Sumiko is one of our favorite phono cartridge brands and the Japanese manufacturer doesn’t update its extensive lineup unless the changes are significant. They consistently deliver great sound quality, excellent tracking, and long-term reliability; they didn’t become one of the most popular audiophile cartridge brands by accident. The forthcoming Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 cartridges are going to be very popular. We already have the new models incoming for review.
The Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 High and Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 Low phono cartridges replace the venerable Blue Point No. 2. Featuring a similar low-internal vibration body and mounting block as the recently updated moving magnet (MM) line, the Blue Point No. 3 is able to separate the cartridge’s generator from mechanical vibration more effectively than ever before. The result is an affordable moving coil (MC) design that produces unparalleled detail and stereo separation.
Both models benefit from a new shell design and a smoothly bevelled front fascia that allows for excellent visibility of the stylus tip when mounting.
The Blue Point No.3 High continues Sumiko’s history of affordable, high performance MC cartridges designs that are compatible with any MM phono stage.
The Sumiko Blue Point No.3 Low is its most accessible low output moving coil cartridge, serving as the perfect companion to most high-performance, affordable phono stages.
The affordable Blue Point No. 3 models are not the only additions to the Sumiko cartridge lineup. The new limited-edition Celebration 40 phono cartridge is revealed in honor of Sumiko’s fortieth anniversary and is the latest refinement of the award-winning Pearwood Celebration II.
The Celebration 40 now implements the same solid, ultra-low-mass 75μm x 2.5μm Microridge stylus as our flagship Palo Santos Presentation.
Adding the Microridge stylus is revelatory when it comes to micro detail and spatiality as it uniquely holds the groove unyieldingly, impeccably tracking and portraying music clarity. The gorgeous plumwood body accurately embodies the spirit of the Celebration design, lending an invitation of euphoria to the listening experience.
Do you play 78 rpm records? Sumiko have not left you out in the cold either with something new that works with different cartridges in its range.
Sumiko’s first 78 RPM stylus, the RS78 stylus is a true treat for vintage recording enthusiasts. This stylus grants listeners the ability to spin classic 10” 78 RPM records without damaging the record’s physical properties.
The RS78 can be installed on the Rainier, Olympia, and Moonstone Moving Magnet cartridges, and allows owners of these fantastic cartridges to easily play back 78 RPM shellac recordings safely and with great care.
With the news of these introductions, Sumiko will also be discontinuing a few vintage favourites including the Blue Point No. 2, Blue Point Special EVO III and Blackbird High/ Low Output phono cartridges.
PRODUCT PRICING:
- Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 High Output MC Cartridge – $499 at Crutchfield
- Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 Low Output MC Cartridges: $499 at Crutchfield
- Celebration 40 Phono Cartridge: $2799 USD
- RS78 Stylus: $129 USD
The new products will be available for purchase through authorized Sumiko dealers, find your local distributor by visiting sumikophonocartridges.com.
Josh Thayer
June 18, 2021 at 3:01 am
“With the news of these introductions, Sumiko will also be discontinuing a few vintage favourites including the . . . Blue Point Special EVO III and Blackbird High/ Low Output phono cartridges.”
WAIT! WHAT? Shouldn’t that have been the lead news??? The Blackbird was a great cartridge.