Customer Reviews

Sumiko Black Pearl

One of the connection posts broke off when connecting the shell head wires. Seems poorly made or I just got a defective one.

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Crutchfield response on 7/9/2025

Once we saw this review, our Tech Support specialist, Jeff, reached out to Jeffrey to help set up a return for a replacement, exchange or refund.

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Sounds richer.

Was easy to install into new headshell. After alignment and weight balancing, the sound was much better than what our older stylus was producing. More lows, mids, and highs. Overall richer tone & better sounding music.

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Black Pearl is a true treasure

I bought the black pearl as an upgrade for an AT3600 unit. Setup was simple and fast. I put on Fleetwood Mac / Fleetwood Mac to test it out and heard so many subtle passages that I never heard before . Hi quality sound at a reasonable price . As usual Crutchfield shipping are first class !

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Sumiko Black Pearl

Easy to install. Sounds great

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Black Pearl revives 1976 Turntable

I installed the Black Pearl on a old Technics SL-23 turntable I bought in 1976. It was in a box for the last 20 years or more. I also needed a belt and a drop of machine oil on the motor. This cartridge sounds fantastic with minimal static. tracks perfect. It has great dynamic range and the sounds out of my old 70's equipment sounds so much better than CD's. The Cartridge comes in a cool wood box with the correct screws, a brush and screwdriver. Everything needed to replace an existing cartridge. Highly recommend the Black Pearl for great value performance and a great name!

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Sumiko Black Pearl

Received product on time as usual when ordering from Crutchfield, the product works as advertised and couldn't be happier.

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Sumiko Black Pearl

Easy installation; sound was great

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Sumiko Black Pearl

So far so good. I can't hear a huge difference but as time goes on and we keep buying records, I'll upgrade to something that I hope I will see an improvement in sound quality.

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Great for the Money

Recently purchased a turntable that came with an Audio Technica 3600 cartridge. I wasn't impressed with the sound. After doing some research I concluded the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean notwithstanding, would be a good "bang for the buck." And it definitely is. Bass has some punch, intricacies and subtleties of the music are brought out; cymbals sound crisp. Overall, I'm very pleased with its performance.

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Sumiko Black Pearl

The Black Pearl took my humble sound system to a level i didnt think possible within this price point. Truly exceeded my expectations.

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Sumiko Black Pearl

Product didn't work doesn't work for old turntables ??

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Crutchfield response on 9/14/2021

This customer contacted our Customer Support team and set up a return. Purchases from Crutchfield can be returned or exchanged within 60 days.

Quality sound from Sumiko

Bought this for my son's system, after getting the Pearl for myself, and Installed it for him. Sound improvement was noticeably better for the whole range of sound. I was impressed. He was even more so. Sumiko does it again

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Great on old Sony Direct Drive.

Have a 40 plus year old direct drive turntable. I consulted Crutchfield. The staff member in the chat feature was very helpful. With minimal effort the cartridge is in place. Great sound quality, rich and balanced to these ears without dropping a load of cash. Very happy.

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Sumiko Black Pearl

The Black Pearl needle sounds Great on my Denon DP 300F turntable! Very satisfied with Crutchfield products.

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Sumiko Black Pearl

I was not pleased with the high or low end. The clarity was just not there.

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Crutchfield response on 1/25/2021

This customer contacted our Customer Support team and set up a return. Purchases from Crutchfield can be returned or exchanged within 60 days.

Just go ahed and get it.

I replaced the Ortafon cartridge that came on my U Turn turntable with the Black Pearl. There is a noticeable difference! The turntable sounds like the money I spent for it. It's alive!!!! I listen to every kind of music out there. Hard rock to Bach , country ect. Well worth the $$$.

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Sumiko Black Pearl

Krisp clean sound. Great to be listening to my old vinyl again. Great cartridge for the price.

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Black Pearl Cartridge

The Black Pearl cartridge is gorgeous. Unfortunately it would not work right with my new Teac turntable so I had to return it. Customer Service handled my call in a very professional manner and sent me the shipping label while on the call with me after they determined this was not the right cartridge for my needs. My account was credited back to my card within a few hours of the return department receiving it. Very impressed and wished it would have worked on my turntable!

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Sumiko Black Pearl

Does not match or fit.

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Crutchfield response on 4/2/2019

We're sorry this cartridge didn't work out for you. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Customer Support team at 1-800-955-9091. Purchases from Crutchfield can be returned or exchanged within 60 days of the purchase.

a real bang for your buck!!!

hi all! this is a fine cartridge at a great price! it sounds great with my new denon DP-300F table(also purchased from crutchfield with first rate customer service from the by now widely celebrated marshall)! i`m listening to music i`ve heard often in the past and hearing things i had`nt heard before! highly recommended (the black pearl and marshall)! bill

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Sumiko Black Pearl

Quality replacement for my goldring 1012GX

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Sumiko Black Pearl

Perfect fit on a 1977 turntable, thanks Cory for your help!

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Sumiko black pearl

I am able to enjoy my old vinyl collection.

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Sumiko "jewel"

I purchased a Music Hall USB-1 turntable after inheriting my dad's vinyl collection. I knew it was a budget table but since I hadn't listened to an album in years I decided it was a good jumping off point. I began buying some of my favorite new releases and listening to analog audio more frequently and the USB-1 seemed to be leaving a little "resolution" on the table. After looking at cartridges on the Crutchfield site I decided to buy the Sumiko Black Pearl cartridge as it was in the Outlet Store and on the advice at the Harrisonburg store. When I picked it up I found the packaging to be a bit over the top (nestled in a white jewelry box) but was anxious to get home and try it out. For the price I paid (Outlet pricing plus using some of my points credits) I was shocked. Installing the unit was straight forward so I was spinning discs in minutes. I immediately noticed much more depth to the frequency response and a bit more air in the upper end. Prior to installing the Sumiko I listened to Beck's Morning Phase in stereo so my sub would accompany my Focal 706s as the lower octaves were missing. With the Black Pearl enough depth was present to switch my processor to pure direct opening up the sound stage even further. My USB-1 doesn't sound like a Music Hall MMF-11.1 but it sounds darn good for the money invested.

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Sumiko Black Pearl phono cartridge

great sound, what a difference from old one

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Sumiko Black Pearl

After going to many web sites, I discovered a wide range of products and price points.. I usually end up @ Crutchfield because their buyers really do a thorough search and study before making a product available.. I didn't want to spend a fortune, but I did want the best I could afford in the category... I think this product does a fantastic job based on its price point.. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.85 because it meets my needs and does a perfect job replicating my vinyl collection..

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Nice and Mellow

Replaced the stock cartridge on a Denon 300. It gives me the warm sound I was looking for. Highs and mid-range are right out front without being "tinny" and the lows are deep and clear, not fuzzy.

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