Sumiko Black Pearl High Output Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

This cartridge performed better then I expected. I don't see any reason to use another one.

I have a Technics SL-1200mk2 turntable, and first bought a Sumiko Pearl cartridge to use with it. I later purchased an Audio-Technica MG-10 headshell out of Japan for the Sumiko. The MG-10 uses four sets of individual threads for mounting the cartridge, rather than the usual slots. I found that, when mounted in the forwardmost set of threads, the Sumiko Pearl is in perfect alignment per the Technics alignment tool. Listening bears this out. Clean and clear over the entire radius of the disc. The Sumiko Black Pearl is the same cartridge with a conical rather than elliptical stylus. I bought one, and another MG-10, and it's the same - perfect alignment, per the Technics tool, and excellent sound. The Pearl's sound is just a little laid back, with excellent definition and imaging. The Black Pearl is a little harder to describe. It's not laid back, there's a little less definition, but it's so much fun to listen to. There's more force and punch to the sound. It has "slam". They're both good cartridges, and if you use either one with one of the MG-10 headshells, you get the added benefit of never having to check alignment. If you're a mind to, get one of each cartridge, and two MG-10s. Run both of them at two grams VTF. Use 2.2g anti-skate for the Pearl, and 2g for the Black Pearl. Make sure your SL-1200mk2 is nice and level.

This cartridge provides very good detail for a very reasonable price. Easy to mount on headshell and align. Came in really cool wooden box. Son is using on his Technics SL-D205 turntable and said it’s easily a 4.5 stars or better for sound quality.

The media could not be loaded. Excellent product

Sounded great until the needle broke off the end while playing the third record since it was installed. Was hoping to get just a replacement stylus because I don't want to disturb the wires again going to the cartridge but they don't offer that option so I guess that's not an option :(

I got this cartridge for one reason, and one reason alone: I have a LOT of old,early generation 45rpm discs, as well as 16 2/3 rpm Seeburg discs that need the .5 muil stylus. The Black Pearl has this. Since these discs are mono, I don't have issues. It tracks like a champ on my ELAC Miracord 50H, and has surprised me with how well it handles beat-to-s**t mono LPs and EPs from the early 1950s (the groove pitch is very narrow, and having something that gets below the chiseled-out groove wear from period players is almost priceless). If I want to play stereo discs is really good shape, i'll leave that to the Olympus OM20, or (as soon as I get one) the Olympus M2 Blue. For what it is, and what it does, the Black Pearl is a winner and a keeper... it really does open up those old narrow microgroove records.

This cartridge is just average. For the price, I expected better performance. I compared it to the Audio-Technica AT3600 ($20) and the AT95E ($40), and both of those carts tracked better, had better channel separation, and had better frequency response. I also compared it to an old Shure M75 with a $10 generic stylus, and that combo sounded dramatically better:

I've been away from vinyl for a few years because it's just a bit of a pain compared to digital. But I've always loved that it was the only format that gave you art and information that you can actually see.I also love the hands on experience of playing vinyl when I have the time for it.I moved about 23 years ago, and since then I've had to replace a few pieces of gear.One of the pieces I ended up with was a Pioneer tt from the 80s that used a p mount cartridge.Since I wasn't playing my vinyl much it was good enough at the time. But I just picked up a nice,old Technics tt and I wanted to upgrade the cartridge.I wasn't looking to spend a fortune & decided that $100 was going to be my price point.The Black Pearl is a definite upgrade from the AT p mount cartridge in the Pioneer tt.I've only used it for about an hour so far, so it hasn't really had a chance to get played into shape. But the dynamics are pretty nice and the overall sound is pleasant and musical, decently defined and not harsh in any way.It's quiet and tracks well.I'm not unhappy with anything about this cartridge, but I'm not blown away by it either.I was also considering the Ortofon Red and a couple of different ones from Gold Ring and AT, but I decided to try this one for no real reason.I'm going to pick up another headshell and a replacement stylus for the old Grado cartridge I was using in another old tt that my son's using now and I'll be able to A/B the two and see which one I like better.But I think the Black Pearl is nice enough that I can live with it if nothing comes along and blows me away.

Das System kam pünktlich in einer netten Holzschatulle an. Ich betreibe es an einem Tabriz Tonarm auf eine Clearaudio Dreher. Nachdem die Justaje erfolgt ist und eine gewisse Einspielzeit abgewertet war, war das Klangerlebnis wirklich gut. Ich habe vorher deutlich reurere MC Systeme eingesetzt, auch im Bereich von 600Euro, welche nicht wirklich besser waren. Ein guter Kauf.

Très bon produit , bonne définition des sons les basse fréquence sont puissantes et donne une belle chaleur à la musique. J’aurais aimé des moyenne et hautes fréquences un peu plus claires pour mon oreille mais je suis somme toute très satisfait. C’est une cartouche de qualité, elle fait ressortir des sons que d’autre cartouche de moindre qualité n’arrive pas à faire entendre c’est un 4.5⭐️

Prodotto conforme alla descrizione, ottimo packaging. Qualità prezzo veramente ottima. La consiglio. Spedizione eccellente

Wirklich ein toller Tonabnehmer. Kann ich nur empfehlen.

Ottimo rivenditore. Attento e puntuale. Molto soddisfatto.