Sumiko Songbird
Hand-built moving coil (MC) cartridge from Japan, available in High or Low Output versions, with elliptical stylus and aluminium cantilever.
Description
The Songbird is a moving coil (MC) cartridge designed by Sumiko, intended to fit a tonearm on a turntable. It is available in two versions depending on the impedance and output level required, High Output or Low Output, allowing it to be matched to different phono stages.
The 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus is mounted on a treated aluminium pipe cantilever with a diameter of 0.5 mm, a choice aimed at limiting moving mass while retaining good rigidity. The coils are made from high-purity copper, a material that affects the quality of the transmitted signal. The High Output version delivers 2.5 mV with an internal impedance of 135 Ω and a recommended load of 47 kΩ, while the Low Output version outputs 0.5 mV with an internal impedance of 28 Ω and a load above 100 Ω. Frequency response extends from 12 Hz to 40 kHz, with channel separation of 30 dB at 1 kHz and channel balance below 0.5 dB at the same frequency. The recommended tracking force is 2.0 g, within a usable range of 1.8 g to 2.2 g.
This cartridge is aimed at turntable enthusiasts equipped with an MC phono stage, looking to improve the sound reproduction of their analogue setup with a hand-built component.
Technical specifications
| Weight and dimensions | 8.5 g, 17 x 18 x 28.5 mm (WxHxD) |
| Stylus | Elliptical 0.3 x 0.7 mil |
| Cantilever | Treated aluminium pipe ⌀0.5 mm |
| Coils | High-purity copper |
| Internal impedance | 135 Ω High / 28 Ω Low |
| Load impedance | 47 kΩ High / >100 Ω Low |
| Frequency response | 12 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Output | 2.5 mV High / 0.5 mV Low |
| Channel separation | 30 dB at 1 kHz |
| Channel balance | <0.5 dB at 1 kHz |
| Compliance | 12 × 10-6 cm/dyne at 100 Hz |
| Capacitance | 100 pF – 200 pF |
| Vertical tracking angle | 20° |
| Tracking force range | 1.8 g – 2.2 g |
| Recommended tracking force | 2.0 g |
What to check before buying used
The elliptical stylus and 0.5 mm aluminium cantilever are the most fragile points of this cartridge: examine the tip under magnification to detect wear or a flat spot, and check that the cantilever is not bent. Also check the retention of the cartridge body and the condition of the connection wires, often thin on this type of MC. A listening test on both channels can reveal an imbalance or loss of stereo separation, indicating a damaged coil.
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