SUMIKO PEARL

The Pearl represents the flagship of the entry-level range in the renowned Classic Oysters series, captivating analog music enthusiasts for decades. It is physically compatible with most tonearms on the market and perfectly suited for any MM system, proving that achieving superior sound quality doesn’t require a huge investment. Its performance is dynamic yet smooth and incredibly musical, with a balanced sound that highlights bright highs, decisive mids, and deep, rounded bass. The Pearl introduces a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus that improves detail retrieval, increases brilliance, and refines the stereo imaging compared to its “sibling” model, the Black Pearl.

Every Sumiko cartridge, from the Oyster to the Reference model, is handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan, near the waters where the legendary oysters that inspired the series’ name live. Materials are carefully selected by ear to ensure performance that satisfies generations of enthusiasts. Each model undergoes thorough testing and refinement until optimal quality is achieved, then it is produced by world-class artisans with extreme attention to precision and quality. The result is a full range of cartridges ready to integrate perfectly into the analog system of those who choose them, with the certainty that there is an ideal cartridge in this family for every sonic need.

Technical specifications:

• Mass and dimensions: 6.0 g; 11.6 x 20.26 x 27.24 mm (WxHxD)
• Stylus: 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical
• Cantilever: aluminum pipe
• Coils: high-purity copper
• Internal impedance: 1,130 Ω
• Load impedance: 47 kΩ
• Frequency response: 12 Hz – 30 kHz
• Output: 4 mV @ 1 kHz
• Channel separation: 30 dB @ 1 kHz
• Channel balance: 0.5 dB @ 1 kHz
• Compliance: 12×10⁻⁶ cm/dyn @ 100 Hz
• Capacitance: 100 pF – 200 pF
• Vertical tracking angle: 25°
• Tracking force range: 1.5 g – 2.0 g
• Recommended tracking force: 2.0 g