Starling vs ZYX Ultimate 4D
The Ultimate 4D's output is 0.2 mV against the Starling's 0.5 mV and its channel separation 30 dB against 35 dB. Both share tracking force (2.0 g) and cartridge type (MC).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
AnalogCartridges
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$1,749 - $2,099
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the Starling
The Sumiko Starling is a meticulously engineered flagship moving coil cartridge from Sumiko's Reference Series. It features an open-architecture design that minimizes resonance, achieved through a CNC-milled high-grade aluminum mounting plate and a resonance-reducing body. The cartridge uses a long-grain boron cantilever paired with a low-mass Micro-Ridge diamond stylus, providing superior energy transfer and detailed sound reproduction. It delivers a dynamic linearity across the entire frequency spectrum, allowing it to handle demanding musical passages with poise and drive. The suspension system is made of synthetic rubber, optimized for controlled acoustic performance and longevity. Handmade in Japan, each cartridge undergoes hand calibration and testing with test records to ensure high fidelity and tracking ability. It is a low output moving coil cartridge with an output voltage of 0.5mV, suitable for pairing with high-end phono stages.
Specifications
Cartridge
Phono cartridge specifications
- Cartridge Type
- MC
- Output Voltage
- 0.5 mV
- Tracking Force
- 2.0 g
- Stylus Type
- microridge
- Compliance
- 12 cu
- Channel Separation
- 35 dB
- Impedance
- 28Ω
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 17 × 18 × 28.5 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 0.0095 kg (0 lbs)
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions