Sumiko Songbird High Output MC Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

Reviews are very high for a reason, it’s a modern day audiophile classic

The Songbird cartridge is my second Sumiko cartridge having owned the newer Blue Point No.3 in the LOMC version. I went up and grabbed the Songbird when I got some spare "audio" money. And I have absolutely no regrets. This is one butt-kicking cartridge! It excels at low bass and feels like I added another subwoofer. And it is not just low bass but the midrange and upper ranges are so much cleaner and hence clear but without sounding thin or "hard". I really cannot say enough good things about this cartridge. While many may think $900 is not inexpensive for a LOMC but compared to what is out there in the world of phono cartridges, the Sumiko is a bargain, but not cheap sounding. Not sure how Sumiko does it, but this a real game changing cartridge. I have mine attached to a Rega RB808 arm on a Rega P8. Phenomenal!

Have this attached to a Pro-Ject Xtension 9 Turntable driven by a Parasound Preamp with MC 100 Ω, 2g weight measured. Sound quality is outstanding on a clean well-made album. This does come as a kit with the Pro-Ject X-9 which can be pre-installed on the unit. Well worth the expense hopefully you will enjoy this as much as I have so far. My only concern is the stylist protective cover is cumbersome to remove and replace on the cartridge.