Sumiko Songbird High Moving Coil Cartridge - Pre-Loved

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General:
Super-clean and lightly-used best-seller from Sumiko.

Inspected under our high power microscope and tested with a meter to ensure proper operation.

This is the high output variant which allows you to connect to a MM (Moving Magnet) input on your preamp. Perfect for those missing a MC input.

This will arrive in its original Sumiko packaging with tools and headshell screws as shown in our photos.

More details from Sumiko:

"The Songbird comes in at a much needed price point perfect for launching the part-time audiophile into some serious listening. As its name suggests, this open-architecture moving coil cartridge excels at providing colorful and rich vocals, and highlights the powerful low and mid-end of funk and rock. The long 7-micron stylus face will handle different cutting angles well, and this cartridge is also great at providing some excitement to otherwise anemic classical system setups.

From The Absolute Sound:
"Joining the Reference Series line are two new Moving Coil (MC) designs including the new Songbird, which features exceptional tracking capability and the flexibility to mate well with a wide variety of tonearms and turntables. The Songbird’s high output voltage ensures noise free musical reproduction compatible with not only moving coil phono inputs but also moving magnet inputs.

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:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Cartridge Type:
High Output Moving Coil

Stylus: 
0.3 x 0.7mil Elliptical

Cantilever
⌀0.5mm Treated Aluminum Pipe

Coils
High-Purity Copper

Internal Impedance:
135 Ohms 

Load Impedance: 
47kΩ

Frequency Response: 
12Hz - 40kHz

Output Voltage: 
2.5mV

Channel Separation: 
30dB @ 1kHz

Channel Balance: 
<0.5dB @ 1kHz

Compliance: 
12x10-6 cm/dyn @ 100Hz

Capacitance: 
100pF - 200pF

Vertical tracking angle: 
20°

Tracking Force Range:
1.8g - 2.2g

Recommended Tracking Force: 
2.0g

Testing Process:
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 very carefully blow dry with compressed air.

Following that, we conduct a thorough examination using our Wild Heerbrugg professional microscope. From there we can asses the wear and quality of the stylus and determine how much use it has seen, 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 photos of the cantilever and stylus for future reference.

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

On certain cartridges (or if the technician feels necessary) we install the cartridge on a turntable and run several test records to ascertain tacking ability, distortion, and compliance.