Sumiko Blue Point n°3 Lo Low output MC cartridge

The Sumiko Blue Point n°3 Lo cartridge replaces the famous n°2 which was a reference in the range for more than 12 years. The high output version was one of the very first high output MC cartridges on the market over 40 years ago.

The low 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 LO: CHARACTERISTICS

This Blue Point n°3 Lo latest version provides rare playback performance and musicality for this price range.

Its high output level of 0.5 mV associated with its load impedance (between 100 and 500 ohms) makes it compatible with all MC phono preamplifiers on the market. The preamplifier just has to be worthy of this magnificent 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 LO: TECHNOLOGY

The Sumiko Blue Point n°3 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.

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 LO: TESTING AND LISTENING

The nuance and precision of MC cartridges  are present. 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. This softness is enhanced by a subtlety and transparency one can expect from an MC cartridge.
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 mid-range, enhancing vocals, strings and brass. Treble may seem withdrawn compared to other MC cartridges. However, I would say it’s perfectly integrated to the other registers with sublime airiness and excellent precision.

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

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

Would recommend +++!