This week Sumiko announced the launch of 3 new carts and one new stylus. The Blue Point No. 3 High and Blue Point No. 3 Low will replace series two, and a limited edition 40th anniversary Sumiko Celebration 40 is the latest re-imagination of the Pearwood Celebration II. Additionally Sumiko is introducing a new vintage needle to accommodate 10″ 78 RPM records with the RS78 stylus.
More information from the PR release:
The Blue Point No. 3 High and Blue Point No. 3 Low phono cartridges replace the venerable Blue Point No. 2. Featuring a similar low-internal vibration body and mounting block as the recently updated moving magnet (MM) line, the Blue Point No. 3 is able to separate the cartridge’s generator from mechanical vibration more effectively than ever before. The result is an affordable moving coil (MC) design that produces unparalleled detail and stereo separation. Both models benefit from a new shell design and a smoothly bevelled front fascia that allows for excellent visibility of the stylus tip when mounting. The Blue Point No.3 High continues Sumiko’s history of affordable, high performance MC cartridges designs that are compatible with any MM phono stage. The Blue Point No.3 Low is Sumiko’s most accessible low output moving coil cartridge, serving as the perfect companion to most high-performance, affordable phono stages.
The new limited-edition Celebration 40 phono cartridge is revealed in honor of Sumiko’s fortieth anniversary and is the latest refinement of the award-winning Pearwood Celebration II. Celebration 40 now implements the same solid, ultra-low- mass 75μm x 2.5μm Microridge stylus as our flagship Palo Santos Presentation. Adding the Microridge stylus is revelatory when it comes to micro detail and spatiality as it uniquely holds the groove unyieldingly, impeccably tracking and portraying music clarity. The gorgeous plumwood body accurately embodies the spirit of the Celebration design, lending an invitation of euphoria to the listening experience.
Sumiko’s first 78 RPM stylus, the RS78 stylus is a true treat for vintage recording enthusiasts. This stylus grants listeners the ability to spin classic 10” 78 RPM records without damaging the record’s physical properties. The RS78 can be installed on the Rainier, Olympia, and Moonstone Moving Magnet cartridges, and allows owners of these fantastic cartridges to easily play back 78 RPM shellac recordings safely and with great care.
The Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 High / Low will retail for $499 each, with the Celebration 40 at $2799. The Sumiko 78 RPM RS78 will retail $129 when it becomes in the US this week though company’s dealer network.
More info: Sumiko
Want more tips and tricks for listening to vinyl? Check out The Occasional Podcast’s episode of Buying A Turntable (And Records!): Everything You Ever Wanted To Know.