Sumiko Blackbird

[ronenash]

Fantastic cartridge. I also have it mounted on a VPI Classic 1 and enjoy it immensely.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Bavarian05

Just recently ordered a Luxman L-550AX Class A integrated that includes a very good phono stage

Sexy integrated to go with your sexy cartridge.

Originally Posted by kfr01

I had the HO version and it sounded great. Just be careful -- that design makes the tip pretty easy to hit in the wrong way. My turntable is currently out of order because I dropped the arm from a couple inches up and the tip bent slightly to the side. Fragile.

That said, I think I will probably replace it with the same cartridge, because there was nothing objectionable about the sound and its HO makes it compatible with a lot of phono preamplifiers (e.g., the ones that aren't very adjustable built into a lot of integrated amps).

You can have your BB retipped by either SS or a fellow out in Washington State (whose contact info I don't have, but think member 427 does) for considerably less than a new cartridge. Also, check with Sumiko. They may offer a generous trade program for ones that need a retip (for whatever reason).

[ehoove]

Paul at SoundSmith does great work, and re tipped my Blackbird.
Regards,
Jim

[doggiehowser]

I think my cantilever springs might not be working so well on my Sumiko Blackbird. Now the body is making contact with my LPs. Any idea what I can do?

[Formerly YB-2]

First, double-check the VTF to insure nothing changed. If that isn't the solution, see if you can raise your TA. You haven't mentioned the TT/TA you are using, but the majority of them have some sort of adjustment on setting the TA height. If it is truly a suspension failure and you purchased new then I'm guessing that Sumiko will stand behind it for warranty. It is quite unusual, though not unheard of, for the suspension to fail.

Originally Posted by ehoove

Paul at SoundSmith does great work, and re tipped my Blackbird.
Regards,
Jim

Paul or Peter? Thought Peter did all retips.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by 427

Why the reference to high output "versions". There is only one version as far as I know and it's a HOMC @ kfr01 You can retip at a fraction of the cost take a look here for links to who can do a good job. http://www.audioaficionado.org/phono...ver-broke.html

Check out the Sumiko website. They also offer a LO version.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by ronenash

Fantastic cartridge. I also have it mounted on a VPI Classic 1 and enjoy it immensely.

That's what I like to hear!
I had one previously on a Scout and loved it. Used a Sutherland PH3D at that time.
As always, I got restless and "upgraded" only to find I missed the Blackbird.
Hoping the built in phono stage in the Luxman will do it justice. By all accounts I can find, it is a great built in phono pre.
I am selling my Simaudio Moon 310LP and it's the second one I've purchased. I just love the idea of having less boxes and cables.
In all honesty I think I have a bit of Audio OCD and the less cables/connections in the system, the less I can wonder what something else would sound like.
Self preservation I guess. ;-)

[Volks]

Originally Posted by 427

Never use a stylus brush and liquid cleaners, I use a sticky dip cleaner.

Just curious as to why not use a Liquid Cleaner such as Clearaudio Diamond Elixir ?


image-1170250094.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[BillK]

I used a Blackbird HO on my SSM for years and was very happy with it… until I heard various Lyra models on it, which were like night and day.

(FWIW I went first to the Kleos then to the Atlas.)

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Volks

Just curious as to why not use a Liquid Cleaner such as Clearaudio Diamond Elixir ?
Attachment 38254

The stylus is glued to the cantilever. No guarantee that the liquid cleaner will not act as a solvent and soften same. While CA is well aware of all of this, if your stylus falls out am guessing they will accept no responsibility, nor will the cartridge mfgr. YMMV.