Bare cartridge design, Sumiko Blackbird Low Output

Cleaning and cartridge design, except in the case of a few historically interesting designs that tried to sink static charge, have little to do with static so you must be doing something else right.

Chakster, although they are a bit better protected than the naked LOMC types, several of our beloved MI and MM cartridges also place the cantilever in jeopardy. And yet I have never damaged one in handling. Also, I have owned two van den Hul LOMC cartridges without incident. Just because you don’t like the set up doesn’t mean other people might not be able to use it and enjoy it without breaking it. Whether to buy a blackbird is quite another issue. On that score I have nothing to say.

I am not a fan of Sumiko cartridges but in fairness I never heard the LO Blackbird. Bare designs can sound excellent. static develops on the LP surface and can attract any type of cartridge. There’s no particular problem with static. Most if not all van den Hul cartridges are open or bare and they can deliver excellent SQ. You just have to be a bit more careful in handling and setup. Like don’t blast it with compressed air.