How to Pick a Phono Cartridge - Sumiko In-Depth Guide

Moving Coil or Moving Magnet, Eliptical or Line Contact, with so many choices this video might help you narrow it down.

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[bigblueocean]

Though I find you showing off an expensive watch at the start of every episode in poor taste, it has to be said that this is the best cartridge video I have ever seen. The images of stylus and construction details were both stunning and instructive. Very much appreciated and typical of your careful, detailed approach to hifi.

[steveodian]

Thanks Fernando!!
That was one of the most interesting presentations I’ve seen in a while.
I learned quite a bit. Cartridges are one of the most interesting things in audio.
I never would have guessed that the tip temperature could reach 300 degrees.
One thing that still amazes me about cartridges is that they can get left and right separation through one stylus and one cantilever.

[dalemettee]

Back in the day, my selection was a Shure V 15 Type III. I thought that the sound was quite flat but still had good response. The later Type IV had a dust brush installed. I didn't like that You can still find them as of today but they're pretty expensive.

[NickP]

Hey, Fernando. I’ve tried many cartridges over the years including MM, LOMC, HOMC, and MI, and with different stylus profiles. That includes Sumiko, who make a very solid and great sounding product. This was a great guide in how to pick a cart, what to look for, and the differences in them. I’m sure people will take a lot from this vid. Thanks, Fernando. 🔊🎶

[davidatrakchi]

Thanks, very informative presentation. I'm using the Evo 3 for nearly 6 months. Now I learned it's out of production

[ptg]

Fascinating... VERY Well DONE ! Don't know much about Sumiko but I love threaded body on some of their carts... no need to struggle with nuts ! Challenge with swapping cartridges is it is a bit of a wildcard in terms of how well it works with certain turntables (e.g. Rega P8 / P10 that does not have VTA adjustments other than shims vs Technics 1200 / 1500 line with a ton of adjustments possible) and how it can or can not make much difference. Obviously, removable head shells are much easier to install but they have their detractors.

[vulcangunner]

Recently got my AT 1200SA magnetic back in action after many years stored. Brings me back to the great vinyl sound of 1980, as a teen...at maximum volume!

[analoguecity]

I'm glad he said that "the stylus cartridge is like a microphone 🎤" ! That's what I've always been saying when people ask why records sound so good! It's because the cartridge IS a microphone 🎤 and the grooves ARE sound waves ( the exact sound waves that are in the air we hear)! If everything is rightly in place ( pressing is good, mastering is good, source is good, ect ) it is pretty much voices of the past giving you a miked performance right in your living room! No other medium is that pure and precise other than 35mm film!

[hotwill]

I love this video. I just bought a Table with the amethyst pre installed. And I agree with the Preamp information. I found that the Emotiva XPS-1 is a good preamp for both MM and MC cartridges

[JayGreezy]

great video! I'm in the market for a new cart and this was helpful in understanding the Sumiko line. I will for sure be looking at your vids to see if you cover other brands also.

[jerryjohnson]

I have a sumiko Songbird. Had it one year and dropped it and bent the cantilever. I know ! Well I love it so I had it repaired with a sapphire cantelever and a different stylist. That's when I was told that it had a bonded stylist. I guess I was kind of surprised that $899 cartridge had that.
It's really singing now. Thank you for the video

[MindfulMountaineer]

I dig the SawStop table saw in the background!

[samuelreggio]

Yeah I really appreciate this. Compliance has been a spec that I have a hard time wrapping my head around. I think I finally got it.

[analoguecity]

29:53 40, 000 kHz is what "hi resolution" audio is at! So indeed they do got their shit together! No you can't hear that high, but it's important because it's been shown to affect the rest of the lower spectrum!

[itsjim]

Fabulous presentation, Fernando. I think you've just saved me $400! I was thinking of a Songbird, but now figure a BP # 3 will work just fine.

[robvandendolder]

Thank you for a solid comprehensive overview. I learned a lot from this video 😎👍

[davidjames]

Great video. Cleared up a lot for me. I’ll be contacting you in May to order a few things. The wrist watch is nice.

[ronpi]

Fernando--If you can, show your setup rig. Very impressive.

[vaggelisioannidis]

Great video mate.
I already run the amethyst cartridge on my technics sl1210gr & I'm very impressed.
How would you compare the amethyst to the bluepoint no.3 & which of the two is better for electronic music reproduction???
thank you in advance, Vaggelis

[crimsonghost]

Excellent video from start to finish. All of the information you presented was great and the microscope was a very useful part. Thank you for taking the time to explain but more importantly show the details. Keep it coming. And I like the watches and cars...