Sumiko Amethyst

On my system; on my system, Technics SL1210GR; Elac PPA2 phono pre; Bowers & Wilkins CM10 speakers, this as well above the following: Sumiko Moonstone Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Ortofon 2M Bronze (The mids and highs are more pronounced on the 2M, with bass lacking) This is more balanced with a great soundstage. (i.e. the soundstage was full and engaging, if that makes sense. It seemed like you were more with Stevie Nicks versus the Sumiko Moonstone)

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Most Satisfying

This is the most satisfying item I have purchased from Crutchfield. I haven't purchased a great many items, this cartridge is best of the lot. The Sumiko replaces an Ortofon 2M Black. The difference is sound quality is as wide as the River Clyde. I've been an Ortofon supporter for years, tonight that has ended. I listed to just two albums. Jazz Street, Brian Melvin trio featuring Jaco Pastorius, and The Journey So Far, Loreena McKennitt. My fancy for acquiring a moving coil cartridge ended. Hi-if system consists of all entry level kit. Technics 1500C turntable, Leak Stereo 130 integrated amp, Klipsch Heresy IV speakers , Audioquest interconnects and speaker cables. All purchased from Crutchfield. The best in the business.

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Sumiko Amethyst

Beautifully accurate, soft, and clean sound.

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Sumiko Amethyst

I use it with Technics SL 1200-GR , was a little bit hesitant because of price, but boy i am glad i actually purchased Sumico Amethyst . Was worry a bit about installation and alignment - no problem there , very simple and straightforward. Connected through Emotiva PT-1 preamp and Emotiva XPA-2 2 Channel Amplifier. Sound is absolutely gorgeous - music i though i dont like (Pink Floyd) sound so amazing that i fall in love with it. Sound is reach , clear yet balanced , soundstage is fantastic. I wish this cartridge come in a bit lower price yet regardless i am glad that i purchased it.

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Great sound, but requires a good preamp

I had this paired with a Technics SL-1200GR for about two months, but I ultimately decided to return it. The signal output from this cartridge feels a little low, so I had to crank my Onkyo amp volume up about 15 units higher than any other source to reach my customary listening level. This resulted in a noticeable hum, so I reverted to a cheaper, "hotter" Ortofon cartridge better suited to my current system config. If I had an adjustable preamp that could better compensate for the low output of this cartridge, I probably would have kept it. It had a fairly warm sound and eliminated a lot of surface noise, but it just wasn't right for me at the moment.

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Wow - Huge Improvement in Clarity, Crackling & Bass

Installed this on a Pro-Ject RPM 1, as it was the only player that would fit inside a Zenith Console table I have. Running with a McIntosh MA2275 integrated tube amplifier & Martin Logan's built in. This was an incredible upgrade over the Sumiko Pearl that came with the turntable. Background distortion dropped significantly, base picked up and clarity on the vocals were all improved on the first play. This may not compete with a $5K Coil cartridge but man, for the price this was an enormous improvement over the stock setup. Overcourse Crutchfield is great and had this to me in a 3 days. Thanks again and major help.

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Love this cartridge

I really enjoy this cartridge. You get what you pay for and wanting to stay in MM land, this cartridge gets the most from your record groves. It is mounted on a Technics SL-1200GR turntable (a great combination). Highly recommended! You will love it!

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Sumiko Amethyst

Great customer service by Crutchfield. The Sumiko Amethyst is more liquid and transparent than my previous moving coil cartridge a Sumiko Talisman alchemist S

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A joy!

A perfect complement to my Pro-Jct X2 TT. Rather than reemphasize the great reviews of this cartridge already on the site, let me just offer the experience I have when listening to the Doobie Brothers, Best Of. I drop the stylus and then sit back in the dark, triangulated with relation to the Wharfedale towers and the Klipsch subwoofers. Michael McDonald stands on stage, just right of center, above head level, back up singers are not quite as elevated and are to the left, drums come in from the right and guitars and other strings complete the setup on stage. It is, in short, a concert experience. Magnificent, and the entire process of purchase, assembly and set up has all been seamless with Crutchfield.

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upgrade!

What an amazing upgrade! I'm hearing so much more in my vinyl. Highly recommended!

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Great Bang for the $

Upgraded from Ranier. Decided to forego the in between upgrades and go for the gusto. Only 10 sides on it so far but impressed out of the box. Improved detail, tighter bass and nice stage. Expect will only improve after a couple dozen more plays. Very happy.

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Sumiko Amethyst is Amazing!!

If you love music that sounds the way it was recorded, you will love this cartridge! My last 3 Carts in order, Ortofon Red, Blue, then Bronze. All 3 are horrible compared to this Sumiko Amethyst. The Red was muddy. The Blue was warmer, but had elevated treble and no bass. The Bronze was the worst. The treble is so overblown and in your face, it hurts your ears at high volumes in 20 minutes. The Bronze also has no bass at all. I've run them all in the same amp, a McIntosh 352. Don't waste your money on Ortofon Carts. This Sumiko blows all 3 out of the box. Amethyst just makes you want to listen to all your albums all over again. It's warm and clear. Bass is tight and well rounded. Mids are right on the money. You get a full well rounded sound. You will love it!!

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Stunning resolution. Odd break-in.

I moved from a Sumiko Pearl (also bought from Crutchfield of course) to this cartridge. I'm hearing things I never heard before on albums I've been listening to for years....Gilmour inhaling before singing a line...the sound of a second guitar way back in the distance. Resolution is incredible. It is taking FOREVER to break in though. Not doing it like other carts I've owned. They would break in suddenly, like someone turned a switch on, after maybe 20 album sides. This one, every record side starts off sounding horrible. Second track is much better. By the halfway point on the side the sound is stunning. I'm hoping that is something that will eventually stop. Must be patient I know, I've had other carts I was ready to throw away because they sounded so bad until they broke in. This one will be like that I'm sure.

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Sumiko Amethyst

My Kenwood KD 2055 bought in 1972 has gone through 2 Shure cartridges. My speakers are KLH 33's bought at the same time. This cartridge fills in the void left by Shure rather nicely. Sitting between great speakers, quality turntable and cartridge is still the only way to hear music in your house

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Sumiko Amethyst

With the help of crutchfield advisor I purchased this cartridge which has proven to be a significant improvement over the included cartridge that came with the turntable. You never really know how different a step up can mean to the separation and clarity I am now experiencing. Kudos to crutchfield for always steering me in the right direction. I truly value their knowledge.

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Sumiko Amethyst

I didn't really believe upgrading my cartridge would improve my sound that much. Boy was I wrong. With everything I have upgraded on my system this has been the biggest bang for the buck. Spend your money on this sumiko cartridge first and then on your cables.

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