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Offered is „Songbird low output MC Tonabnehmer *unbespielt*“ by Sumiko as second-hand device from the category „Pick-up MC“ on audio-markt.de - the online market place for high-end. The advert with the number 1602419790 ends on 02.11.2026 at 13:10 o'clock.
With recent EUR comps centered at €709 and spanning roughly €613 to €804, this €899 ask sits clearly above the 75th percentile and reads ambitious rather than fair. It is not absurd for a desirable low-output moving coil, but it is priced at a premium that needs strong justification in the listing.
That premium only makes sense if the stylus/cantilever is confirmed healthy, the hours are low, and the package includes the original box, hardware, and a clean mounting history. The Songbird is well-liked for its lively, detailed presentation and strong tracking when properly matched, so a tidy example can still be worth chasing, but at €899 the buyer should want unusually good condition or extras to close the gap.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Sumiko was founded in 1972 by David Fletcher and two business partners as an importer for the U.S. audio market, initially focusing on Eastern European speakers before pivoting to Japanese manufactured products. The company is based in Japan and has maintained its heritage of Japanese craftsmanship for nearly five decades. David Fletcher, notably a former particle physicist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, brought technical rigor to the venture from its inception.
Sumiko specializes exclusively in phono cartridges, a focused product category that defines the brand's identity. The company began manufacturing its own cartridges in 1982 with the Talisman model, followed by the groundbreaking Alchemist MC cartridge in 1984—one of the first moving-coil designs to achieve mass production. All cartridges are hand-built in Japan by skilled artisans. The current lineup spans two primary series: the budget-conscious Oyster Moving Magnet line and the premium Reference Moving Coil designs, with the Palo Santos serving as the flagship model.
Sumiko occupies a prestigious position in the high-end analog market, commanding respect among discerning audiophiles worldwide for nearly four decades. The brand has built its reputation on meticulous build quality, excellent tracking performance, and a musical, non-fatiguing sonic presentation. By offering cartridges across multiple price points and technologies—from entry-level to reference-grade—Sumiko serves both committed vinyl enthusiasts and collectors seeking serious analog playback solutions.
See all Sumiko listings on RADAR.
