SUMIKO BLACK PEARL PHONO CARTRIDGE

Borrowing the smooth character of its sibling Oyster, Black Pearl implements an improved housing that allows for wider frequency response. This makes way for more nuance and greater stereo imaging in a more cohesive soundstage. Enjoyable for hours on end, Black Pearl is famously high in value, pairs perfectly with any MM phonostage and is physically compatible with a wide array of tonearms.

Our Classic Oysters

Over 40 years and worldwide, our classic Oyster Series has left thousands of captivated listeners in its wake. The series is comprised of our Oyster (MM), Black Pearl (MM), Pearl (MM), Blue Point No. 2 (HOMC) & Blue Point Special EVO III (H & LOMC) — each capable of delivering a degree of refinement you have yet to hear from your turntable system. The cartridges have established themselves over decades as high-value gems that dependably out-perform listeners’ expectations for their dollar. Marked by honesty in analog reproduction, our Oyster Series remains true to what’s in the groove, impressively and convincingly voiced to bring you closer to your music.

Hand-Crafted in Japan

From Oyster to Reference, each Sumiko phono cartridge is crafted by hand in Yokohama, Japan — near the waters where our namesake Oysters dwell. We’ve selected by ear the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until perfected. Production is then executed by world-class cartridge makers with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a full horizon of cartridges eager to introduce themselves to your analog system — we firmly believe there’s a perfect cartridge for you here.

Mass & Dimension
6.0g, 11.6 x 20.26 x 27.23mm (WxHxD)
Stylus
0.7mil Spherical
Cantilever
Aluminum Alloy
Coils
High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance
1,130Ω
Load Impedance
47kΩ
Frequency Response
18Hz – 27kHz
Output
4.0mV
Channel Separation
28dB @ 1kHz
Channel Balance
0.5dB @ 1kHz
Compliance
12×10-6cm/dyn @ 100Hz
Capacitance
100pF – 200pF
Vertical Tracking Angle
25°
Tracking Force Range
1.5g – 2.0g
Recommended Tracking Force
2.0g
Replacement Stylus Unit
Black Pearl RS