Sumiko - Moonstone - Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Sumiko Moonstone builds upon the acclaimed Oyster Series platform with lower moving mass and refined internal components to deliver greater clarity, richer tonal color, and exceptional musical engagement. Combining smooth, inviting warmth with impressive detail retrieval, the Moonstone presents music against an incredibly quiet background with outstanding depth, texture, and imaging.

Handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan by the master cartridge builders at Excel Sound, the Moonstone features a lightweight aluminum cantilever, precision elliptical stylus, and carefully optimized moving magnet generator. The result is fast transient response, natural dynamics, sparkling highs, and a beautifully balanced presentation that remains effortless and fatigue-free during extended listening sessions.

As part of Sumiko's versatile Oyster Series, the Moonstone is fully compatible with interchangeable replacement styli, providing an easy upgrade path while preserving the cartridge body for years of exceptional analog performance.

FEATURES

• Moving Magnet (MM) phono cartridge
• Precision Elliptical stylus (0.3 × 0.7 mil)
• Lightweight aluminum pipe cantilever
• High-purity copper coils
• Reduced moving mass for improved dynamics and detail
• Compatible with Oyster Series interchangeable styli
• Handcrafted by Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

• Reduced Moving Mass: A lighter cantilever and magnet improve stylus responsiveness, delivering enhanced transient speed, finer detail, and greater musical resolution.
• Integrated Resonance Control: Sumiko's integrated cartridge body and generator minimize internal resonance, reducing coloration while preserving natural tonal balance.
• Immersive Soundstage: The Moonstone creates a deep, spacious soundstage with precise imaging, rich texture, and an exceptionally quiet background.
• Upgradeable Oyster Platform: Compatible with Rainier, Olympia, Moonstone, Wellfleet, Amethyst, and RS 78 replacement styli for simple upgrades and long-term versatility.
• Handcrafted in Japan: Individually assembled and carefully auditioned by Excel Sound's experienced craftsmen to ensure premium performance and consistency.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: Moving Magnet (MM)
• Stylus: Elliptical (0.3 × 0.7 mil)
• Cantilever: 0.5 mm Aluminum Pipe
• Coil Material: High-Purity Copper
• Output Voltage: 3.0 mV (3.54 cm/sec, 1 kHz)
• Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 25 kHz
• Channel Separation: 25 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel Balance: < 1.5 dB (1 kHz)
• Internal Impedance: 1,130 Ω (1 kHz)
• Recommended Load Impedance: 47 kΩ
• Recommended Capacitance: 100–200 pF
• Compliance: 12 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn (100 Hz)
• Vertical Tracking Angle: 25°
• Tracking Force Range: 1.8 – 2.2 g
• Recommended Tracking Force: 2.0 g
• Weight: 6.7 g
• Replacement Stylus: RS Rainier, Olympia, Moonstone, Wellfleet, Amethyst, or RS 78
• Handcrafted In: Japan