Sumiko Pearl Phono Cartridge

Moving magnet phono cartridge with alloy cantilever, bonded elliptical stylus and 4.0mV output. Considering the the reputation of Sumiko's venerable Blue Point and Blackbird moving-coil cartridges, its easy to see how their more affordable line of moving magnet cartridges is so often overlooked. It's fair to say that manufacturers like Ortofon, Grado, and Audio-Technica dominate the market for moving magnet cartridges, but the Sumiko Pearl is certainly a capable competitor.

OVERVIEW

Moving magnet phono cartridge with alloy cantilever, bonded elliptical stylus and 4.0mV output. Considering the the reputation of Sumiko’s venerable Blue Point and Blackbird moving-coil cartridges, its easy to see how their more affordable line of moving magnet cartridges is so often overlooked. It’s fair to say that manufacturers like Ortofon, Grado, and Audio-Technica dominate the market for moving magnet cartridges, but the Sumiko Pearl is certainly a capable competitor.

With smooth presentation and a warm mid-range, the Pearl also does a great job of reducing surface noise without sacrificing detail at high frequencies. Improved channel separation allows for fantastic stereo imaging, while the elliptical stylus and wide frequency response (12-30Khz) extract and present a surprising level of depth, with strong rhythm sections and bass.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Cartridge Type MM
• Frequency Response (Hz) 12Hz-30kHz
• Output Voltage/Channel (mV) 5mV
• Channel Separation (dB) 30dB
• Channel Balance (dB) 0,5dB
• Compliance 15mm/N
• Stylus size/shape (mil) Elp. 0,2×0,8mm
• Load Impedance 47kOhm
• Tracking Force Range (grams) 1.5 – 2.0