VPI Aries 2 , SME IV & Rotel RC 1090, cartridge?

The specifications of the Sumiko Blackbird (cartridge weight 9.6g, compliance 12 microns/mN) suggest that it should pair well with the SME IV tonearm for a combined resonance frequency of about 10Hz. As long as the output of the cartridge (2.5 mV) is compatible with the gain in your Rotel phono stage, you should be in good shape. If your Rotel phono stage is a standard 47k Ohm moving magnet phono stage, you should be in business.

To be safe, however, it would be good to hear from someone who has experience in mounting the Sumiko Blackbird on the SME IV or V series arms - just to be sure there are no physical compatibility problems between the cartridge and the tonearm.

Hi Cincy_bob,
The Rotel's phono stage is switchable between mm at 47kohm and mc at 100 ohms. That's why I also asked about those Ortofon cartridges I believe they all suggest >30 ohms. Or, as in the case of the Kontrapunkt, 50 to 200 ohms.

Done deal again! I bought an Ortofon Jubilee cartridge. I'll post my thoughts on this cartridge in my system once it is broken in.

Still waiting for my Ortofon Jubilee. Guess what. The Benz Micro L2 is breaking in BEAUTIFULLY! Maybe I'll have to see about a turntable that can use 2 arms.

I sold the Benz Micro L2. I'll probably miss it's warmth on some recordings. But I am liking the Ortofon Jubilee so far. It now has about 30 hours total. 10 hours on my rig through the Benz Micro Lukaschek PP-1 T-9. It really delivers a satisfying, balanced sound. By that I mean nothing emphasized at the cost of something else and nothing shortchanged either. The only concern is that it almost looks like the cartridge 'suspension' (where the cantilever comes out) is riding on the record surface. (It isn't, or I would hear it, right?) Any thoughts?