Cartridge recommendation for classical listening

I really appreciate your input.
My problem is that I have no ability to install a cartridge on my Rega arm by myself.( It’s not a screw in type.). Whenever I’ve tried it I’ve screwed it up.

I’ve noticed that, but let me tell you that an MM cartridge must be installed without stylus, so it is impossible to damage anything. You add stylus when you cartridge body already screwed and wires already connected. Alignment of the cartridge is what you definitely have to learn and practice yourself, but it is very easy if you have a protractor like Dr. Feickert or the one you can get with Hi-Fi Test LP. Both tools are great and must have, you can find them used.

Too late, but i’m pretty sure this Sumiko is not your last cartridge :))

Cartridges cannot be designed to favor classical music! The idea that any component can favor a certain genre is entirely mythological. Usually this idea is applied to speakers but it really doesn't matter- what makes a component good for one genre makes it good for another.

Totally agree with Ralph's statement above. A good cartridge is good for all genres of music. Same about speakers. 

When I had a modded Rega P5, I tried the Sumiko Blackbird.
Great introduction to MC, if it's your first. You definitely have to be aware at at all times, when you're near the arm. The cantilever is quite delicate.

Are you using the Low or High output? That cart can really sing if your phono stage is up to the task. May be a bit hot on the upper end, depending on the downstream equipment/setup.
Enjoy it.

Tablejockey,

 You’re right on both counts.  The stylus is quite protruding. Could easily be damaged.  I have the high output model.  Can be a little hot.
But it works wonderfully on my system.  It does really sing.
Thanks for your good wishes

And don't forget to ask your dealer about the cost of re-tip if your bought your MC cartridge instead of some nice MM. With Sumiko ELLIPTICAL tip you can use only for about 600 hrs at recommended tracking force, then it must be inspected and after 600 hrs mark you will have to re-tip it soon. 

This Sumiko is extremely fragile, the cantilever can be easily destroyed simply because it is not protected at all. A bit strange that you worried about alignment (probably because of possible damage), but purchased the most dangerous cartridge. Like Lyra, VdH and Dynavector with unprotected cantilever , your Sumiko require extreme care in operation. Personally i always trying to avoid such cartridges, because after i accidentally destroyed one expensive MC i realized the cost of repair (if ever ever possible). 

When you reported us that your phono preamp has only MM input i assume your Sumiko is HOMC (High Output MC), right ? A high output MC is always inferior in comparison to the Low Output MC, mainly because of more coil wire winding that cause higher moving mass. 

Of course the most important is your own opinion about cartridge and the sound quality. 

 

What’s surprising about my preamp is that at a ten o’clock setting the volume is quite loud. I’m wondering if the low output model might work better.
However, at this point I’m really enjoying the sound of this model.