Description
Sumiko Amethyst is the flagship of the Sumiko MM line and, without exaggeration, one of those cartridges that changes the perception of the possibilities of the MM format.
It sounds mature, large-scale and very refined - with the same signature musicality, but at a level that already borders on serious MC solutions.
The first thing that strikes is the space. The stage is wide, deep, multi-layered. The instruments have precise localization and air around them. You don't just hear the recording - you immerse yourself in it. The orchestra opens up on a large scale, jazz sounds intimate and lively, rock - energetic and structured.
The midrange is luxurious. The vocals are transmitted with texture, microdynamics and a very natural delivery. You can hear small nuances of intonation, slight changes in timbre, the "breathing" of the recording. This is the level when emotion becomes the main one, but without losing accuracy.
Thanks to the complex needle profile (line contact type), Amethyst reads the maximum information from the groove. The upper frequencies sound clean, airy, without graininess. Details are presented delicately, without aggression - even on complex or dense recordings.
The bass is deep, fast and controlled. It has weight, but does not smear. There is a clear structure and rhythm, which adds to the system's composure and drive.
The Amethyst scales perfectly with the quality of the tonearm and phono stage. In a good system, it is able to show such a deep and detailed presentation that the question "do I need an MC?" becomes quite logical.
The Sumiko Amethyst is an ideal option for those who want the most out of the MM format without switching to an MC cartridge. This is a mature, sophisticated and very musical option - vinyl at its best.
