Sumiko Phono Cartridges Moonstone Phono Cartridge and Stylus

$349.00 to $399.00

3 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 27, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 15, 2026.

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$399.00

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4.3 (61)

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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Sumiko Phono Cartridges Moonstone Phono Cartridge and Stylus". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Experience the ultimate in vinyl playback with the Sumiko Phono Cartridges Moonstone Phono Cartridge and Stylus. This handcrafted Japanese marvel marries tradition with cutting-edge technology to deliver an audiophile-grade experience. Drawing inspiration from the captivating allure of moonstone, this cartridge features a diamond-tipped elliptical stylus that promises to unveil the hidden depths and shimmering highs of your favorite records. Whether you're a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or embarking on your hi-fi journey, the Moonstone's resonance-optimized housing ensures that every note is rendered with precision and clarity.

Sumiko's dedication to sonic excellence is evident in the Moonstone's design, utilizing high-purity copper coils to capture an expansive frequency range. The cartridge’s interchangeable design allows for seamless customization and upgrades, making it an adaptable choice for any vinyl setup. With its near-imperceptible noise floor and full-bodied soundstage, the Moonstone doesn't just play music—it breathes life into it. Discover the nuance and dimensionality that only a meticulously crafted cartridge can offer, and let the Moonstone be the centerpiece of your audio sanctuary.

Key Features:

Handcrafted in Japan for superior precision and sound quality
MM design with high-purity copper coils covering a 12Hz–33kHz frequency range
0.3mm x 0.7mm diamond-tipped elliptical stylus for detailed soundstages
Interchangeable architecture for easy customization and upgrades
Resonance-optimized housing for transparency comparable to MC designs
2.2g max tracking force with a 25º tracking angle ideal for hi-fi listening

Product specs

Type	Phono Cartridge with Stylus, Moonstone
Material	Aluminum
Dimensions	17.2mm x 18.8mm x 29mm
Weight	6.5g
Cartridge Type	Moving Magnet
Stylus Shape	Elliptical, 0.3mil x 0.7mil
Quantity	Single

FAQs

What type of cartridge is the Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge?: The Sumiko Moonstone is a moving magnet phono cartridge, known for its reduced moving mass and output, featuring a 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical diamond stylus.
How does the Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge affect sound quality?: The Sumiko Moonstone offers sonic imagery with weight, richness, depth, and sparkle, providing a keenly realistic texture for audiophiles.
What is the output voltage of the Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge?: The output voltage of the Sumiko Moonstone is 3mV at 1kHz, ensuring clear and balanced audio reproduction.
What materials are used in the Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge?: The Sumiko Moonstone is constructed with an aluminum body, contributing to its durability and sound quality.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge?: The Sumiko Moonstone measures 17.2mm x 18.8mm x 29mm and weighs 6.5 grams, making it a compact and lightweight option for turntables.

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Henley Audio

Sumiko Phono Cartridges | Oyster Series - Moonstone

Henley Audio

Reviews

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PROS

Produces clear highs and punchy, clean bass for an immersive listening experience
Notably more musical compared to Ortofon 2M Blue, drawing listeners in
Excellent sound quality for the price, rivaling more expensive cartridges
Tracks accurately at recommended 2 grams, ensuring optimal performance
Wow/flutter nearly unnoticeable even on mildly warped vinyls
Offers a warm, lively sound signature distinct from competitors

CONS

Requires precise setup to achieve optimal sound quality
Initial burn-in period may not meet expectations without adjustments
May lack channel balance and perfect alignment out of the box
Stereo separation and dynamics reported to be less pronounced
Treble may be softer compared to Ortofon 2M Blue

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sumiko Phono Cartridges Moonstone Phono Cartridge and Stylus.

Mods and upgrades

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The Moonstone stylus offers a noticeable improvement when swapped into a Rainier cartridge, with a more detailed and dynamic soundstage ideal for jazz and ensemble music.
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Comparisons

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The Moonstone provides a smoother, more balanced sound than the Rainier, which offers a punchier experience with a narrower soundstage and prominent vocals, ideal for rock or dance.
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Upgrading to the Wellfleet from the Moonstone is suggested to yield the most significant performance improvement due to its nude elliptical stylus and advanced suspension.
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On a Kuzma arm, a well-matched affordable cartridge like the Moonstone outperforms expensive cartridges on cheaper arms.
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The Moonstone offers a mellower sound compared to the Ortofon Blue, which can be harsh, especially with ribbon tweeter setups.
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Features and functionality

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The Moonstone has a lower output voltage of 3.5mV compared to the Rainier’s 5.0mV, requiring volume adjustment on amplifiers to match levels.
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Other

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The Amethyst stylus can be used with a Rainier body but won't fully showcase its potential, making the body upgrade necessary for optimal performance.
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Setup and maintenance

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Sumiko Moonstone less sensitive to vertical tracking angle (VTA) compared to other cartridges, simplifying setup on various tonearms.
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Threaded inserts in the Moonstone make cartridge alignment easier than cartridges requiring fiddly bottom nuts.
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User experience

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Moonstone praised for flexibility across tonearms with effective masses between 8.5g and 13g, fitting a wide range of setups.
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Moonstone performs well with various setups, including Technics 1500c and VPI Cliffwood, paired with different amplifiers and speakers.
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After switching from Ortofon Blue, users find the Moonstone's stereo separation and treble levels more pleasant for extended listening.
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The Moonstone is praised for reclaiming listenability of overly bright records rendered fatiguing by the Ortofon Blue.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners using the Moonstone on tables like the Audio Technica LP1240 and Project X8 report excellent performance across a wide music range.
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Value and pricing

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The Nagaoka MP-150, a competitor to the Moonstone, is noted for its aluminum cantilever and sells for $300, offering a different tonal character.
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Critic Reviews

Sumiko Moonstone Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge - Positive Feedback

positive-feedback.com

The Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge is a surprising performer for its $299 price tag, delivering intricate detail and smoothness that defy expectations. While not on par with high-end models, it offers a sound quality that rivals pricier cartridges, making it a great choice for budding audiophiles or budget-conscious veterans. Its ability to handle a wide range of music with balance and nuance is impressive, though it lacks the ultimate detail of luxury cartridges. With easy stylus replacement and commendable tracking abilities, it's a solid entry-level choice that won't disappoint.

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Sumiko Phono Cartridges REVIEW - Witchdoctor

witchdoctor.co.nz

Sumiko's Moonstone Phono Cartridge is a standout in their new lineup, offering an impressive balance of detail and dynamics that rivals pricier moving coil cartridges. The Moonstone delivers a punchy, smooth, and engaging listening experience, making it a recommended choice for those upgrading from the Olympia. However, while the Rainier is a competent entry-level option, it falls short on soundstage and occasionally struggles with sibilance. The Amethyst, although providing superb detail and realism, can be unforgiving on disc noise. Overall, Sumiko's offerings show a clear progression in quality, making them a solid choice across various budgets.

positive

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