The Oyster™ Series Phono Cartridges by S U M I K O 2431 Fifth St., Berkeley, CA 94710 ∙ T el: 510.843.4500 ∙ F ax: 510.843.7120 ∙ W eb: www.sumikoaudio.
Thank you for your purchase of a Sumiko Oyster Series phono cartridge. Sumiko Oyster™ cartridges are products resulting from over three decades of cartridge design. We believe that delivered high performance can be achieved at reasonable prices. The Oyster™ line is the embodiment of this philosophy. Oyster™ is your ticket of entry for the “high-end” – a world of high technology, where companies go to great lengths to recreate music in your home.
Blue Point Special EVO III note: The Blue Point Special EVO III is supplied without a stylus guard so extra care must be observed when handling. Because of the likelihood of damaging an exposed generator cartridge during the process of removing and reinstalling the stylus guard, the stylus guard has been omitted from this model. When mounting a Blue Point Special EVO III, take care not to touch the semi-exposed wires leading from the four gold plated bars to the coil structure.
Once the cartridge is mounted, balance the tonearm for the proper vertical tracking force indicated for each model cartridge (see specifications at the end of this manual). To set the tracking force, first balance the tonearm. Locate the counterweight. On virtually all pivoted tonearms, it will be located at the rear of the tonearm (meaning at the opposite end from the cartridge).
We recommend the use of a high quality alignment protractor to determine correct cartridge positioning for the minimum tracking error. If none are available, follow the tonearm manufacturer’s guidelines for overhang and offset angle. Then, tighten the mounting bolts. Note: Do not over tighten the mounting bolts as this may cause damage to the cartridge and is not necessary for optimum performance.
recommended optimum tracking force setting is given for each model in the specification section of this manual. Anti-Skate/Bias: Due to the rotational inertia of pivoted tonearms, the friction of the stylus on the record groove produces a force pulling the stylus toward the center of the record. Anti-Skate (or mechanical bias) is added to compensate for this force in order to equalize the stylus tracking on the sides of the groove walls.
applied by playing a record. For this reason, when using one of these cartridges a value of roughly one half that of the tracking force is the ideal value. In other words, the Blue Point Special EVO III has an ideal tracking force of 2.0 grams. Therefore, the anti-skate value on your tonearm should be set to 1.0 – 1.5. Vertical Tracking Angle/Stylus Rake Angle: The dimensions of the cutting stylus used in mastering each vinyl record create a rake (forward-backward tilt) of the record groove.
of acoustical music, recorded in real space, to determine the tonal balance and soundstage presentation. Adjust the tonearm pivot height upwards ≈ 1/6 inch at a time and listen to the changes. When the correct orientation has been achieved, the soundstage will be better defined and the music will have a richer harmonic structure. Additionally, surface noise will be reduced dramatically.
phono stage relative to a line stage device such as a CD player. Note: If your receiver or pre-amp has capacitance loading capabilities, a Sumiko high output moving coil cartridges should be loaded with a value no higher than 200pf, and ideally below 100pf. Maintenance Cleaning: Optimum performance can only be achieved by maintaining a clean stylus and record surface.
Important: Extreme caution should be exercised in cleaning the stylus. A single front to back motion can permanently damage the cantilever. Flux Build-Up: Any phono cartridge that comprises a magnetic circuit for generating electricity is subject to an unwanted magnetic flux build-up (bias). We have designed the cartridges in the Oyster™ Series to be less susceptible to this bias than other cartridge designs currently available.
Stylus Replacement: To preserve your record collection, the stylus should be microscopically inspected yearly for wear. Should stylus replacement become necessary, contact your dealer for details on how to accomplish this for your particular Oyster™ cartridge. Moving magnet models can accept a replacement stylus/cantilever assembly. Moving coil cartridges must be traded-in for a new unit as the stylus/cantilever assembly is not user replaceable.
Fine Print (Warranty) This product is warranted to be free of all defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase by the original owner. A purchase receipt or other proof of original purchase will be required before warranty service is rendered.
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Technical Specifications Model Blue Point Special EVO III Cartridge Type MC High/Low Output Frequency Response 12 Hz – 50 kHz Output Voltage/Channel 2.5 mV (0.5 mV Low) Channel Separation 35 dB Channel Balance 0.5 dB Compliance 12 x10-6 cm/dyne Stylus Size/Shape Load 0.3 x 0.7 mm/Elliptical Impedance 47 kΩ (>100 Ω Low) Tracking Force Range 1.7 – 2.1 grams Recommended Force 2.0 grams Cartridge Weight 8.3 grams Blue Point No. 2 MC High Output 15 Hz – 25 kHz 2.5 mV 32 db 0.5 db 15 x10-6 cm/dyne 0.3 x 0.
