Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

No issues. Unfortunately, my hearing starts to cut out at 11K hertz. It does a good job with bass which I hear at 20 hertz, go figure. I would say it fits into my setup well.

I admit that I change phono cartridges as frequently as I change my socks. Yesterday I was listening to the Hana EH. Today I’m back to my Sumiko Olympia. Why you may ask? Quite simply, it has a musical fullness that the Hana EH just can’t match. And that holds true for the litany of AT, Grado, etc. cartridges I’ve owned in the past. With the Sumiko Olympia you get the complete package; dead quiet between songs, zero IGD, very nicely balanced between highs, mids and lows, tight and realistic bass, large soundstage, just a really great cartridge that I can listen to everyday and never get tired or bored of listening to.

I have a Yes album with a VERY low bass note in the intro. My old Sony MDR-V6 headphones reproduce it nicely. Because the CARTRIDGE reproduces it very nicely. It has to be 30 hz or below. The ONLY thing I DON'T like is the 1.8 gram tracking force. But the Pickering XUV4000 tracking at .75 grams in 1980 is no longer available.

Personally, I prefer the more balanced and accurate sound of the Ortofon 2M Blue. This Sumiko sounds very good, but performs with a bit more emphasis on the lower frequencies.For the cost savings compared to the 2M Blue, it’s a fine option.

I upgraded from a Ortofon OME5. The difference is ASTOUNDING! This cartridge brings out lows and highs I never knew existed! I highly recommend this cartridge, it is amazing.

Sounds good, you can tell its quality

The cartridge has slightly recessed top and a more forward low midrange. It is quite good, but the separation of instruments isn't quite at the same level as some other (albeit more expensive) MMs. Overall it presents a lush, listenable ambiance which some people may particularly enjoy.For me, it doesn't have the air and precision of some other MMs. My Nagaoka MP-150, Denon Dl-110, or Goldring 1006 are better picks based on my taste in music.

I replaced an the original cartridge on my Fluance RT 84 with this and it immediately sounded like a whole new turntable. I highly recommend this cartridge.