Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 Phono Cartridge - High Output Moving Coil

Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 High Output Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

What You Need to Know

The Legendary Blue Point, Better Than Ever

The Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 High Output Moving Coil Phono Cartridge is the direct successor to one of the most successful high-end cartridges ever made. The original Blue Point helped pioneer the high-output moving coil category, bringing true MC sound to systems with ordinary MM phono inputs.

Handcrafted in Japan, the No. 3 refines that winning formula with a resonance-optimized body and smoother, more natural voicing—no special preamp required.

Moving Coil Sound Through Your MM Input

With 2.5mV of output, the Blue Point No. 3 High plugs directly into any standard moving magnet phono input. You get the speed, transparency, and open, airy character of a genuine moving coil design with true plug-and-play simplicity.

It’s one of the easiest and most dramatic upgrades available for a quality turntable.

Resonance-Optimized Body

Sumiko’s engineers re-examined the classic Blue Point design from the ground up, eliminating the internal cavities where resonance could build and color the sound. The No. 3’s optimized housing lets the generator do its work undisturbed.

The result is a cleaner, quieter presentation with improved clarity, focus, and soundstage stability—paired with a smooth, richly musical balance.

Low-Mass Elliptical Stylus and Aluminum Cantilever

A precision 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical diamond stylus is mounted to a lightweight aluminum pipe cantilever. This combination traces the groove accurately, delivering extended highs, a natural midrange, and tight, tuneful bass with confident tracking.

Handcrafted in Japan

Every Blue Point No. 3 is individually assembled, adjusted, and tested by experienced cartridge craftsmen in Yokohama, Japan.

Building Your System

The Blue Point No. 3 High is an excellent match for quality turntables with medium-mass tonearms and any phono preamp, receiver, or integrated amp with a standard MM phono input.

It’s the perfect way to experience moving coil sound without changing anything else in your system.

Features & Specifications

High-Output MC Generator
2.5mV output works with any standard MM phono input—no MC stage needed.

Low-Mass Elliptical Diamond Stylus
Accurate groove tracing with smooth highs and articulate bass.

Lightweight Aluminum Cantilever
Rigid and responsive for precise, confident tracking.

Resonance-Optimized Body
Re-engineered housing eliminates internal resonance for a cleaner, quieter sound.

Precision Japanese Craftsmanship
Each cartridge is hand-built and individually tested.

Standard ½-Inch Mount
Compatible with most modern tonearms.

Specifications

•          Type: High Output Moving Coil (MC)

•          Stylus: Elliptical Diamond (0.3 x 0.7 mil)

•          Cantilever: Aluminum Pipe

•          Output: 2.5mV

•          Load Impedance: 47k ohms (standard MM input)

•          Mounting: Standard ½-inch

•          Tracking Force: 2.0 grams (recommended)

•          Weight: 6.1 grams

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a moving coil phono preamp?
No. The Blue Point No. 3 High is designed to work with any standard moving magnet (MM) phono input—that’s exactly what makes the Blue Point family so popular.

How does the High compare to the Blue Point No. 3 Low?
Both share the same body, stylus, and cantilever. The Low’s lighter coils offer slightly finer detail and dynamics, but it requires an MC phono stage. The High delivers Blue Point sound through the MM input you already own.

How does it compare to a moving magnet cartridge like the Amethyst?
The Blue Point No. 3 High offers the characteristic speed, air, and openness of a moving coil design, while the Amethyst delivers refined MM performance with a user-replaceable stylus. Both are excellent—many listeners simply prefer the MC presentation.

Who is the Blue Point No. 3 High designed for?
It’s ideal for vinyl enthusiasts who want a taste of true moving coil sound with zero added complexity.

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