Sumiko

Sumiko Starling Cartridge

Starling

Next-Gen Reference Open-Body LOMC Phono Cartridge

If picture is worth 1000 words, Starling propels the question of what a sonic image might be worth. Evident in the very existence of our hobby is music’s unique ability to reach us with a certain profundity that exists well outside of what we can hear. It can be said that feelings are what we’re chasing, and if invoked by the most convincing portrayal of your dearest recordings, those feelings can be all the more profound. A sonic image can thus be priceless, and we’ve designed Starling to realize that image in your system. Added to the resonance-optimized headblock & generator borrowed from Songbird, Starling implements a rigid boron cantilever finished with an ultra-low-mass Microridge stylus. Microridge is a diamond profile highly regarded worldwide for its even-handedness while simultaneously delivering richness & clarity. Bonded to our assembly, rarely has this famous stylus achieved such agility in the groove — certainly not at Starling’s price. What you experience is gorgeously suspended sonic imagery that places you just where you want to be — front & center.

Songbird & Starling are a heavy refinement on the tried & true Blackbird & BPS EVO III designs. Securely anchored to a highly rigid, resonance-optimized headblock, our new generator is free to work its magic with the utmost control, free of unwanted internal resonance. The generator assembly is flexible and sturdy, offering the highest fidelity possible in a perfect balance of clarity and romance. The result is industry-leading, holographic imaging with irresistibly ‘true’ sweetness. Each delivers a degree of honesty & refinement that we couldn’t be more proud of, nor more excited for you to hear for yourself.

Mass 9.5g
Stylus 75µm x 5µm Ultra Low-Mass Nude Microridge
Cantilever ⌀0.28mm Boron Shaft
Coils High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance 28Ω
Load Impedance >100Ω
Frequency Response 12Hz – 50kHz
Output 0.5mV
Channel Separation 35dB @ 1kHz
Channel Balance <0.5dB @ 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: Re-Tip Exchange