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Sumiko Songbird LOMC Phono Cartridge (MC) Sukimo Songbird LOMC in excellent condition up for grabs. Purchased in May from another SNAer. Previous owner had estimated 50hrs of use and I'v put no more than 10hrs on it. Its in nearly new condition. Comes with stylus protector. Shipping and insurance included Australia wide. Previous ad: Reviews: https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-50-kitsuné-hifi-lcr-1-mk5-phono-preamplifier-sumiko-songbird-starling-0 https://www.hifichoice.com/content/sumiko-songbird Condition: Excellent Payment Method: EFT, Cash on Pickup Region/Stat
At A$650 in excellent condition, this looks broadly fair for a Sumiko low-output MC, and maybe a touch better than average if the stylus and generator are genuinely healthy. New Songbird pricing has sat around the high-A$1,000s to roughly A$1,500 once converted, so a clean used sample at this level is squarely in sensible territory rather than bargain-basement or overpriced.
It’s a well-regarded cartridge for the money: lively, detailed, and open without being sterile, with good tracking and enough refinement to show what a decent arm and MC stage can do. The upside here is in condition and setup history—if it comes with the original packaging, screws, and has low hours, that adds real value. As with any used MC, I’d want confirmation of stylus wear and no suspension issues, but nothing about A$650 screams red flag.
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.
