SUMIKO Blue Point No. 3 (High-Output) MC

Far be it for us to modify a design that’s proven so practical and pleasing to such a wide variety of listeners, but as Sumiko has pushed forward in recent years with our exploration of resonance optimization, it was a matter of time before our classic Blue Point No. 2 was re-evaluated. Blue Point No. 2 – among the world’s first high-output MC cartridges – across decades has become something of a staple among listeners looking for a taste of moving coil sonics without the added expense of MC pre-amplification. We’ve long loved this cartridge and it will remain dear to us among our heritage lineup, but indeed we’ve got another ‘Point’ to make…

Along with the release of our Reference Celebration 40, we bring you Blue Point No. 3 – another nod to our 40 years of cartridge development in the pursuit to enrich your listening experience. We’ve taken a close look & listen at the resonance properties of Blue Point No. 2 and have recognized room for refinement. Resonance having a more significant impact than many listeners may realize, we sought to reimagine how the housing resonates around the generator… and we feel we’ve struck gold.

The sonic presentation of Blue Point No. 3 harkens back to vintage Shure & Stanton MMs remembered for their smoothness. With our tried & true MC generator system, that smoothness is enhanced with the subtlety & nuance you’d expect from a Sumiko MC. First and foremost – and if ever the word were appropriate – Blue Point No. 3 assembles its sonic picture from the ground up with its oh-so buttery low-end response. Bass enthusiasts are in for a treat here. Full & warm yet defined & textured, the coziness of the bass will invite you right in. It doesn’t stop there, however. You can expect the similar lushness through the mids that remain decipherable,  high-frequency attack & decay that’s simply sweet & airy.

Having developed such a refinement on a classic design, introducing a low-output variant was a no-brainer. As strongly as we stand behind Blue Point No. 3 High, Blue Point No. 3 Low is a game changer. Owners of MC phonostages can experience the same listenability mentioned above, but with the depth & imaging typical of a low-output design, then some. As with its predecessors,  Blue Point No. 3 remains a high-value performer that’s easy on your pocket book, and with the introduction of Blue Point No. 3 Low, there’s a Blue Point for everyone!

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 metals, diamonds & resin compounds 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.

Technical Data

• High Output Moving Coil

• Mass & Dimension: 6g, 17.37 x 17.16 x 23.94mm (WxHxD)

• Stylus: 0.3 x 0.7mil Elliptical

• Cantilever: Aluminium Pipe

• Coils: High-Purity Copper

• Internal Impedance: 135O

• Load Impedance: 47kO

• Frequency Response: 13Hz – 35kHz

• Output Voltage: 2.5mV @ 1kHz

• Channel Separation: 30dB @ 1kHz

• Channel Balance: <1dB @ 1kHz

• Compliance: 12×10-6cm/dyn @ 100Hz

• Capacitance: 100pF – 200pF

• Vertical Tracking Angle: 20°

• Tracking Force Range: 1.8g – 2.2g

• Recommended Tracking Force: 2.0g