Sumiko, headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, has announced the new MC cartridge “Oriole.” Positioned as a mid-tier model in the company’s lineup between the Songbird and Starling, it is now shipping at $1,699.
Product Overview
The Oriole is an MC cartridge designed to deliver “refined musical detail and dynamic accuracy.” Reduced moving mass and improved groove tracking are claimed to enhance depth, transient response, and spatial information.
Main Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Stylus | Nude Shibata |
| Output Voltage | 0.3mV |
| Generator Impedance | 5.5Ω (low impedance design) |
| Body Color | Bold Orange |
*Detailed specifications including tracking force, compliance, and cantilever material not yet disclosed
Technical Features
Nude Shibata Stylus
The stylus employs a Shibata-shaped diamond tip that maximizes contact area with the record groove. “Nude” mounting eliminates unnecessary mass, improving tracking ability.
Low Impedance Design
The low 5.5Ω generator impedance facilitates easy matching with MC phonostages, achieving stable frequency response across a wide bandwidth.
Reduced Moving Mass
Design improvements have reduced moving mass, improving groove tracking and enhancing the reproduction of fine musical information.
Lineup Positioning
The Oriole is positioned as a mid-tier model between “Songbird” and “Starling” in Sumiko’s lineup. Recommended as an optimal cartridge for turntables in the 5,000 range, targeting “audiophiles and hi-fi enthusiasts.”
Name Origin
“Oriole” refers to the Baltimore Oriole, a brightly orange-colored bird native to North America. The bold orange body color is inspired by this bird’s plumage.
Pricing & Availability
- Price: $1,699
- Launch: Announced January 28, 2026, now shipping
- Manufactured in: Japan
Reference Links / Sources
- The Absolute Sound: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sumiko-introduces-the-oriole-phono-cartridge/
- Sumiko Official: https://www.sumikoaudio.net/