This Reference MC Phono Cartridge Knows the Importance of Subtlety: Japanese-Made Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation Plays with Expressivity, Honesty, and Accuracy
As a reference audiophile MC phono cartridge, the Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation works to convey those tough-to-transcribe extra bits of information that makes recorded music seem like it's happening in real time. Subtleties like the snap and thump of a kick drum; the sharp attack and rustle of a snare; the pressure of fingers on a fretboard; the breathing patterns surrounding a vocal performance — all contained within LP grooves but beyond the reach of most cartridges. Not this one. Moreover, Beyond just reproducing such details, the Japanese-made Palo Santos Presentation operates across the frequency spectrum without prejudice, delivering the highs, mids, and lows with control, focus, and expressivity.
Built with Brazilian rosewood housing chosen for its resonant properties — the innate homogeny and warmth leads to sophisticated, crystal-clear sonics teeming with micro-detail — and an ultra-rigid long-grain boron cantilever and line-contact microridge stylus, the hand-crafted Palo Santos Presentation tracks with exceptional accuracy and traces grooves with finesse. Given the housing is anchored to a machined aluminum cradle and enclosed by a milled Teflon back plate, the cartridge boasts maximum rigidity and resonance control around the generator. This architecture allows Palo Santos Presentation to play with unwanted coloration and interfering distortion, clearing the way for an honest portrayal of the performance at hand.
Sonically, Palo Santos Presentation’s bass tends to be buttery and inviting, lush and textured, defined and balanced. Its clutter-free midrange feels tangible, natural, and warm. Highs are airy and extended with a sparkle that will likely mesmerize your senses. You’ll be able to sense the emotion in dynamic shifts, and sit back as even the most complex passages are effortlessly resolved, enhancing your connection to the artists you love.
