Sumiko Pearl MM Cartridge

Okay I waited way too long to review this cartridge. I've bought the sumiko pearl back in 2017 after reading Tammy Heffron's review and some other audio technica and shure cartridges. Initially I set up the cartridge just like all other cartridges and I didn't expect much of it except the treble was somewhat lacking so I put it aside and tinkered with audio technica cartridges (some cheaper and others more expense). But I finally came around to re-evaluate the sumiko pearl. After a very long break in period for me, the treble appeared and the depth of the bass (if you have accurate 3 way speaker) you can hear it. The special stylus tip (they went back to .3x.7 elliptical) really brings out depth and somewhat hides the crackles and hiss that most inferior cartridges accentuates. I can really listen to the music and appreciate my music system for doing its job. This cartridge is smooth, detailed, give dimension and depth; entry level world class sound for a little over a hundred dollars. Gotta love it.

Getting back into vinyl 25 years later. Pulled out my 80s era HK T20 that had an AT P800 Cart that I had purchased new in the early 90s. The P800 was about $400 list at the time and is a P-mount with an adapter for conventional tonearm use. I’m guessing the cart had a couple hundred hours on it tops and was stored with the stylus protector on. This is my only comparison to the Pearl. The HK is plugged into a Marantz Model 1060 Integrated amp and Polk S10 (90’s era floor standing and NOT the current bookshelves) speakers.I only considered a new cart because I was having some right channel drop out. After ordering the Pearl, I noticed a frayed wire in the head shell and after replacing, the problem went away. I regretted the purchase and just figured I would try it and return it. Ha! NOPE.My favorite LP is a thoroughly abused copy of the original Dire Straits album from 1977. Despite its scratches and scuffs, this LP is sonically and dynamically stellar. Well paned soundstage, raw identifiable instrumentation, a Clapton/J. J. Cale-esq groove and Knofler’s soulful voice and guitar combo that rival Jerry and Neil. Wonderfully revealing LP that is perfect as a reference album.First thing I noticed was the lack of pops and scratches I was so used to as part of this abused LP. Almost completely gone! Sonically, the vocals and upper mids were far more clear, and all instruments were expanded into a huge and immersive soundstage. I am stunned as to the difference between this and a cartridge that cost 3x the amount in the 90s.I had no idea this would be such an upgrade from what I had. 3 albums in and this is without question the most enjoyable vinyl I have ever laid my ears on. What is this little guy going to sound like after a proper break-in? I am impressed. Great job Sumiko!!!

I love this cartridge. It has a very balanced sound and is forgiving - you hear a scratch or pop if there is one, but it doesn't overwhelm like other, brighter cartridges (e.g., the Ortofon it replaced).A very pure sound compared to other cartridges I've used (Shure, Audio Technica) and the price is excellent for the quality. I play a lot of vinyl; often 8 hours a day. Could be a bit brighter, maybe, but I prefer the warmer sound of this cartridge, especially on my vintage vinyl, compared to others I've used.One thing to note: it is a bit stiff and prefers to ride a little heavy, especially at first. I needed to go to 1.7 grams on my SLQ2 or it would skip if you so much as breathed within 10 feet of the system. Now I've dialed back to around 1.4 and it seems happy there. Great sound.

Changed from a Grado Black to this cartridge - what an amazing difference - clear sound, seems to minimize and "noise" from the record and the frequency response is fabulous. Very impressed with the quality, sound and price!

Years ago I purchased a Mitsubishi LT-30 turntable (a HEAVY linear tracker) and it had a Koetsu Rosewood on it. That cartridge completely spoiled me. I used that cartridge until it couldn't give any more. I cannot afford to retip a Koetsu so I am back in reality-land and have been for many years. I searched and searched for many years looking for an inexpensive cartridge that could give me that Koetsu....... whatever. I was convinced if I could find something that got the basics of the Koetsu down I could be happy; not totally satisfied but happy. I have gone through a long line of cartridges folks. Everywhere from $100-$300. I never tried anything that captured those basics. I then purchased a Shelter 201. Once set up properly, it presented the basics plus a little more. I really enjoyed it. I then read reports of the Pearl being the same thing. There is no way I thought. I bought a Pearl. Anybody that says they are different is full of Ka-Ka. I had 1 Shelter and I am on my 3rd Pearl (they keep getting sold with turntables). The turntable I am using now is the Sony PS-X9. I recently needed a phono cartridge and again, a little short on funds, I bought a Sumiko Pearl. Again, it has not disappointed. A few tips. Make damn sure that stylus is pushed all the way in. You should feel a very soft "click" when it's home. Make sure it is exceptionally well aligned. Experiment with tracking forces from 1.5-2.0 grams 1/10th at a time. Experiment with VTA. Make sure azimuth is correct. If all of this is done correctly, after break in, you will have a cartridge that will perform in a higher price bracket. Scout's honor. I know because I have run the race. It is smooth, but becomes rather transparent. It is 3 dimentional. It has nice bass, a palpable midrange and highs with insight, but not TOO much insight. It is revealing enough to give insight to music but not so revealing that it exposes itself as deficient. A champion at it's price point. I assigned the stars in absolute terms, not value terms. Treat it with respect and it will respect you back!!

Me Impacto la calidad del sonido lo recomiendo a las personas que le gusta un buen sonido de calidad para sus oidos

Clear, beautiful sound. My vinyl has never sounded better.

The media could not be loaded. Nunca pensei que a substituição de uma capsula pudesse trazer tanto aperfeiçoamento ao meu set up. A capsula Pearl além do aumento da definição melhorou bastante médios e graves e definiu bem os agudos em demasia. No vídeo as vezes não seja perceptível, mesmo assim recomendo esta MM por sua potência, definição de tons e limpeza de som.

En audio todo es subjetivo. Si la mitad de los productos "exitosos" que vemos publicitados les quitaramos toda la publicidad pagada que los "hacen grandes" veriamos categorias que se desplomarían abruptamente y quedarían un par de productos referenciales, con buena filosofia de manufactura y de venta.La marca Sumiko es una legendaria marca de cartuchos para tornamesas. Famosa por su cuidado en la calidad en sus productos pero más en su simpleza y su filosofía y ethos como marca. Punto. La pearl es (muchos dirán que fue, pero dentro de su filosofía y muy contrario de la absolecencia programada de nuestros dias) su fonocaptor de entrada y para los japoneses esto no es palabrería "barata" es un compromiso que se lo toman en serio.Una excelente pastilla, con una construccion muy sencilla (fuera de tecnicisimos) que hace que sus prestaciones performativas entreguen calidez, detalle y musicalidad sin tantos aspavientos. En mi caso paso de audio technica, grado y Ortofon con un muy buen sabor de boca (o de oreja) hacia sumiko con esta pastilla de "entrada" que definitivamente me deja contento con la compra y muy curioso de la siguiente pastilla que seguramente será de esta misma marca. Contento y con intriga de cómo se ouede mejorar aún lo que entrega ahora mismo. Mi cadena con esta pastilla suena mas relajada, menos analítica y, desde mi punto de vista, más musical, sí, mi Pro-ject Debut iii y una amplificacion a bulbos, escuchando mayoritariamente Jazz, música orquestal y de cámara (barroco, clásico, romantuco y contemporánea), world music y rock progresivo (principalmente italiano e ingles de 70 a 80's) suenan mejor que la Ortofon que sustituyó.Un buen precio, muy bueno diría yo. Muy buen sonido. Totalmente recomendable.

A cartridge with a wonderful allround performance. Takes a few days to run-in bit then you get gorgeous, silky detail, excellent separation of instruments and a dynamic, deep bass.Complete satisfaction here.

Sonido suave y muy agradable. Parámetros técnicos sorprendentes para su bajo costo. Simplemente emparejarla con un previo que no sea muy cálido y 'cantará'. Relación calidad-precio insuperable. Obviamente, para un equipo nivel de entrada.

Man sollte sich nicht von der billigen Aufmachung der Verpackung und der biederen Optik dieses Abnehmers täuschen lassen - dahinter steckt Japan-Technik, die es in sich hat.Richtig eingestellt, weiß dieses System völlig zu überzeugen, mit einem sehr ausgeglichenen, fast schon analytisch wirkendem Klang.Vor allem in Kombination mit älteren Technics-Plattenspielern, passt einfach die "Chemie".Klanglich ist der Sumiko dem etwas preisgleichen Ortofon Red System deutlich überlegen, auch vor einem Blue muss er sich nicht verstecken.Der High-Ender wird mit diesem System sicherlich nicht befriedigt, aber der Normal- und Gelegenheitshörer wundert sich über den Klangteppich, der seinen alten Plattendreher deutlich aufwertet.