Next-Gen Moving Coil Phono Pickup
Far be it for Sumiko to modify a design that’s proven so practical and pleasing to such a wide variety of listeners, but as Sumiko has pushed forward in recent years with their exploration of resonance optimization, it was a matter of time before their classic Blue Point No. 2 was re-evaluated. Blue Point No. 2 – among the world’s first high-output MC cartridges – across decades has become something of a staple among listeners looking for a taste of moving coil sonics without the added expense of MC pre-amplification. Sumiko has long loved this cartridge and it will remain dear to them among their heritage lineup, but indeed they got another ‘Point’ to make…
Along with the release of their Reference Celebration 40, Sumiko brings you Blue Point No. 3 – another nod to their 40 years of cartridge development in the pursuit to enrich your listening experience. They have taken a close look & listen at the resonance properties of Blue Point No. 2 and have recognized room for refinement. Resonance having a more significant impact than many listeners may realize, they sought to reimagine how the housing resonates around the generator… and they feel they’ve struck gold.
The sonic presentation of Blue Point No. 3 harkens back to vintage Shure & Stanton MMs remembered for their smoothness. With their tried & true MC generator system, that smoothness is enhanced with the subtlety & nuance you’d expect from a Sumiko MC. First and foremost – and if ever the word were appropriate – Blue Point No. 3 assembles its sonic picture from the ground up with its oh-so buttery low-end response. Bass enthusiasts are in for a treat here. Full & warm yet defined & textured, the coziness of the bass will invite you right in. It doesn’t stop there, however. You can expect the similar lushness through the mids that remain decipherable, high-frequency attack & decay that’s simply sweet & airy.
Having developed such a refinement on a classic design, introducing a low-output variant was a no-brainer. As strongly as they stand behind Blue Point No. 3 High, Blue Point No. 3 Low is a game changer. Owners of MC phonostages can experience the same listenability mentioned above, but with the depth & imaging typical of a low-output design, then some. As with its predecessors, Blue Point No. 3 remains a high-value performer that’s easy on your pocket book, and with the introduction of Blue Point No. 3 Low, there’s a Blue Point for everyone!
Trade In or Trade Up
As user-replaceable styli are not on an option for moving coil phono cartridges, remember that any of Sumiko’s MCs, functional or otherwise, can be returned to your dealer in a re-tip exchange — a discount on the same cartridge or one model up, sparing you expense when your stylus heads south! Note: Sumiko’s trade program is valid within the United States only.
Hand-Crafted in Japan
From Oyster to Reference, each Sumiko phono cartridge is crafted by hand in Yokohama, Japan — near the waters where Sumiko’s namesake Oysters dwell. Sumiko has selected by ear the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until perfected. Production is then executed by world-class cartridge makers with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a full horizon of cartridges eager to introduce themselves to your analog system — Sumiko firmly believes there’s a perfect cartridge for you here.
