Sumiko Blackbird MC High Output Phono Cartridge - Lightly Used

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General:

Sadly the Blackbird is not longer in production but we were fortunate to find a super clean pre-owned unit.

We inspected it under the microscope and found it to look like new with no wear at all. On the test bench it measured properly and the stylus looks perfectly centered.

This is the High Output version of this cartridge meaning it will work with your MM phono stage/phono input.

Brand Background:

For nearly 40 years, SUMIKO has provided the finest array of phono cartridges to discriminating analog enthusiasts around the world. The long list of iconic models produced by SUMIKO reads like a “who’s who” of analog audio’s illustrious past.

Ownership:

Single Owner

General Sound:

Accurate to the recording

Cosmetic Condition:

8 - Very Slight Signs of Use

https://skyfiaudio.com/pages/our-rating-scale

Working Condition:

Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:

As pictured

Packing:

Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:

$1249

Approximate Age:

2020

Reviews:

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/analog-corner-102

Link to Manual:

https://sumikophonocartridges.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ref_blackbird.pdf 

Testing Process:

The SkyFi Testing Process for Phono Cartridges

We start by doing a detailed physical inspection under light magnification to asses the cantilever condition, its position in the cartridge body and the condition of the suspension. We also inspect any coil wires and the output connections to make sure it hasn’t been strained. We then perform a light cleaning with specialized agents and blow it dry with compressed air.

We then perform a more detailed inspection with our Wild Heerbrugg professional microscope. From there we can asses the wear and quality of the stylus and determine how much use it has had and if there are any mechanical issues. We can also identify if it needs further cleaning or care.

We then move the cartridge to a digital microscope where we take photo os the cantilever for future reference.

We then move to the test bench where we can check for continuity of each channel and resistance.

On certain cartridges and it the technician feels necessary we install the unit on a turntable and run a few test records to ascertain tacking ability, distortion and compliance.

Specs:

Design Principle
Low Output Moving Coil

Mass & Dimension
9.6g, 17.1 x 20.5 x 28.2mm (WxHxD)

Stylus
Solid Ultra Low-Mass 75µm x 2.5µm Microridge

Cantilever
⌀0.28mm Boron Shaft

Coils
High-Purity Copper

Internal Impedance
28Ω

Load Impedance
>100Ω

Frequency Response
12Hz – 50kHz

Output
0.7mV

Channel Separation
35dB @ 1kHz

Channel Balance
<0.5dB @ 1kHz

Compliance
12×10-6cm/dyn @ 100Hz

Capacitance
100pF – 200pF

Vertical Tracking Angle
20°

Tracking Force Range
1.8g – 2.2g

Recommended Tracking Force
2.0g