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

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

What You Need to Know

Affordable Entry into True Low-Output Moving Coil Sound

The Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 Low Output Moving Coil Phono Cartridge brings genuine low-output MC performance to a price that was once unthinkable. Handcrafted in Japan, it’s the latest evolution of Sumiko’s legendary Blue Point line—one of the best-selling high-end cartridge families in history.

For listeners with a moving coil phono stage, the Blue Point No. 3 Low delivers the transparency, speed, and dimensionality that make MC cartridges so sought after.

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.

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 smooth, extended highs, a natural midrange, and tight, tuneful bass.

True Low-Output Moving Coil Generator

The Low version uses far fewer coil windings than its high-output sibling, dramatically reducing moving mass and shortening the signal path. Lighter coils respond faster to groove modulations, capturing subtle low-level detail with improved dynamics and refinement.

Paired with a quality MC phono stage, the Blue Point No. 3 Low delivers precise imaging and a convincingly three-dimensional soundstage.

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 Low is an excellent match for quality turntables with medium-mass tonearms and a dedicated moving coil phono preamp.

It’s a superb first step into low-output MC listening—and a rewarding long-term performer in any well-sorted analog system.

Features & Specifications

True Low-Output MC Generator
Fewer coil windings mean lower moving mass, faster response, and finer detail.

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: Low Output Moving Coil (MC)

•          Stylus: Elliptical Diamond (0.3 x 0.7 mil)

•          Cantilever: Aluminum Pipe

•          Output: 0.5mV

•          Load Impedance: 100 ohms or higher

•          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?
Yes. The Blue Point No. 3 Low is a low-output moving coil cartridge and should be used with an MC phono stage or a compatible step-up transformer.

How does the Low compare to the Blue Point No. 3 High?
Both share the same body, stylus, and cantilever. The Low’s lighter coils deliver faster response, finer low-level detail, and improved dynamics—if you have an MC phono stage, it’s the more refined choice.

How does it compare to the Songbird?
The Songbird steps up to Sumiko’s open-architecture Reference Series design for greater transparency, air, and soundstage size.

Who is the Blue Point No. 3 Low designed for?
It’s ideal for vinyl enthusiasts with an MC-capable phono stage who want authentic low-output moving coil sound at an accessible price.

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