Pro-Ject with Sumiko

Darac · « **on:** 10 Feb 2011, 07:07 pm »

Hello team!
I wonder if any of you have experience with a combination of Pro-Ject RPM 10.1 and Sumiko Blackbird. I read some reviews, but it confuses me Sumiko statement that belongs to the class B gramophone pickup ... what does that really mean?

neobop · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 12:05 am »

Hi,
Gramophone pickup? Just advertising pomposity. I believe it refers to Stereophile recommended - class B.

Sorry, I have no experience with that table.
neo

neobop · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 12:55 pm »

I just read on another forum that Sumiko has raised the price of the Blackbird to $1100. I'm not all that familiar with the cart, but when I heard it, it was sounding good. Somebody chimed in on the thread (AK) that the match with his Pro-ject 9.0 arm, was super good.

Not much more I can tell you. If you're thinking of getting this at a dealer, they got it at the old price and you could negotiate down from there. Normally a dealer makes 40% minus shipping, so there's always some room for negotiations.
neo

vinyl_guy · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Feb 2011, 06:09 am »

I have a Blackbird cartridge and I think it is a very good cartridge, in fact an excellent cartridge at its price point. Stereophile rated it as a class B and gave it $$$, meaning that their reviewers believe it is a great value for the price. It is a high output MC and can be used with a MM phonostage. I bought mine as part of a package wtih the Pro-ject Perspective TT in 2006 or 07. It paired great with the Perspective. I also have used it on my SME 20/2 with the IV.Vi arm. When I bought it the price was around $800 and I thought it was a steal at that price. It is not as detailed as my Lyra Skala and gives up a little on top, but the midrange is wonderful and the bass tight and deep. It also was 1/4 the price of the Skala. When I sold the Perspective I kept the Blackbird because I really like the cartridge and continue to use it.

Laura

TONEPUB · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Mar 2011, 05:25 pm »

Another Blackbird fan here. And the synergy of the Blackbird with the higher end Project table is fantastic! I've always found the Blackbird a little bit forward, but when matched with the right phono pre, an outstanding performer for the money.

Minn Mark · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Mar 2011, 08:55 pm »

I've had two Blackbirds. I liked the first one better (tracked better and sounded better). I lost one channel and got a replacement for a retipping charge from 'the needle doctor'. The second example seems lighter in (physical) weight, and does not track as well on my 1993 SOTA Comet. I've seen blogs about some inconsistency in the quality, so buyer beware. I know the Pro-ject-Sumiko combo is hightly touted but have never heard the set-up. The Blackbird mates well with lots of arms; recently inquired about it on a OriginLive tonearm; highly recommended. Would work well on a new SOTA Comet/Rega set-up for a lot less money. I use AVA Insight phono pre-amp and it sounds great.

Happy hunting.

Minn Mark