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The Sumiko Oriole retains the balanced, refined and timeless character that has made Sumiko a reference for vinyl lovers around the world. This model takes a significant step forward within the range thanks to the combination of a high-efficiency, low-impedance generator and a line-contact Shibata stylus, placing it clearly above the Songbird and bringing it closer to the level of the prestigious Starling.
The result is an MC cartridge capable of delivering extraordinary detail retrieval, highly expressive dynamics, fast attacks and impeccable resolution, all without sacrificing musicality or naturalness. The Oriole stands out for a thoroughly analogue presentation, rich in nuance, with a very quiet black background and an open, intimate and immersive soundstage.
Natural, musical sound full of nuance
The Sumiko Oriole has been designed to reproduce music with a highly convincing tonal balance, respecting both the body of instruments and the air and atmosphere surrounding them. Its ability to extract micro-detail and texture does not translate into a cold or analytical sound, but rather into a deep, fluid and highly enjoyable listening experience.
Thanks to its architecture and the quality of its stylus/generator assembly, music emerges from a silent background that enhances the perception of space, depth and realism. It is a cartridge designed for listeners seeking a detailed sound that also remains organic, coherent and emotionally engaging.
Open architecture from the Reference Series
As part of Sumiko’s Reference Series, the Oriole uses an open-body construction, a design developed to minimise coloration and distortion caused by internal resonances.
Rather than allowing unwanted energy to become trapped inside the cartridge body, this architecture promotes better resonance evacuation through the mounting plate and head block, helping maintain a cleaner, more open and natural presentation.
Open architecture to minimise coloration and resonances
PEEK mounting plate for maximum stability and improved energy transfer
Rigid alloy head block to effectively dissipate residual energy
Optimised generator to reduce losses and distortion
Use of pure metals and carefully designed internal orientation
All of this contributes to a cleaner, more musical and more enjoyable sound, with a strong ability to reproduce both fine detail and real dynamics.
Shibata stylus and high-efficiency generator
The Oriole features a nude Shibata stylus, a highly regarded solution for its ability to track the groove with great precision and extract a huge amount of information. This stylus works together with a reinforced aluminium cantilever and a low-impedance generator that favours a fast, stable and highly resolved response.
The combination of these elements provides:
Excellent groove tracing
Great transient precision
Very good channel separation
A more open soundstage
Strong ability to reveal texture, air and micro-information
Handcrafted in Japan
Like the brand’s other phono cartridges, the Sumiko Oriole is hand-assembled in Yokohama, Japan, by the specialists at Excel Sound, Sumiko’s long-time manufacturing partner for decades. Each unit undergoes strict quality control to ensure the level of precision, consistency and musicality that defines the brand.
This artisanal process, combined with carefully selected materials and a finely tuned design, results in a cartridge with a refined, balanced and highly satisfying long-term presentation.
High-end MC cartridge
Balanced, refined and highly musical sound
Significant upgrade over the Songbird
Approaches the performance of the Starling
Nude line-contact Shibata stylus
Open architecture from the Reference Series
High-efficiency, low-impedance generator
Excellent detail retrieval and strong dynamics
Handcrafted in Japan
Weight: 7.3 g
Stylus: Nude Shibata (6.5 x 40 µm)
Cantilever: 0.5 mm reinforced aluminium tube
Coils: High-purity copper
Internal impedance: 5.5 Ω (1 kHz)
Recommended load impedance: >55 Ω (adjustable by ear)
Frequency response: 12 Hz – 45 kHz
Output: 0.3 mV (3.54 cm/s, 1 kHz)
Channel separation: 30 dB (1 kHz)
Channel balance: <0.5 dB (1 kHz)
Compliance: 12 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)
Capacitance: 100 pF – 200 pF
Vertical tracking angle: 20°
Tracking force: 1.8 g – 2.2 g
Recommended tracking force: 2.0 g
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