Grado Black3 vs Sumiko Pearl
Verdict
Overall, the Grado Black3 cartridge receives mixed reviews. Many users praise its natural sound, beautiful harmonics, and good bass performance. However, some users report issues with hum, poor tracking, and difficulty installing the cartridge. The foam pads on the Grado headphones are also a point of contention among users. Despite its flaws, the Grado Black3 is considered a good budget cartridge option by many.
Verdict
Overall, the Sumiko Pearl cartridge receives mixed reviews. Some users find it to be a great upgrade from their previous cartridges, with a balanced sound and good tracking ability. Others find it lacking in detail and too thick or heavy in sound. The cartridge is generally considered to be a good value for its price point, and its elliptical stylus is praised for its ability to bring out detail in music. Some users recommend other cartridges in a similar price range, such as the AT VM95ML or Grado cartridges. The Sumiko Pearl is generally considered to be a good choice for classic rock music, but may not be the best option for other genres. Overall, the cartridge is well-regarded for its clarity and smoothness of sound, and is a popular choice among audiophiles.
Reviews by Topic
Our analysis shows how reviewers feel about different topics. Please note these are not full reviews.
Sound Quality
QUICK QUESTION!
Got an opinion on a product you've used?
If so, we want to hear from you! Write an authentic longevity review about the product and share your experience with our community. You'll have the chance to win a $100 gift card.