Sumiko Moonstone Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Excellent Frequency Response and Convincing Dynamics

Sumiko's Moonstone moving magnet phono cartridge is an outstanding tracker with excellent frequency response and convincing dynamics that are normally only found in much more expensive cartridges. Excellent tonal balance and a coherent soundstage makes this cartridge a perfect choice for any music lover.

Sumiko's Upgradeable Oyster Series

Moonstone is one of four new additions to the acclaimed Oyster series, which comprises Sumiko's most ambitious Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge release to date. The Rainier, Olympia, and Moonstone all utilize a common housing and generator assembly, so the stylus assemblies are interchangeable. You can purchase the Rainier and upgrade to the Olympia or Moonstone without replacing the entire cartridge. The Oyster series sets a new performance standard for the audiophile on a budget.

Over Four Decades of Cartridge Design

Sumiko Oyster cartridges are products resulting from over four decades of cartridge design. Sumiko believes that delivered high performance can be achieved at reasonable prices. The Oyster line is the embodiment of this philosophy. Oyster is your ticket of entry for the high end – a world of high technology, where companies go to great lengths to recreate music in your home.

The Oyster Series offers superior construction and sound quality with an emphasis on real world performance. Whether you have purchased a moving magnet or moving coil Sumiko Oyster, you can be assured of performance and quality second to none.

Product Features

Oyster-series phono cartridge
Outstanding tracker
Excellent frequency response and convincing dynamics
Cartridge Type: MM
Cantilever material: φ0.5 Aluminum
Wire material: Copper
Replacement stylus unit: RS Moonstone, RS Rainier, RS Olympia

Product Specs

Stylus: 0.3 x 0.7mil /Elliptical
Cantilever material: φ0.5 Aluminum
Internal Impedance: 1,130Ω
Load Impedance: 47KΩ
Frequency Response: 12Hz-33KHz
Output Voltage: 3mV/1KHz
Channel Separation: 30dB/1KHz
Channel Balance: 0.5dB/1KHz
Compliance at 100Hz: 12 x 10-6cm/dyne
Recommended load capacitance: 100-200pF
Vertical tracking angle: 20 deg
Tracking Force: 1.8-2.2gr
Recommended Force: 2.0 grams
Cartridge Weight: 6.5 grams

Product Specs

Stylus: .3 x .7mil /Elliptical
Cantilever material: φ.5 Aluminum
Internal Impedance: 1,13Ω
Load Impedance: 47KΩ
Frequency Response: 12Hz-33KHz
Output Voltage: 3mV/1KHz
Channel Separation: 3dB/1KHz
Channel Balance: .5dB/1KHz
Compliance at 1Hz: 12 x 1-6cm/dyne
Recommended load capacitance: 1-2pF
Vertical tracking angle: 2 deg
Tracking Force: 1.8-2.2gr
Recommended Force: 2. grams
Cartridge Weight: 6.5 grams

Product Manual

	Sumiko Oyster Series User Manual (PDF Format)

Best Phono Cartridges: 221 Holiday Buying Guide - ecoustics.com

"Sumiko offers an extensive lineup of both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges; a number of models come pre-installed on Pro-Ject tables being distributed in North America and there is a lot to like about the Moonstone at under $3. This 3mV moving magnet cartridge is in the middle of the range and possibly the smoothest sounding of the bunch. The Moonstone has excellent channel separation and tracks exceptionally well."

- Ian White, ecoustics.com, November 1, 221

"...on the whole, in my decades of listening to LPs, I can’t think of another cartridge I’ve heard whose overall sound quality has seemed so inherently “right.” And none I’ve heard whose breadth and depth of soundstage was so excellent and revealed so much detail -- and I have two of the best moving-magnet/-iron cartridges out there: respectively, the Shure V15 Type V-MR and the Grado Labs Gold. With the Moonstone, when bass slam was called for, it came. When a sweet midrange was demanded, it was there in spades. When crisp, sparkling highs were the need, the Moonstone fulfilled it."

"For me, the Oyster Moonstone is the perfect cartridge for transferring LPs to digital media. It added nothing to the sound, and subtracted virtually nothing; it tracked well, bringing forth everything my records have to offer."

" Listening to the Sumiko Oyster Moonstone has put me in that market, but now I’m afraid that the Moonstone and only the Moonstone can fulfill my desire. I think it’s the best overall cartridge I’ve ever heard. If your budget can’t stretch to $299, check out the Rainier for half that. But if you can afford $299 and you want the ultimate in detail, smooth response, and great tracking from a MM cartridge, audition the Sumiko Oyster Moonstone. It’s fabulous."

- Thom Moon, SoundStage! Access, November 15, 218

"The Moonstone is an affordable high-performance moving magnet cartridge that utilizes the powerful mechanically-generated electromotive forces of the moving magnet to help give your playback extra punch and convincing realism. Exceptionally well-balanced and dimensionally dense, the breathtaking dynamics of the Moonstone outperform many lower priced moving coil cartridges without requiring a size able investment in a MC preamplifier."

- Gary Lea, Positive Feedback, September 1, 218