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Long-Awaited Sumiko Stylus for 78s
Along with other new cartridge releases marking its forty years as a leader in analog audio gear, Sumiko has also added a treat for the vintage recording enthusiasts. Sumiko is excited to introduce the long-awaited RS78 stylus for 78rpm shellac records.
Please note that this isn't a complete phono cartridge; it's a replacement stylus for the Sumiko Next-Gen Oyster series cartridges. This stylus is interchangeable with each of the Next-Gen Oyster MM replacement styli (Rainier, Olympia, and Moonstone). It’s never been easier to switch over to shellac when you get the itch.
Considerations for 78rpm Records
It is not advisable to play 78rpm records with a diamond stylus. Meant to track the ‘microgrooves’ of 33s and 45s, a diamond stylus will sound poor and cause undue harm to your record and potentially the cartridge, too. Sumiko has developed RS78 for this very reason. The stylus tracks the grooves properly and reduces the risk of harm to your collection.
Keep in mind that Rainier, Olympia, and Moonstone are stereo MM phono cartridges, meaning that their normal job is to transcribe two channels (left and right) of musical information. When using RS78 with any of these cartridges, what you’ll hear is the one channel of musical information (mono) of the 78 in both stereo channels. For audiophile purposes as it pertains to 78s, a true mono cartridge with a 78-appropriate stylus delivers the best sonics.
Hand-Crafted in Japan
From Oyster to Reference, each Sumiko phono cartridge is crafted by hand in Yokohama, Japan — near the waters where the namesake Oysters dwell. Sumiko selected by ear the finest materials that combine to deliver performance that has enlightened generations of listeners. Each design is thoroughly auditioned until perfected. Production is then executed by world-class cartridge makers with a collective eye for precision and quality. The result is a full horizon of cartridges eager to introduce themselves to your analog system. Whatever your needs, there’s a perfect Sumiko cartridge for you.
