Sumiko Songbird Low, turntable cartridge

INFORMATION

Sumiko Songbird Low - a high-end low-output MC phono cartridge, characterized by excellent detail, dynamics, and a musical, balanced sound. The open design helps effectively reduce resonances, while handcrafted assembly in Japan ensures the highest quality.

Type: MC (Moving Coil)
Weight: 7.4 g
Stylus type: elliptical (0.3 x 0.7 mil)
Internal impedance: 28 Ω (1 kHz)
Recommended load impedance: >100 Ω
Frequency response: 12 Hz – 40 kHz
Output voltage: 0.5 mV (3.54 cm/sec, 1 kHz)

DESCRIPTION

The low output rendition of Songbird represents the peak performance of this design. Moving mass and internal impedance are dramatically reduced by requiring far fewer turns of copper in the coils. As a result, detail, dynamics, resolution, and transients all improve. Like the high output version, Songbird Low benefits from our famous open-architecture design that prevents intrusive resonance from coloring and distorting sound. It is clear but not forward, approaching music with tonal balance and cohesive, intelligent soundstaging. Highs are sweet and extended, mids are rich and clear. Bass is full, textured and deep-reaching. There is an understated elegance in its ability to effortlessly portray the whole sonic picture — nothing overdone, nothing underdone. Free of fatiguing distractions, it draws you deeply into the soundstage wherein you can enjoy the most intimate nuances of your favorite recordings. Images are confidently suspended and rife with dynamic allure, always encouraging you keep on listening.

Our Reference Series Open-Body MCs
Our Reference Series open-architecture cartridges minimize the potential for coloration and distortion due to energy buildup that is sometimes propagated by the conventional cartridge body. Internal resonance is damped within the generator while remaining resonance travels up through the bonded mounting plate & headblock, then down the tonearm where it is dissipated harmlessly. The PEEK generator mounting plate provides the utmost stability and energy transfer while the stiff alloy headblock is the conduit through which that energy exits the cartridge. The generator itself minimizes distortion and losses through the implementation of pure metals and intelligent orientation of the same. The performance of this sophisticated generator is bolstered by our multi-faceted approach to resonance control, precipitating to clean, musical, and highly listenable sonics.

Trade In or Trade Up
As user-replaceable styli are not on an option for MC 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. *Note: The trade-in program is valid for US customers only.

Hand-Crafted in Japan
Each Sumiko phono cartridge is hand-assembled by the world-class cartridge makers at Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan – a relationship we’ve proudly maintained for nearly forty years. We use only the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until it meets our stringent standards for sound. Production is then executed by expert craftsmen with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a family of cartridges that render emotion through tonally balanced, refined and fatigueless analog reproduction.

TECHNICAL DATA

Mass & Dimension
7.4g (see tech drawing)
Stylus
Elliptical (0.3 x 0.7mil)
Cantilever
⌀0.5mm Reinforced Aluminum Pipe
Coils
High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance
28Ω (1kHz)
Load Impedance
>100Ω (determine by ear)
Frequency Response
12Hz – 40kHz
Output
0.5mV (3.54cm/sec, 1kHz)
Channel Separation
30dB (1kHz)
Channel Balance
<0.5B (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