Sumiko Pearl MM Cartridge

$159.00

Stereo Optimization - $150.00/hr

We've heard thousands of components in thousands of rooms so we can save you a lot of time by catching obvious mis-matches and improper setup. Save yourself headaches and wasted money on upgrades! Generally we can double the performance of any system through setup alone. Here's a note from a happy customer:

"I thought that after many many years of enjoying music on various costly equipment, that I had developed the ability to get the most out of my system. Boy was I wrong. Gunnar promised me that the small cost of having him coming to my house and refining the performance of my existing set up would be the best money I've spent on my audio. Now that he's come and worked my equipment around, I couldn't agree more. He made me realize why I spent all that money on my equipment in the first place. What's most important, is that he allowed me to enjoy my music in my own home like never before. I now realize that expensive equipment alone is not enough. It takes an ear and breadth of knowledge like that of Gunnar's to bring out the real value of good equipment." -- James K.

Cartridge mounting and setup (basic) - $30.00

How many people have accidentally broken the stylus on their new cartridge trying to install it? We take away the worry and do it for you. Includes alignment, antiskate, and stylus pressure adjustment. This service is free when you buy a turntable from us.

Turntable checkup and cartridge alignment - $50.00

We'll check speed, adjust suspension, tonearm height and cartridge alignment.

Cartridge mounting and setup (advanced) - $150.00

Includes alignment, antiskate, stylus pressure and VTA adjustment as well as bench testing with an oscilliscope to determine optimal electrical output.

Home delivery of your purchase.

We offer convenient home delivery of your purchase.

$50 (0-2km)

$75 (2-5km)

$100 (5-10km)

Setup of components

$150 hourly rate (1 hour minimum, travel times apply)

COVID-19 UPDATE

**Mar 21. 2022 UPDATE
Stock delays continue and are as bad or worse than a year ago due to major new Covid shutdowns in China and Asia (most brands are made here), Port delays and Rail strikes in US and Canada, and problems out of Eastern Europe (Pro-Ject).

We have re-organized our recommended items around dependable suppliers ONLY. Please pay attention to our selected systems for your best chance at getting a product that is available.

Even amongst the most reliable suppliers, Covid-19 continues to create delivery delays of weeks to months across the whole audio supply chain.

We submit your order directly to the sole sources in Canada to get it in the queue for their incoming stock. In most cases they will drop ship directly to you for fastest turnaround time. There is no alternate source for us or for you because suppliers have monopolies to products in Canada. Orders are non-cancelable because we commit to and reserve your order in the queue. We suggest getting in as soon as possible because demand from everyone being stuck at home is off the charts vs. limited supply.

Suppliers are not currently able to give us ETAs because factories and freight companies are overwhelmed. You will receive a shipping notice only when your order has shipped. We are doing everything in our power to get you your items as fast as possible.

Stay safe!

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DETAILS

With extended frequency response and improved channel separation, the Pearl sits comfortably at the top of Sumiko's moving-magnet cartridge line.

Considering the the reputation of Sumiko's venerable Blue Point and Blackbird moving-coil cartridges, its easy to see how their more affordable line of moving magnet cartridges is so often overlooked. It's fair to say that manufacturers like Ortofon, Grado, and Audio-Technica dominate the market for moving magnet cartridges, but the Sumiko Pearl is certainly a capable competitor.

With smooth presentation and a warm mid-range, the Pearl also does a great job of reducing surface noise without sacrificing detail at high frequencies. Improved channel separation allows for fantastic stereo imaging, while the elliptical stylus and wide frequency response (12 – 30Khz) extract and present a surprising level of depth, with strong rhythm sections and bass.

Moving magnet, alloy cantilever, bonded elliptical stylus, 5.0mV output.

Moving magnet phono cartridge with alloy cantilever, bonded elliptical stylus and 4.0mV output.

Specifications

Cartridge Type MM

Frequency Response (Hz) 12Hz-30kHz

Output Voltage/Channel (mV) 5mV

Channel Separation (dB) 30dB

Channel Balance (dB) 0,5dB

Compliance 15mm/N

Stylus size/shape (mil) Elp. 0,2x0,8mm

Load Impedance 47kOhm

Tracking Force Range (grams) 1.5 - 2.0