Sumiko Blackbird Low Output MC (Moving-Coil) Cartridge, Brand NEW

Part of the Sumiko Reference Series that was just discontinued.

Made in Japan. Highly reviewed across multiple sources (online and print).

Free shipping within the contiguous 48 US States

More details from Sumiko:

"The SUMIKO Blackbird has long been regarded as providing the most performance per dollar you can find in the industry. With the level of performance and clarity of many cartridges twice its price, the Blackbird was designed for exceedingly low noise levels, exceptionally wide dynamic range, and the highest possible fidelity in its price class. The Blackbird has already become a veritable analog classic and is sure to delight many more discerning ears for years to come."

From a great review by Michael Fremer via Analog Planet:

"With stereo recordings, the Blackbird threw a big, wide-open, very transparent soundstage, revealing plenty of low-level detail. What separates it from the far more expensive cartridges, and perhaps some similarly priced ones that have different balances of strengths and weaknesses? Spend more money (and then more for a phono preamp) and you can get more supple mids and highs, more delicacy and palpability. I've heard some cartridges at or near the Blackbird's price that can give you a richer midrange, but they can't compete with the Blackbird's bass extension and focus, or with its shimmering, well-balanced top end and clean—but not at all brittle—transients. It gave no hint of brightness or edge. While the Blackbird might look like a Blue Point Special, and as good as that cartridge is for its price, the Blackbird is in a different league."

View all Sumiko cartridges currently available for purchase on our website

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

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

Replacement Stylus Unit
Re-Tip Exchange (Contact SkyFi)