Sumiko Blue Point n°3 Hi High output MC cartridge

The Sumiko Blue Point n°3 Hi cartridge replaces the famous n°2 which was a reference in the range for more than 20 years. The high output version was one of the very first high output MC cartridges on the market over 40 years ago.

The high output version allows to gain in subtlety while maintaining the brand’s legendary timbre quality and softness.

The Sumiko cartridges are handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan. A city and region famous for its oysters.

SUMIKO BLUE POINT N°3 HI: CHARACTERISTICS

The latest version of this Blue Point n°3 Hi cartridge provides rare playback performance and musicality for this price range.

Its high 2.5 mV output level and 47 kohms impedance load make it compatible with all MM phono preamplifiers with minimum a 42-dB gain. After all, it must be worthy of this sumptuous cartridge.

Its compliance, tracking force and weight make it compatible with 90% of all quality tonearms having more than 9 g of effective mass.

SUMIKO BLUE POINT N°3 HI: TECHNOLOGY

The Sumiko Blue Point n°3 Hi is equipped with an excellent elliptical stylus that we could also find on the no longer manufactured Blue Point EVO. The stylus is mounted on a conventional aluminium cantilever. Coils are manufactured with high-purity enamelled copper wire. The wire is over coiled compared to the low output version to provide increased output level and much higher impedance.

Sumiko has used their research on these high-end models, and most especially on the chassis, the armature and the generator vibrations and resonance.

SUMIKO BLUE POINT N°3 HI: TESTING AND LISTENING

There are the typical nuance and precision of high output MC cartridges. But the Sumiko cartridge provides a softness and timbre pretty similar to the most effective vintage cartridges from the late 80’s, with superior neutrality and realism. The softness is enhanced by a certain subtlety and excellent transparency.

The low end of the spectrum is very organic, defined and textured, but it provides a presence coupled with superb softness as well.

The same characteristic is present in the midrange enhancing vocals, strings and brass. Treble may seem withdrawn compared to other high output MC cartridges. It seems less projected with no excessive brightness.

Dynamics are excellent across the entire spectrum. The soundstage is especially pleasant, and its timbre quality is particularly rare in this price range!

If we were to take a critical look at this cartridge, we could note that this high output version seems less nuanced than the Blue Point Lo version, but this is barely noticeable (with similar phono preamplifier).

This Sumiko Blue Point n°3 Hi MC cartridge is surely one of the best options in this price range and technology!

Would recommend +++