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Sumiko Oyster

The Sumiko Oyster works as a budget MM cartridge with a conical stylus profile and an output level of 5 mV, so it feeds any standard MM phono input without extra gain. Its rated tracking force runs from 1.5 to 2.5 g with a nominal setting of 2.3 g. The replaceable stylus assembly carries the name Oyster Stylus, and Phono Culture lists six compatible replacement styli for this model.

Home Brand

Stylus: Oyster Stylus
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Conical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.7 (≈17.8 µm) ]
Class: Budget

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D): 5.3 g · 18.2 × 18.0 × 30.5 mm
Output Voltage: 5 mV
Frequency Response: 30–20 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 22 dB
Channel Balance: <2 dB @ 1 kHz
Recommended Load: 47 kΩ || 100–200 pF
Tracking Force: 1.5–2.5 g (nominal 2.3 g)
VTA: 25°
Compliance Value: 10×10⁻6 cm/dyn @ 100 Hz
Cantilever: aluminium pipe

Additional Info

The Sumiko Oyster presents a forgiving, easygoing character with naturally warm vocals that flatter imperfect pressings and older gear. Its conical tip on an aluminum cantilever favors smooth, relaxed dynamics over razor-edge detail. That balance suits jazz, rock, and casual listening on modest to mid-tier turntables. The stylus is replaceable when worn, so upkeep stays simple.

Replacement styluses for Sumiko Oyster

Tonar	809-DE	Elliptical
Sumiko	RS Oyster	Conical
Tonar	809-DS	Conical
Tonar	6086-DS	Conical
JICO	SUMIKOOYSTERSAS	Super Analogue Stylus
LP Gear	SUMIKOOYSTERVL	Fine Line

Sound × Setup

Detail

58%

IGD Control

55%

Noise Suppression

60%

Dynamics—Attack

64%

Soundstage/Imaging

62%

Bass Density

59%

Vocals/Midrange

66%

Forgiving Character

75%

Tonearm mass medium 50%

light 50%·heavy 0%

Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%

100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%

Phono gain 35–38 dB 50%

39–42 dB 50%·43–46 dB 0%

Sumiko Oyster (ММ, алюминиевый трубчатый кантилевер) хорошо сочетается с лёгким тонармом — динамическая податливость 10×10⁻⁶ см/дин даёт оптимальный резонанс при массе 8–12 г. Фонокорректор: 47 кΩ, ёмкость 100–200 пФ (ниже — предпочтительнее), усиление 35–38 dB. Оценка резонанса основана на типичных поправочных коэффициентах (confidence: medium).

Collectors

add 11/12/2025 · upd. 08/02/2026