Phono Catridges

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Clements on August 27, 2011 at 7:22am

I have a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge that I am reviewing right now.  It is a very good value, high output MC design.  It has a neutral mid and treble balance with excellent bass extension and pitch control.  I like it's wide dynamic range as well (i.e., low noise floor).

Permalink Reply by T. Rodney Tatum on August 27, 2011 at 8:11am

What kind af table and arm is The Sumiko mated with?

Jim Clements said:

I have a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge that I am reviewing right now.  It is a very good value, high output MC design.  It has a neutral mid and treble balance with excellent bass extension and pitch control.  I like it's wide dynamic range as well (i.e., low noise floor).

Permalink Reply by Jim Clements on August 27, 2011 at 10:34am

I have the Blackbird mounted on the Pro-ject 9cc Evolution arm (Link).  The table is the new Pro-ject 6 Perspex (Link).  All three components are the subject of a review I am working on right now. 

Permalink Reply by Steve Scaggs on August 27, 2011 at 5:29pm

I started with a Grado Gold. Nice ,warm and delicious sounding with good detail. Great on jazz, and you don't really hear the Grado hum as much as you would on, say quiet passages on classical music. But a damn good cart. On my table now is the Benz Micro Ace clear body. Loads of detail without being bright. Bass is deep and tight and a good tracker. Kinda pricey, but if listen to a lot of vinyl...well it was worth it to me.

Permalink Reply by T. Rodney Tatum on August 28, 2011 at 7:15am

How's the build quality of that cart?  Frankly, it does look a little fragile.  I've read good things about it and have had some positive conversations with industry guru's concerning this cart.  I may try it.  I'm tilting in that direction.

Jim Clements said:

I have the Blackbird mounted on the Pro-ject 9cc Evolution arm (Link).  The table is the new Pro-ject 6 Perspex (Link).  All three components are the subject of a review I am working on right now. 

Permalink Reply by Jim Clements on September 4, 2011 at 7:23am

The build quality of the Blackbird is excellent.  You just need to treat it with care as the coils and cantilever are not protected.

T. Rodney Tatum said:

How's the build quality of that cart?  Frankly, it does look a little fragile.  I've read good things about it and have had some positive conversations with industry guru's concerning this cart.  I may try it.  I'm tilting in that direction.

Jim Clements said:

I have the Blackbird mounted on the Pro-ject 9cc Evolution arm (Link).  The table is the new Pro-ject 6 Perspex (Link).  All three components are the subject of a review I am working on right now.