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PREOWNED – FULLY TESTED – INCLUDES ORIGINAL WOOD BOX WITH SLIP COVER, SCREWS, ALLEN WRENCH, NEEDLE GUARD – LESS THAN 100 HOURS OF USE
If picture is worth 1000 words, Starling propels the question of what a sonic image might be worth. Evident in the very existence of our hobby is music’s unique ability to reach us with a certain profundity that exists well outside of what we can hear. It can be said that feelings are what we’re chasing, and if invoked by the most convincing portrayal of your dearest recordings, those feelings can be all the more profound. A sonic image can thus be priceless, and we’ve designed Starling to realize that image in your system. Added to the resonance-optimized headblock & generator borrowed from Songbird, Starling implements a rigid boron cantilever finished with an ultra-low-mass Microridge stylus. Microridge is a diamond profile highly regarded worldwide for its even-handedness while simultaneously delivering richness & clarity. Bonded to our assembly, rarely has this famous stylus achieved such agility in the groove — certainly not at Starling’s price. What you experience is gorgeously suspended sonic imagery that places you just where you want to be — front & center.
Our Latest Reference Open-Body MCs
We are immeasurably excited about these recent additions to our Reference open-body MC lineup. Our latest darlings — Songbird & Starling — are a heavy refinement on our tried & true Blackbird & BPS EVO III designs. Securely anchored to a highly rigid, resonance-optimized headblock, our new generator is free to work its magic with the utmost control, free of unwanted internal resonance. The generator assembly is flexible and sturdy, offering the highest fidelity possible in a perfect balance of clarity and romance. The result is industry-leading, holographic imaging with irresistibly ‘true’ sweetness. Each delivers a degree of honesty & refinement that we couldn’t be more proud of, nor more excited for you to hear for yourself.
Hand-Crafted in Japan
From Oyster to Reference, each Sumiko phono cartridge is crafted by hand in Yokohama, Japan — near the waters where our namesake Oysters dwell. We’ve 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 — we firmly believe there’s a perfect cartridge for you here.
Low Output Moving Coil
Mass & Dimension
9.5g, 17 x 18 x 28.5mm (WxHxD)
Stylus
Solid Ultra Low-Mass 75µm x 2.5µm Microridge
Cantilever
⌀0.28mm Boron Shaft
Coils
High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance
28Ω
Load Impedance
>100Ω
Frequency Response
12Hz – 50kHz
Output
0.5mV
Channel Separation
35dB @ 1kHz
Channel Balance
This US$1,400 asking price is a strong bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of US$351 for recent used listings of the Sumiko Starling Reference, where the median is US$460 and the 75th percentile is US$573. New units typically retail between US$1,899 and US$2,099, making this used offer nearly 30% off the lowest new price and significantly cheaper than any comparable used market anchor.
The Starling Reference is a highly regarded low-output MC known for its transparent, open sound and excellent bass production, crafted by hand in Yokohama with a boron cantilever and Microridge stylus. At this price, it offers exceptional value for enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity performance without the new-cartridge cost, especially if the unit is from an original owner with no mentioned wear or missing accessories. This is a genuine buying opportunity, not a risky deal.
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.
