and engineers. Manufacturing is fully in-house and made in the USA, including cartridge production and repairs. The company reverse-engineered tooling for discontinued products like B&O cartridges.³⁸

Notable Products

Strain Gauge Cartridge - Commercially viable design introduced in 2001 for precise tracking and low distortion.
Fixed Coil Cartridges - Ultra-low mass variable reluctance moving iron cartridges evolved uniquely by Soundsmith.
B&O Cartridge Reproductions - Reverse-engineered replacements as the sole worldwide manufacturer post-1986.
Cartridge Rebuilds - Repairs including snapped cantilevers and diamond replacements.
Phono Preamps - Custom designs for high-fidelity audio reproduction.

Reputation

Soundsmith is regarded highly in the audiophile community for cartridge restoration quality and innovative designs like Strain Gauge technology, with repairs trusted for major brands worldwide. Enthusiasts and professionals value its hand-crafted USA manufacturing and value-oriented high-end performance. Some note its niche focus limits broader visibility.³⁵

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