$1,799.00

Moving Coil Cartridge

If you have a trade-in, request Trade-in Price.

Product Description

If picture is worth 1000 words, the Sumiko Starling Phono Cartridge propels the question of what a sonic image might be worth. Evident in the very existence of our hobby is music’s unique ability to reach us with a certain profundity that exists well outside of what we can hear. It can be said that feelings are what we’re chasing, and if invoked by the most convincing portrayal of your dearest recordings, those feelings can be all the more profound. A sonic image can thus be priceless, and we’ve designed Starling to realize that image in your system. Added to the resonance-optimized headblock & generator borrowed from Songbird, Starling implements a rigid boron cantilever finished with an ultra-low-mass Microridge stylus. Microridge is a diamond profile highly regarded worldwide for its even-handedness while simultaneously delivering richness & clarity. Bonded to our assembly, rarely has this famous stylus achieved such agility in the groove — certainly not at Starling’s price. What you experience is gorgeously suspended sonic imagery that places you just where you want to be — front & center.

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 – 50 kHz

Output Voltage: 0.5 mV

Load Impedance: > 100 Ω

Channel Separation: 35 dB @ 1 kHz

Channel Balance: < 0.5 dB @ 1 kHz

Stylus Type: Micro-Ridge

Compliance: 12 x 10-6 cm/dyn

Tracking Force Range: 1.8 g – 2.2 g

Recommended Force: 2.0 g

Cartridge Weight: 9.5 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.