Cellule MC bas niveau Sumiko Blue Point n°3 Lo

The Sumiko Blue Point No.3 Lo cartridge replaces the well-known No.2, which was a benchmark in its range for over 12 years. The high-output version was one of the very first "high-output" MC cartridges on the market more than 40 years ago.

The low-output version gains in subtlety while keeping the tonal quality and the brand's legendary smoothness.

Sumiko cartridges are handmade in Japan, in Yokohama.

SUMIKO BLUE POINT No.3 Lo: SPECIFICATIONS

In its latest version, the Blue Point No.3 Lo delivers playback performance and musicality that are rare at this price.

Its 0.5 mV output level, combined with its loading (between 100 and 500 ohms), makes it compatible with every MC phono preamplifier on the market, provided that preamp does justice to this fine cartridge.

Its compliance, tracking force and weight make it compatible with 90% of quality tonearms with an effective mass above 9 g.

SUMIKO BLUE POINT No.3 Lo: TECHNOLOGY

The Sumiko Blue Point No.3 is fitted with an excellent elliptical diamond, the same one found on the discontinued Blue Point EVO. It is mounted on a traditional aluminium cantilever. The coils are wound with high-purity enamelled copper wire.

Sumiko has applied to this cartridge the research carried out on its high-end models, particularly on the vibrations and resonances of the chassis, the armature and the generator.

SUMIKO BLUE POINT No.3 Lo: LISTENING TEST

You get all the nuance and precision of MC cartridges. But the Sumiko offers a smoothness and tonal character close to the best vintage cartridges of the late 1980s, with greater neutrality and realism. That smoothness is reinforced by a subtlety and transparency you have every right to expect from an MC cartridge. The low end is very organic, defined and textured, and it adds a presence paired with remarkable smoothness.

The same character runs through the midrange, which brings out voices, strings and brass beautifully. The treble may seem slightly recessed compared with other MC cartridges. That said, it integrates perfectly with the other registers, with lovely air and excellent precision.

Dynamics are excellent across the whole spectrum. The soundstage and tonal quality stand out in particular, and are genuinely rare in this price bracket.

The Sumiko Blue Point No.3 Lo is certainly one of the best choices at this budget, and in this technology.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Sumiko Blue Point No.3 Lo low-output MC cartridge

What is the difference between this Lo and the high-output version?

The low-output version (Lo) gains in subtlety while keeping the timbre quality and the smoothness typical of Sumiko, compared with the high-output version, which was one of the very first "High" MC cartridges on the market over 40 years ago. Read why invest in an MC cartridge.

Which tonearms is this cartridge compatible with?

Its compliance, tracking force and weight make it compatible with around 90% of quality arms with an effective mass greater than 9 g.

Which phono preamp is needed for this cartridge?

Its 0.5 mV output level, combined with a load between 100 and 500 ohms, makes it compatible with all MC phono preamplifiers on the market, provided the preamp matches the quality of this cartridge. See our phono preamplifiers selection.

Where are Sumiko cartridges made?

Sumiko cartridges are handmade in Japan, in Yokohama. The Blue Point No.3 is fitted with an excellent elliptical diamond, the same as on the discontinued Blue Point EVO.