Oyster Cartridge MM

The Sumiko Oyster Cartridge is the quintessential entry-level moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge from Sumiko, celebrated for its warm, forgiving, and musical sound. Designed for ease of use and broad compatibility, it features a robust 0.6 mil bonded conical diamond stylus mounted on an aluminum cantilever, ensuring reliable groove tracking and a stable, full-bodied presentation.

Handcrafted in Japan, the Oyster delivers a balanced sound with a solid 2.5 mV output and a frequency response from 30 Hz to 20 kHz. Its sonic signature is characterized by a rich, appealing midrange, a weighty bass foundation, and a smooth, non-fatiguing treble. Ideal for new vinyl enthusiasts or as a significant upgrade over basic stock cartridges, the Oyster is particularly adept at minimizing surface noise and playing less-than-perfect records with grace. With its user-replaceable stylus and straightforward 1/2-inch mounting, the Sumiko Oyster provides an enjoyable and hassle-free introduction to high-quality vinyl playback, prioritizing musical engagement over clinical detail.

Sumiko’s Classic Oysters
Over 40 years and worldwide, our classic Oyster Series has left thousands of captivated listeners in its wake. The series is comprised of Sumiko’s Oyster (MM), Black Pearl (MM), Pearl (MM), Blue Point No. 2 (MC) & Blue Point Special EVO III (MC) — each capable of delivering a degree of refinement you have yet to hear from your turntable system. The cartridges have established themselves over decades as high-value gems that dependably out-perform listeners’ expectations for their dollar. Marked by honesty in analog reproduction, our Oyster Series remains true to what’s in the groove, impressively and convincingly voiced to bring you closer to your music.

Hand-Crafted in Japan
From Oyster to Reference, each Sumiko phono cartridge is crafted by hand in Yokohama, Japan — near the waters where Sumiko’s 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.