The advanced EBLT drive belt is fitted as standard to all Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus, Planar 2, Planar 3 and Planar 6 models.

Each belt is moulded on our highly accurate custom tooling using a unique secret blend. Once moulded, the belts are cryogenically frozen and barrelled to remove any excess flash in order to create perfect cross-sectional roundness which is critical for accurate speed and stability. In normal use and conditions, the lifespan of the EBLT drive belt is 50% longer than the previous model.

Below you can see a direct comparison taken from our custom test software. You can compare the old belt (top) versus the latest EBLT reference belt (bottom). We have used the same Planar 1 turntable. The only part that has changed is the drive belt. You can clearly see a notable reduction in weighted peak Wow / Flutter measurements produced by the increased accuracy and cross-sectional roundness of the EBLT belt. The standard belt measures 0.253% / the Advanced EBLT measures 0.162% and the Reference EBLT measures 0.075%

Technical Specifications
Rega Drive Belt
Advanced EBLT monomer
Diameter / cross sectional roundness
Improved stability / Speed accuracy
Lifespan
50% longer lifespan than a polychloroprene belt

Technology is a wonderful thing, especially when it is easy to use. To that end, the sleek, easily concealed WSK-1 was designed to be simple to install while providing excellent results. For a streamlined installation, both the transmitter and receiver can be powered by an available USB port, which can often be found on the back of many AV Receivers and other electronic devices. Don’t worry, if a USB port is unavailable, we also include traditional power adapters just in case. Once powered up, all it takes is a single button press on the transmitter and receiver to pair them together wirelessly on their own specialized network, eliminating the need to join yet another device on your home’s Wi-Fi. This universal kit is compatible with any subwoofer using either Left/Right Stereo RCA connections or single wire LFE(.1) connections.

“…the Sumiko Starling played my records with a dark, nanodetailed refinement that elucidated whatever sophistications the recordings and the music had to offer.” —Stereophile Recommended Component

“…it is very crisp and detailed but it has a poise, polish and panache that is alluringly addictive.” —Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product

“The Reference Starling slapped me in the face. While I know that Sumiko has been in the cartridge business forever, and obviously should know by now how to make a good cartridge, I hadn’t expected this level of performance” —SoundStage! Ultra Reviewer’s Choice

Our Reference Series Open-Body MCs
Our Reference Series open-architecture cartridges minimize the potential for coloration and distortion due to energy buildup that is sometimes propagated by the conventional cartridge body. Internal resonance is damped within the generator while remaining resonance travels up through the bonded mounting plate & headblock, then down the tonearm where it is dissipated harmlessly. The PEEK generator mounting plate provides the utmost stability and energy transfer while the stiff alloy headblock is the conduit through which that energy exits the cartridge. The generator itself minimizes distortion and losses through the implementation of pure metals and intelligent orientation of the same. The performance of this sophisticated generator is bolstered by our multi-faceted approach to resonance control, precipitating to clean, musical, and highly listenable sonics.

Trade In or Trade Up
As user-replaceable styli are not on an option for MC phono cartridges, remember that any of our MCs, functional or otherwise, can be returned to your dealer in a re-tip exchange — a discount on a new cartridge of equal or greater value — sparing you expense when your stylus heads south. *Note: The trade-in program is valid for US customers only.

Hand-Crafted in Japan
Each Sumiko phono cartridge is hand-assembled by the world-class cartridge makers at Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan – a relationship we’ve proudly maintained for nearly forty years. We use only the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until it meets our stringent standards for sound. Production is then executed by expert craftsmen with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a family of cartridges that render emotion through tonally balanced, refined and fatigueless analog reproduction.

Mass & Dimension 7.4g (see tech drawing)
Stylus Nude Low-Mass Microridge (2.5 x 75µm)
Cantilever ⌀0.28mm Boron
Coils High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance 28Ω (1kHz)
Load Impedance >100Ω (determine by ear)
Frequency Response 12Hz – 50kHz
Output 0.5mV (3.54cm/sec, 1kHz)
Channel Separation 30dB (1kHz)
Channel Balance <0.5dB (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

“At $1,699, the Sumiko Oriole MC cartridge is a truth-teller, and a cunning story spinner — a factual machine with the spirit of a romantic and the confidence of a ship captain… the Oriole is something special. It’s something revelatory and honest — a rare combination indeed. Highly recommended.” —Analog Planet

“So solid and reassuring is the Sumiko Oriole, from its sound to its construction… this cartridge is an exemplar of modern MC performance… Spend time on the setup, especially VTA, and you’ll think this cost £3000.” —Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product

“[Translation] The sound: superb, nuanced, fluid, and characterized by remarkable delicacy and airiness…. it is linear, rich in subtle shadings, and deeply dimensional. Listening to it unveils an evocative sonic landscape that sacrifices neither precision nor sensitivity… Subtle and authentic.” —Diapason Golden Tuning Fork (France)

“In all cases though, the Oriole is a fascinating new addition to cartridges at the price. It conspires to look and feel special; a sort of special that will require a bit of care using it but special nonetheless. What’s more, it has attributes that are rare even at this elevated price point…” —AV Forums Highly Recommended

“…the Oriole excels at detail, tonal realism and emotional engagement. There is more than enough articulation and resolving power to keep complex music intelligible and coherent, but the icing on the cake has to be its talent for live material” —Hi-Fi Choice Recommended

“Joe Gordon’s trumpet was especially impressive, with a purity of timbre and sense of clean dynamics you rarely hear. The Oriole behaved flawlessly, with superb tracking and no peakiness.” —Stereophile

Our Reference Series Open-Body MCs
Our Reference Series open-architecture cartridges minimize the potential for coloration and distortion due to energy buildup that is sometimes propagated by the conventional cartridge body. Internal resonance is damped within the generator while remaining resonance travels up through the bonded mounting plate & headblock, then down the tonearm where it is dissipated harmlessly. The PEEK generator mounting plate provides the utmost stability and energy transfer while the stiff alloy headblock is the conduit through which that energy exits the cartridge. The generator itself minimizes distortion and losses through the implementation of pure metals and intelligent orientation of the same. The performance of this sophisticated generator is bolstered by our multi-faceted approach to resonance control, precipitating to clean, musical, and highly listenable sonics.

Trade In or Trade Up
As user-replaceable styli are not on an option for MC phono cartridges, remember that any of our MCs, functional or otherwise, can be returned to your dealer in a re-tip exchange — a discount on a new cartridge of equal or greater value — sparing you expense when your stylus heads south. *Note: The trade-in program is valid for US customers only.

Hand-Crafted in Japan
Each Sumiko phono cartridge is hand-assembled by the world-class cartridge makers at Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan – a relationship we’ve proudly maintained for nearly forty years. We use only the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until it meets our stringent standards for sound. Production is then executed by expert craftsmen with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a family of cartridges that render emotion through tonally balanced, refined and fatigueless analog reproduction.

Mass & Dimension
7.3g (see tech drawing)
Stylus
Nude Shibata (6.5 x 40µm)
Cantilever ⌀0.5mm Reinforced Aluminum Pipe
Coils High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance 5.5Ω (1kHz)
Load Impedance >55Ω (determine by ear)
Frequency Response 12Hz – 45kHz
Output 0.3mV (3.54cm/sec, 1kHz)
Channel Separation 30dB (1kHz)
Channel Balance <0.5dB (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

“It’s also really good at tracking complex dynamics in a piece of music, showing poise and effortlessness – more hallmarks of a serious high-end pickup…” —Stereonet Applause Award

“As I’ve mentioned, the Sumiko Reference Line excels at deep bass. With the Sumiko Songbird, I felt that same brush up against my chest, the feeling of air moving quickly across the room, along the floor until it rises up to embrace you.” —Part-Time Audiophile

Our Reference Series Open-Body MCs
Our Reference Series open-architecture cartridges minimize the potential for coloration and distortion due to energy buildup that is sometimes propagated by the conventional cartridge body. Internal resonance is damped within the generator while remaining resonance travels up through the bonded mounting plate & headblock, then down the tonearm where it is dissipated harmlessly. The PEEK generator mounting plate provides the utmost stability and energy transfer while the stiff alloy headblock is the conduit through which that energy exits the cartridge. The generator itself minimizes distortion and losses through the implementation of pure metals and intelligent orientation of the same. The performance of this sophisticated generator is bolstered by our multi-faceted approach to resonance control, precipitating to clean, musical, and highly listenable sonics.

Trade In or Trade Up
As user-replaceable styli are not on an option for MC phono cartridges, remember that any of our MCs, functional or otherwise, can be returned to your dealer in a re-tip exchange — a discount on a new cartridge of equal or greater value — sparing you expense when your stylus heads south. *Note: The trade-in program is valid for US customers only.

Hand-Crafted in Japan
Each Sumiko phono cartridge is hand-assembled by the world-class cartridge makers at Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan – a relationship we’ve proudly maintained for nearly forty years. We use only the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until it meets our stringent standards for sound. Production is then executed by expert craftsmen with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a family of cartridges that render emotion through tonally balanced, refined and fatigueless analog reproduction.

Mass & Dimension7.4g
Stylus Elliptical (0.3 x 0.7mil)
Cantilever ⌀0.5mm Reinforced Aluminum Pipe
Coils High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance 28Ω (1kHz)
Load Impedance >100Ω (determine by ear)
Frequency Response 12Hz – 30kHz
Output 0.5mV (3.54cm/sec, 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

“The Songbird, with its sweet tone and subtle textures, is cut from the same sonic cloth as its Reference series sibling, the Starling” —Stereophile Recommended Component

“If you want to try a high output moving coil cartridge that’s well-built, reasonably priced does everything well, and resolves sufficient detail to make you sit up and take notice… Sumiko’s new Songbird is a well-voiced, high performance choice I don’t think you’ll regret making.” —Analog Planet

Our Reference Series Open-Body MCs
Our Reference Series open-architecture cartridges minimize the potential for coloration and distortion due to energy buildup that is sometimes propagated by the conventional cartridge body. Internal resonance is damped within the generator while remaining resonance travels up through the bonded mounting plate & headblock, then down the tonearm where it is dissipated harmlessly. The PEEK generator mounting plate provides the utmost stability and energy transfer while the stiff alloy headblock is the conduit through which that energy exits the cartridge. The generator itself minimizes distortion and losses through the implementation of pure metals and intelligent orientation of the same. The performance of this sophisticated generator is bolstered by our multi-faceted approach to resonance control, precipitating to clean, musical, and highly listenable sonics.

Trade In or Trade Up
As user-replaceable styli are not on an option for MC phono cartridges, remember that any of our MCs, functional or otherwise, can be returned to your dealer in a re-tip exchange — a discount on a new cartridge of equal or greater value — sparing you expense when your stylus heads south. *Note: The trade-in program is valid for US customers only.

Hand-Crafted in Japan
Each Sumiko phono cartridge is hand-assembled by the world-class cartridge makers at Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan – a relationship we’ve proudly maintained for nearly forty years. We use only the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until it meets our stringent standards for sound. Production is then executed by expert craftsmen with a collective eye for precision & quality. The result is a family of cartridges that render emotion through tonally balanced, refined and fatigueless analog reproduction.

Category: Reference Series Cartridges
Design Principle Sumiko Moving Coil Phono Cartridges Sketch
High Output Moving Coil Mass & Dimension
7.4g (see tech drawing)
Stylus Elliptical (0.3 x 0.7mil)
Cantilever ⌀0.5mm Reinforced Aluminum Pipe
Coils High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance 135Ω (1kHz)
Load Impedance 47kΩ
Frequency Response 12Hz – 30kHz
Output 2.5mV (3.54cm/sec, 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