Sumiko - Amethyst - Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Sumiko Amethyst represents the pinnacle of the Oyster Series moving magnet lineup, combining an enhanced low-noise generator with Sumiko's most advanced stylus assembly for extraordinary musical realism. Designed to extract the finest details hidden within your records, the Amethyst delivers stunning dynamics, expansive soundstaging, and exceptionally quiet backgrounds that allow every note to emerge with remarkable clarity.

Handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan by the renowned cartridge specialists at Excel Sound, the Amethyst features a low-mass Nude Line-Contact stylus mounted to an ultra-lightweight aluminum cantilever. Paired with its improved moving magnet generator, the result is outstanding transient response, precise imaging, natural tonal balance, and the rich, inviting presentation that has made Sumiko cartridges favorites among vinyl enthusiasts.

Compatible with the interchangeable Oyster Series stylus family, the Amethyst also provides exceptional long-term flexibility, allowing owners to replace or upgrade styli while preserving the cartridge body for years of analog enjoyment.

FEATURES

• Moving Magnet (MM) phono cartridge
• Enhanced low-impedance, low-noise generator
• Nude Line-Contact stylus (0.2 × 0.8 mil)
• Ultra-lightweight aluminum pipe cantilever
• High-purity copper coils
• Interchangeable Oyster Series stylus compatibility
• Handcrafted by Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

• Enhanced Moving Magnet Generator: A newly refined low-noise, low-impedance generator produces exceptionally quiet backgrounds, improved dynamics, and outstanding musical transparency.
• Nude Line-Contact Stylus: The precision nude line-contact diamond extracts extraordinary detail while minimizing groove wear and maximizing tracking accuracy.
• Low-Mass Construction: A lightweight aluminum cantilever and reduced moving mass improve transient speed, imaging precision, and overall resolution.
• Upgradeable Oyster Platform: Compatible with Rainier, Olympia, Moonstone, Wellfleet, Amethyst, and RS 78 replacement styli, providing an easy upgrade path and simplified maintenance.
• Handcrafted in Japan: Individually assembled and thoroughly auditioned by the expert craftsmen at Excel Sound to meet Sumiko's exacting performance standards.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: Moving Magnet (MM)
• Stylus: Nude Line-Contact (0.2 × 0.8 mil)
• Cantilever: 0.5 mm Aluminum Pipe
• Coil Material: High-Purity Copper
• Output Voltage: 2.5 mV (3.54 cm/sec, 1 kHz)
• Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 35 kHz
• Channel Separation: 30 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel Balance: < 1 dB (1 kHz)
• Internal Impedance: 700 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: 6.5 g
• Replacement Stylus: RS Rainier, Olympia, Moonstone, Wellfleet, Amethyst, or RS 78
• Handcrafted In: Japan