The Sumiko Starling is a reference-grade low output moving coil cartridge engineered for listeners seeking extraordinary detail, musicality, and natural tonal balance. Combining a nude low-mass Microridge stylus, ultra-rigid boron cantilever, and sophisticated resonance management, the Starling delivers breathtaking transparency, expansive imaging, and effortless realism without sacrificing warmth or listenability.
Its open-body architecture minimizes coloration by allowing unwanted energy to dissipate through the PEEK generator mounting plate and precision alloy headblock into the tonearm. Paired with Sumiko's highly efficient moving coil generator and carefully selected damping system, the Starling produces exceptional dynamics, low distortion, and a remarkably quiet background that reveals every nuance of your favorite recordings.
Handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan by the skilled artisans at Excel Sound, the Starling represents the pinnacle of Sumiko's Reference Series and offers uncompromising analog performance for the most discerning vinyl enthusiasts.
FEATURES
- Reference Series low output moving coil (MC) cartridge
- Nude low-mass Microridge stylus (2.5 × 75 μm)
- Ultra-lightweight 0.28 mm boron cantilever
- Open-body architecture for reduced resonance and coloration
- PEEK generator mounting plate for exceptional mechanical stability
- Precision alloy headblock for superior energy transfer
- High-purity copper coils
- Wide bandwidth with exceptional detail, imaging, and dynamics
- Handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan
- Eligible for Sumiko Re-Tip Exchange program (U.S. only)
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Low Output Moving Coil (MC)
- Stylus: Nude Low-Mass Microridge (2.5 × 75 μm)
- Cantilever: 0.28 mm Boron
- Coils: High-Purity Copper
- Output Voltage: 0.5 mV (3.54 cm/sec @ 1 kHz)
- Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 50 kHz
- Channel Separation: 30 dB @ 1 kHz
- Channel Balance: <0.5 dB @ 1 kHz
- Internal Impedance: 28 Ω
- Recommended Load Impedance: >100 Ω (optimize by ear)
- Recommended Capacitance: 100–200 pF
- Compliance: 12 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn @ 100 Hz
- Vertical Tracking Angle: 20°
- Tracking Force Range: 1.8–2.2 g
- Recommended Tracking Force: 2.0 g
- Weight: 7.4 g
- Replacement Program: Sumiko Re-Tip Exchange (Dealer Program)
- Handcrafted In: Japan
If you have any questions about this product, please let us know by either calling us at (407) 953-9596 or by filling out the form below, and we will contact you as soon as possible.