Sumiko - Songbird High

Sumiko - Songbird High High Output Moving Coil Phono Cartridge We have created Songbird High to make genuine moving coil refinement available to listeners with MM phono stages. It benefits from our famous open-architecture design that prevents intrusive resonance from coloring and distorting sound. It is clear but not forward, approaching music with tonal balance and cohesive, intelligent soundstaging. Highs are sweet and extended, mids are rich and clear. Bass is full, textured and deep-reaching. There is an understated elegance in its ability to effortlessly portray the whole sonic picture — nothing overdone, nothing underdone. Free of fatiguing distractions, it draws you deeply into the soundstage wherein you can enjoy the most intimate nuances of your favorite recordings. Images are confidently suspended and rife with dynamic allure, always encouraging you keep on listening. Key Features and Expert Opinions Compatibility: Its key feature is a high output voltage of 2.5mV, which allows it to be used with a moving magnet (MM) phono input, eliminating the need for an additional, dedicated MC preamplifier or step-up transformer. Sound Quality: Reviewers praise the Songbird for its exceptional vocal and acoustic instrument performance, delivering "sweet and extended" highs and a "full, textured and deep-reaching" bass. One reviewer noted it "did an excellent job of making this treasurable recording sing and inspire me” (Herb Reichert, Stereophile). Soundstage: It creates a highly controlled, immersive, and three-dimensional soundstage that places the listener among the instruments, providing an intimate listening experience. Design: It features an "open-architecture" design that helps prevent intrusive resonance from coloring the sound and is built with a 0.5mm treated aluminum pipe cantilever and a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus.  Specification  Detail Cartridge Type Moving Coil (MC) Output Voltage 2.5 mV Stylus Type 0.3 x 0.7 mil Elliptical Cantilever Ø0.5mm Treated Aluminum Pipe Internal Impedance 135 Ω Load Impedance 47 kΩ (MM input standard) Frequency Response 12 Hz – 40 kHz Recommended Tracking Force 2.0 g (range: 1.8g – 2.2g) Cartridge Weight 8.5 g