James Michael Hughes tries out this sweet-sounding, anniversary version shifting coil phono cartridge…
Sumiko
Celebration 40 Phono Cartridge
£3,199.95 RRP
Launched to mark Sumiko’s fortieth anniversary, the Celebration 40 is a low-output shifting coil cartridge that sits close to the highest of the corporate’s five-strong collection of Reference Line pickups, slightly below the Palo Santos flagship mannequin. It is an open-generator design in a Plumwood housing. A 2.5um x 75um diamond stylus is fitted to a boron cantilever; compliance is claimed to be 12cu, and the cartridge weight is 7g.
Quoted output is 0.5mV, however in comparison with my common Professional-Ject Choose It DS2 shifting coil, which has the identical quantity, the Celebration 40 appeared noticeably quieter. Optimum impedance is round 100 ohms. Stylus downforce is usually recommended between 1.9g to 2.2g, with 2g really useful. Having a reasonably lengthy and uncovered cantilever and a swept-back housing, the physique of the cartridge sits about 3mm away from LP surfaces – so cartridge and vinyl are unlikely to the touch on warped or dished data. Additionally, being pretty low-mass relative to different MC pickups helps it to barter warps.
The Celebration 40 is available in a pleasant picket field, however there was no stylus safety cowl. Considering it may need bought misplaced or mislaid, I contacted the importer, however they confirmed Sumiko would not provide one. I am shocked by this, as with many turntables having no lid lately, safety for the stylus is significant. For security, I all the time match the stylus guard after taking part in LPs. Whereas the absence of a stylus guard would not stop me from desirous to personal this cartridge, I would really feel a lot happier if one had been equipped.
THE LISTENING
Fitted to a Professional-Ject Xtension 10 turntable with a 10-inch carbon fibre arm, the Sumiko labored very properly and delivered a satisfyingly open sound. Bass response was properly prolonged, and the underside finish remained agency and managed. Additional up, the cartridge was clear, lucid and speedy, with excellent transient assault and glorious rendition of micro-dynamics. On the similar time, floor noise was very low – each by way of ticks and pops and normal background hiss and roar.
At its really useful VTF setting, monitoring is phenomenal. This cartridge efficiently performed a Japanese Audiophile LP of Rodrigo‘s Aranjuez’s live performance with Angel Romero and Andre Previn that had beforehand prompted all different pickups I’ve reviewed to have extreme issues with breakup. Having had this disc for about forty years, I would begun to suppose the top of facet one was unplayable as a result of high-level reduce. However the Celebration 40 cleanly reproduced Rodrigo’s brilliant, peaky scoring with relaxed ease, making what was inconceivable for different pickups appear easy. Most cartridges taking part in this LP additionally exhibit a slight unease as a result of high-level reduce, however the Sumiko proved fully unfazed.
Unsurprisingly, the Celebration 40 was superior to my common Choose It DS2 cartridge in practically all points. However you would purchase 5 DS2s for the worth of one in every of these cartridges and nonetheless have change left over for fish and chips and your bus fare house. In fact, the Sumiko is not 5 occasions higher than the DS2, however clear enhancements are obvious in nearly each space. The Celebration 40 could be very clear – effortlessly translucent, strong, and centered, like an open window on the music. At its finest, you would be listening to grasp tapes.
Utilizing Lehmann’s Black Dice SE II Sven Väth phono stage, the Celebration 40’s crisp dynamics actually got here to the fore. Cartridge and phono stage appeared a great match for each other; the Sumiko showcased the Lehmann’s constructive attributes to a larger diploma than the Choose It DS2 had.
For instance, the Rolling Stones‘ double album Exile on Important Avenue is hardly the final phrase in high-fidelity sound. All the identical, it is fairly a check. This tough and grungy recording can simply sound congested and muddy, however by way of the Celebration 40, it was impressively clear and detailed. My UK first urgent is half a century outdated however sounds high-quality, having been ultrasonically cleaned on a Degritter. Alas, when first launched in 1972, Exile sounded abominable on most hi-fi techniques of the day, however performed on good trendy gear with a superlative cartridge and phono stage, it’s high-quality.
THE VERDICT
I beloved nearly every part concerning the Sumiko Celebration 40, which is a perfectly pure shifting coil cartridge that sounds effortlessly vivid and detailed. It is also one of the best tracker that I’ve encountered in a very long time. Certain, it is fairly some huge cash, but it surely gives superior outcomes which can be tangible and worthwhile.
