Starling MC Phono Cartridge

If a picture is worth 1000 words, Starling propels the question of what a sonic image might be worth. Evident in the very existence of this hobby is music’s unique ability to reach us with a certain profundity that exists well outside of what we can hear. It can be said that feelings are what we’re chasing, and if invoked by the most convincing portrayal of your dearest recordings, those feelings can be all the more profound. A sonic image can thus be priceless, and Sumiko designed Starling to realize that image in your system. Added to the resonance-optimized headblock & generator borrowed from Songbird, Starling implements a rigid boron cantilever finished with an ultra-low-mass Microridge stylus. Microridge is a diamond profile highly regarded worldwide for its even-handedness while simultaneously delivering richness & clarity. Bonded to its assembly, rarely has this famous stylus achieved such agility in the groove — certainly not at Starling’s price. What you experience is gorgeously suspended sonic imagery that places you just where you want to be — front & center.

Sumiko's Latest Reference Open-Body MCs
Sumiko is immeasurably excited about these recent additions to their Reference open-body MC lineup. Their latest darlings — Songbird & Starling — are a heavy refinement on their tried & true Blackbird & BPS EVO III designs. Securely anchored to a highly rigid, resonance-optimized headblock, the new generator is free to work its magic with the utmost control, free of unwanted internal resonance. The generator assembly is flexible and sturdy, offering the highest fidelity possible in a perfect balance of clarity and romance. The result is industry-leading, holographic imaging with irresistibly ‘true’ sweetness. Each delivers a degree of honesty & refinement that they couldn’t be more proud of, nor more excited for you to hear for yourself.

Hand-Crafted in Japan
From Oyster to Reference, each Sumiko phono cartridge is crafted by hand in Yokohama, Japan — near the waters where the namesake Oysters dwell. Sumiko has selected by ear the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until perfected. Production is then executed by world-class cartridge makers with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a full horizon of cartridges eager to introduce themselves to your analog system — Sumiko firmly believes there’s a perfect cartridge for you here.

• Mass & Dimension:  9.5g, 17 x 18 x 28.5mm (WxHxD)
• Stylus:  Solid Ultra Low-Mass 75µm x 2.5µm Microridge
• Cantilever:  ⌀0.28mm Boron Shaft
• Coils:  High-Purity Copper
• Internal Impedance:  28Ω
• Load Impedance:  >100Ω
• Frequency Response:  12Hz – 50kHz
• Output:  0.5mV
• Channel Separation:  35dB @ 1kHz
• Channel Balance:  <0.5dB @ 1kHz
• Compliance:  12×10-6cm/dyn @ 100Hz
• Capacitance:  100pF – 200pF
• Vertical Tracking Angle:  20°
• Tracking Force Range:  1.8g – 2.2g
• Recommended Tracking Force:  2.0g