I probably shouldn’t be writing this, but as I’m listening to the Sumiko while waiting for the Clear Audio to arrive, it sure sounds good on the best produced records. It’s just that the ordinary discs, which make up the bulk of my some 3000 records, don't sounds so wonderful. |
Based on the bad opinion of the Sumiko stated here and also the purported extreme fragility of the Sumiko I’m thinking of returning it.
The dealer is giving me the option of the Clear Audio Virtuoso cartridge.
I don’t think I can get a refund.
Any opinion about this cartridge vis-a-vis the Sumiko.
It’s either one or the other.
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The problem is not in the hum (there is none) but in the hight end.
Whenever the volume is turned up there is a harshness in the treble.
Otherwise the sound is really exemplary. |
Atmasphere,
I’ve made the decision to pull the plug on the Sumiko and go with the Clear Audio. We’ll see if the problem remains.
Thank you for your suggestions. |
Raul,
You are so right!!!
MY opinion is the one that counts.
I admit, in the first couple of days, I got “carried away” with the first flush of hearing something better than I owned previously, and I had to share it.
However, upon extensive listening, reality set in and I began to hear anomalies that bothered me, such as, the beauty diminishing as I turned the volume up.
Yes, in certain parameters it’s a wonderful cartridge. And I stand by my rave.
But, could I live with it in a larger variety of music where soaring climaxes are important. In many cases, no. It became shrill. Not always, I have to admit, but enough to realize that a large part of my collection would be unlistenable if I kept it.
I need a more forgiving cartridge, even if it’s not quite the ultimate in revealing.
In other words, a real world cartridge that i can enjoy as a music lover, not just an audiophile.
Also, i read many Audiogoners who complained they had damaged or destroyed it due to it’s precarious design. Many more complaints than raves.
The combination of those two factors persuaded me it would be better to look elsewhere.
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I don’t think i can use a moving coil, because the output level of my vintage Conrad-Johnson preamp is Low and designed for moving magnet. |
Chakster,
Thank you for your info.
Very valuable.
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Len,
I appreciate your recommendations. I know you listen to a lot of classical music.
Since I’m not at all good at installing cartridges, I’ll have to have the dealer I buy it from install it.
I’m staying home. I can’t keep my wife from going out, however.
Richard
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Len,
I’ll seriously consider the Rega-Exact 2. |
I’ll look into the Nagaoka as well.
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Chakster,
I really appreciate your input.
My problem is that I have no ability to install a cartridge on my Rega arm by myself.( It’s not a screw in type.). Whenever I’ve tried it I’ve screwed it up.
Also, it’s hard to find a competent establishment in my area that will install, without buying.
So, I’m limited to choosing a cartridge from a store that sells one.
Are you saying that Nagaoka is a good choice?
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My local dealer recommends the Sumiko Blackbird High output MC cartridge.
An Absolute Sound 2020 review raves about it. Of course, I know they rave about everything these days.
But still........ |
Tablejockey,
You’re right on both counts. The stylus is quite protruding. Could easily be damaged. I have the high output model. Can be a little hot.
But it works wonderfully on my system. It does really sing.
Thanks for your good wishes
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My quest is over!
Thanks everyone for your valuable input.
In the end I had to let practicality dictate the answer.
I decided on the Sumiko Blackbird.
The store expertly installed the cartridge free of charge.
Out of the box, I am happy to say that the Sumiko has made me more than contented
It’s in a different league from the Grado
An excellent match to my CJ, I hear details and subtleties I never heard before. No harshness. Very refined presentation. More real.
And, no trace of a hum!
Once again, I hear the niceties of analog sound.
Again, to all, my gratitude for your input. |
What’s surprising about my preamp is that at a ten o’clock setting the volume is quite loud. I’m wondering if the low output model might work better.
However, at this point I’m really enjoying the sound of this model.
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In fact, I was amazed at what the turntable was capable of with this new cartridge.
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The P3 has been extensively upgraded with nearly a thousand dollars in modifications.
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The CJ IS a tubed preamp. |
Now that I have several hours on the cart (playing it almost all the time,). It is sounding even better. Along with the definition and detail has come a sweetness and warmth I didn’t expect. Very happy with it! |
Part of (but NOT all) of the hum problem was a faulty outlet.
The Grado/Rega combination always had a hum. The Sumiko has no hum at all.
I know there is a “new toy” syndrome, but the improvement was evident immediately.
I think the Grado is probably a little worn out, but it never sounded like the Sumiko. If anything, the Grado was more “colored.” |
Since the high end of the cartridge tends to be a little bright (which you might not agree with,) records that have a bright high end of their own are exacerbated by volume increase. I’m not saying it’s there on well produced records. It’s not. But on not so well produced records, which I have a lot of, it’s painful.
Until the Clear Audio arrives, I’m listening to good sounding records, and the Sumiko is really excellent!
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Atmasphere,
You may indeed be right about the inductance and capacitance, but it was much easier to change cartridges. |
Well, I just got the Clear Audio, and even without break in, the difference is very noticeable. On some of my favorite records that were harsh with the Sumiko, there is smoothness, yet no detail is lacking. I can enjoy them again!
On good sounding records, there is a smaller difference, but the Clear Audio shines as well as the Sumiko, and there might be better bass definition.
More, after I listen to a great variety of records.
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I’ve listened to bits of a great variety of records, and, so far, the cartridge has done a wonderful job on almost all, bringing out details I never heard before, and yet sounding very elegant and musical. It is smooth throughout the tonal spectrum.
I’ll report more as I listen to more repertoire. |
