Sumiko - Oriole MC Phono Cartridge

Tonally Balanced, Sonically Refined: Japanese-Made Sumiko Oriole Low-Output MC Cartridge Delivers Fabulous Detail Retrieval and Precise Tracking, Features Nude Shibata Line-Contact Stylus

Deemed an "exemplar of modern MC performance" by Hi-Fi News and said by Stereophile to behave "flawlessly with superb tracking and no peakiness," the Sumiko Oriole low-output moving-coil phono cartridge features a tonally balanced, sonically refined character that helps deliver sound marked by airiness, openness, and precision. Bolstered by a high-efficiency, low-impedance generator along with a nude Shibata line-contact stylus, Oriole bases its reputation on detail retrieval, captivating dynamics, speedy attack, and sweet resolution. Deeply musical and extremely listenable, it also portrays surrounding ambient information and with exceptional nuance. Each Oriole is hand-crafted in Japan by world-class cartridge makers — a Sumiko tradition.

Oriole's Reference Series open-architecture minimizes the potential for coloration and distortion due to energy buildup sometimes propagated by conventional cartridge bodies. Internal resonance is damped within the generator while remaining resonance travels up through the bonded mounting plate and headblock, then down the tonearm where it is dissipated harmlessly. The PEEK generator mounting plate provides stability and energy transfer while the stiff alloy headblock is the conduit through which that energy exits the cartridge. The generator minimizes distortion and losses through the implementation of pure metals.

“So solid and reassuring is the Sumiko Oriole, from its sound to its construction… [This] cartridge is an exemplar of modern MC performance… Spend time on the setup, especially VTA, and you’ll think this cost £3000.”
—Hi-Fi News, Outstanding Product

“Joe Gordon’s trumpet was especially impressive, with a purity of timbre and sense of clean dynamics you rarely hear. The Oriole behaved flawlessly, with superb tracking and no peakiness.”
—Stereophile

"It conspires to look and feel special; a sort of special that will require a bit of care using it but special nonetheless. What’s more, it has attributes that are rare even at this elevated price point…”
—AV Forums Highly Recommended