Sumiko Amethyst Phono Cartridge Paired w/ Technics Headshell - New

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General:
The Amethyst is Sumiko's premium Moving magnet (MM) Phono cartridge. We find that Amethyst tracks well and sounds very similar to the entry level MC cartridges from the brand. Perfect for someone with only a MM phono stage. 

This particular example was removed from a new turntable and never used.  We do not have original packing but will come in a nice quality wood box. 

To make things easier we mounted this cartridge on a Technics headshell to get up and going quickly with your SL series turntable. 

From Sumiko:
Borrowing from and refining on the resonance-optimized housing of our latest Oyster cartridges (Moonstone, Olympia & Rainier), we further reduce output to curtail extraneous noise. Topped off with a nude line-contact diamond, the stylus couldn’t be more nimble. Reaching every nook & cranny of your record grooves and handling that information with the utmost grace, Amethyst competes favorably with similarly priced MC designs. It’s shockingly quiet and thus transparent as can be, skillfully tracing even the most complicated passages your LP collection has to offer. Expect effortless dynamic handling, depth and clarity over a black background, impeccably realistic transience and images that leap from your soundstage but remain naturally positioned.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Almost no signs of wear. Very nice condition.

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:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
9/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Just the Unit

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Original MSRP:
$649.00

Specs:
Mass & Dimension (W x H x D)
6.5g, 17.2 x 18.8 x 29mm

Stylus
0.2 x 0.8mil Nude Line-Contact

Cantilever
⌀0.5mm Aluminum Pipe

Coils
High-Purity Copper

Internal Impedance
700 Ω

Load Impedance
47k Ω

Frequency Response
12 Hz – 35 kHz

Output
2.5mV

Channel Separation
30 dB @ 1 kHz

Channel Balance
0.5 dB @ 1 kHz

Compliance
12 × 10-6 cm/dyn @ 100 Hz

Capacitance
100 pF – 200 pF

Vertical Tracking Angle
25°

Tracking Force Range
1.8g – 2.2g

Recommended Tracking Force
2.0g

Replacement Stylus Unit
RS Amethyst

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.