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Bare cartridge design, Sumiko Blackbird Low Output

I need a cartridge to fill in while my other one is stuck up in NJ. (SS Zephyr mkiii)
I am interested in the Blackbird but I am not familiar with a bare design.

What do I need to know about this design, and does this make the cart more or less susceptible to issues such as static etc?

Thanks for the input.
lps4eloise
tooblue
1,934 posts
 
@chakster , " it's about experience ", which I have a lot of. The only cartridge I ever destroyed was a Sumiko Blue point thirty years ago and it had nothing to do with set up, but you are right, schiit happens. Enjoy the music
billwojo
397 posts
 
I'm with chakster on this, that cart is way to easy to damage with virtually everything exposed. I just had a Denon DL-103 installed in a wood body and that thing makes me nervous to handle. Not used to mounting a cart without a stylus guard in place either.

BillWojo
cakids
166 posts
 
Had 2 Blackbirds. Liked the sound. Very energetic sound.  No hum or other issues. However, the exposed tiny wires require exceptional care in handling. I know from experience. Be very careful.
In your price range I would go for a Hana. Even the $450 EL sounds better in my system.
cakids
166 posts
 
Btw. I’m using the Hana as a temporary fill-in after I destroyed my Blackbird. Will probably upgrade eventually, but it is way better than I expected. Am in no hurry to replace it.
boofer
86 posts
 
I destroyed 2  Clearaudio Virtuosos, as above, the only ones I ever did when changing phono cartridges, and I have had over 100 cartridges over the years.
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