Hello Audio Peoples!
I’m new here but a longtime lover of quality audio. I have what appears to be an exceedingly rare Rowland Research phono pre Model STA-1 that utilizes a Panasonic EPC-415C “strain gauge” cartridge with a Shibata stylus. I just bumped into Paul’s blog post on the topic of strain gauges and thought I’d drop a post. No real reason other than to say “hi” and inquire about whether anyone has heard of this component or has any info about it.
I’ve also written to the folks at Rowland Research asking the same thing. I’m not sure what exactly inspired me to do this today - I just happened to want to learn more about the equipment I’ve been enjoying for decades.
Oh and I’m also rocking a PS Audio GCA-250 amp as part of this arrangement 
I’m no audio expert but I sure do love the sound of my old, eclectic mix of components.
