$899.00

Low or High Output Moving Coil Cartridge

Trade-in is not available on this product.

Product Description

Particularly adept with vocals & acoustic instruments, we’ve created the Sumiko Songbird Phono Cartridge to make genuine moving coil imaging available to any listener. It delivers the sweetest highs over a robust, rich yet clear low-midrange. Like its big sibling Starling, Songbird suspends sonic images in a highly controlled manner. As opposed to music being flung from your speakers, you’re placed among the naturally-positioned instruments in the soundstage, close in proximity to the intimate nuances of the musical material. If you’ve got an MM phono section, there’s a good chance Songbird High is the cartridge you’ve been dreaming about. Clear and ultra-musical with just the right degree of warmth, Songbird Low offers an even deeper soundstage with greater reach width-wise. As it’s generally more quiet thus allowing more detail to surface, you’ll be shocked by the surprises it yields even in the recordings you’re most familiar with. Stunningly holographic in a manner that approaches that of Starling, Songbird Low maximizes the refinement of your MC system at a price that’s well below reasonable considering the performance it achieves.

Our Latest Reference Open-Body MCs
We are immeasurably excited about these recent additions to our Reference open-body MC lineup. Our latest darlings — Songbird & Starling — are a heavy refinement on our tried & true Blackbird & BPS EVO III designs. Securely anchored to a highly rigid, resonance-optimized headblock, our new generator is free to work its magic with the utmost control, free of unwanted internal resonance. The generator assembly is flexible and sturdy, offering the highest fidelity possible in a perfect balance of clarity and romance. The result is industry-leading, holographic imaging with irresistibly ‘true’ sweetness. Each delivers a degree of honesty & refinement that we couldn’t be more proud of, nor more excited for you to hear for yourself.

Trade In or Trade Up
As user-replaceable styli are not on an option for moving coil phono cartridges, remember that any of our MCs, functional or otherwise, can be returned to your dealer in a re-tip exchange — a discount on a new cartridge of equal or greater value — sparing you expense when your stylus heads south! Here’s how it works… The cartridge you own is worth 30% its retail value in trade. As an example, if you have a cartridge with a retail value of $1000, it’s worth $300 in trade toward your new cartridge. All trade-ins must be done through an authorized dealer. Note: our trade program is valid within the United States only.

Hand-Crafted in Japan
From Oyster to Reference, each Sumiko phono cartridge is crafted by hand in Yokohama, Japan — near the waters where our namesake Oysters dwell. We’ve selected by ear the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until perfected. Production is then executed by world-class cartridge makers with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a full horizon of cartridges eager to introduce themselves to your analog system — we firmly believe there’s a perfect cartridge for you here.

Cartridge Type: Moving Coil

Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 40 kHz

Output Voltage: 2.5 mV

Load Impedance: 47 kΩ

Channel Separation: 30 dB @ 1 kHz

Channel Balance: < 0.5 dB @ 1 kHz Stylus Type: 0.3 x 0.7 Elliptical

Compliance: 12 x 10-6 cm/dyn

Tracking Force Range: 1.8 g – 2.2 g

Recommended Force: 2.0 g

Cartridge Weight: 8.5 g

Brand

Sumiko

Sumiko is a leading manufacturer of high-performance phono cartridges and audio accessories. Founded in 1982, the company produces some of the world's most exceptional and accurate phono cartridges. Their phono cartridges are handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan, with precision and care, using the highest quality materials and components.  They offer a range of cartridges to suit different preferences and budgets, from the affordable Oyster Series to the top-of-the-line Reference Series. Through all their lines, the goal is to deliver superb tracking and precise sonic performance. Sumiko's commitment to quality extends beyond its products, with white-glove customer service to match. Their expert team offers advanced technical support and advice to ensure audiophiles get the most out of their products.  Sumiko's flagship cartridges, the Starling and Songbird, are known for their exceptional accuracy and musicality. These cartridges feature a boron cantilever, Microridge stylus, and advanced magnetic circuitry to deliver a dynamic, detailed sound with low distortion. Entry-level audiophiles looking to upgrade their existing high-end audio system can look to their Amethyst phono cartridge featuring resonance-reducing housing and a line-contact diamond stylus that allows for versatile, graceful output. Overture is a proud dealer of Sumiko phono cartridges, selling customers the finest components from Sumiko. Interested in purchasing a new Sumiko phono cartridge? You can trade-in any component towards a Sumiko product by filling out our Trade-In Form.