Sumiko Starling MC Phono Cartridge - Barely Used and Complete

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General:

Part of the highly reviewed reference series by Sumiko.

Handmade in Japan, hardly used, just an hour or two and in perfect condition.

Inspected under a microscope and tested.

We strongly recommend checking out our new Sumiko In-Depth Cartridge Guide for the best match to your system:

More details from Sumiko:

"Our new flagship open-architecture moving coil cartidge uses the same resonance-reducing body design as the Songbird, but introduces a long-grain boron cantilever and a Micro-Ridge stylus. This allows the Starling to render the grandeur of an orchestra while still preserving air and space, and also realize every detail of a nuanced Jazz recording with its responsive dynamics and deep silences. The mechanical silence of the Starling concedes a dynamic linearity across the entire spectrum that allows it to handle even the most demanding passages with effortless poise and convincing drive."

View all cartridges currently available for purchase on our website

View all Sumiko cartridges currently available for purchase on our website

Brand Background:

Since the production of the first Sumiko cartridge in 1982, Sumiko has been focused on creating phono cartridges that combine state of the art technical performance with the practical requirements of superb tracking and a musical, non-fatiguing, sonic presentation.

From our budget-friendly Oyster Moving Magnet models, to our Low Output Moving Coil Reference cartridge designs, all Sumiko Cartridges are hand-built in Japan by skilled artisans to excel at the reproduction of analog music.

Ownership:

Single Owner

General Sound:

Neutral sound with little to no coloration 

Cosmetic Condition:

9 - No Signs of Use

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Working Condition:

Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:

As pictured

Packing:

Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:

$1,799.00

Age:

2022

Reviews:

From a detailed review by Jason Thorpe via SoundStage! Network:

"The Reference Starling slapped me in the face. While I know that Sumiko has been in the cartridge business forever, and obviously should know by now how to make a good cartridge, I hadn’t expected this level of performance for a (pretty much) affordable price."

Specs:

Cartridge Type: 
Moving Coil

Stylus: 
Micro-Ridge

Cantilever Material:
boron

Wire Material: 
pure copper

Internal Impedance:
28Ω

Load Impedance: 
>100Ω

Frequency Response:
12Hz - 50kHz

Output Voltage:
0.5mV

Channel Separation: 
35dB @ 1kHz

Channel Balance: 
<0.5dB @ 1KHz

Compliance: 
12x10-6 cm/dyn @ 100Hz

Recommended Load Capacitance:
100pf - 200pF

Vertical Tracking Angle:
20°

Tracking Force: 
1.8g - 2.2g

Recommended Force: 
2.0g

Cartridge Weight: 
9.5g