About the Sumiko Starling

Product Description
Reference Series
The Songbird was created to take the iconic Blue Point Special and enhance the design for a step up in both construction and fidelity, taking a great leap toward true high-end audio.

No aspect of the cartridge's design was left to chance. Inspired by the range-topping Starling, the Songbird is an open-architecture moving coil cartridge that excels at providing rich vocals, while also delivering low-mids and bass with poise and control. The benefit of the physical design is that resonances often associated with external housings are eliminated in the Songbird, yet to enhance this further the cartridge also boasts a CNC-precision milled high-grade aluminium mounting plate so the cartridge system can perform effortlessly.

The Starling is the flagship open architecture cartridge from SUMIKO, exhibiting true high-end sound from a meticulously engineered device.

No aspect of the cartridge's design was left to chance. The Starling is an open-architecture moving coil cartridge that renders the grandeur of an orchestra while still preserving air and space, and also delivers every detail of a nuanced Jazz recording with its responsive dynamics and deep silences. The benefit of the physical design is that resonances often associated with external housings are eliminated in the Starling, yet to enhance this further the cartridge also boasts a CNC-precision milled high-grade aluminium mounting plate so the cartridge system can perform effortlessly. The mechanical silence of the Starling concedes a dynamic linearity across the entire spectrum that allows it to handle even the most demanding passages with effortless poise and convincing drive.

The long-grain boron cantilever employed in the Starling provides class-leading energy transfer from the stylus to the coils. Further, the synthetic rubber suspension system is tuned so the hardness and repulsion factor are optimised for a controlled acoustic performance over a long lifespan.

The sophisticated Starling design results in a combination of superior dynamics and excellent long term tracking ability. When finished with the specially ground, low-mass, high-end MicroRidge stylus, tremendous amounts of detail can be extracted from the record groove.

As it's part of the Reference Series, the Starling is painstakingly crafted by hand in a process that involves hours of labour. After assembly, final adjustments are made using a battery of test records, and performance is hand-calibrated for your enjoyment.

The Starling is a traditional "low output" moving coil, but its fidelity and technical characteristics mean that it delivers a truly high-end sound when paired with the appropriate equipment in a high-end vinyl system.

Key Features:
Moving Coil cartridge with MicroRidge stylus
Long-grain boron cantilever
Exceptional sonic characteristics, with deep silences
Ultra-low resonance open architecture design
Overhead mounting design
Easy to set-up and install

Shipping Information

Thank you for considering Yorkshire AV for your next investment in your AV or HiFi setup.

We are an approved retailer for all brands sold on our website, which means full manufacturers warranty and support as well as detailed product knowledge within our small business.

We use an inventory tracking system which states if item(s) are in stock and if not, what are the likely lead times.

Who do you use for delivery?

Our primary delivery agent is DPD. Where orders are shipped directly from Yorkshire AV, we always use DPD who offer a fabulous service at competitive rates.

If we drop ship (i.e. direct from the supplier) then the delivery agent is out of our control. It is generally DPD or UPS however - we rarely see other carriers used.

Selecting "Next Day" delivery does not mean you'll receive your item the next day in some cases. It's the next day from when the item(s) are in stock with us. If there is an urgent need then please contact a member of staff via the Live Chat or telephone (01757 826111) to check on live stock levels.

Certain product(s) are delayed in manufacturing due to semi-conductor shortages across the Globe. We'll keep you informed as to your order progress and a likely ETA once we get updates from the manufacturers.

Returns

Standard Returns 

Our returns policy lasts for 28 days for all items in our store except those defined in section (1) below.

To be eligible for a refund, your item must be unused/unopened and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. 

If you return the item to us within 14 days of purchasing, you will be offered a full refund or exchange. If your return comes to us after 14 days of purchasing and is opened, we will refund the full amount less 20%. Unused items returned up to 28 days after purchasing will be fully refunded.

It's the responsibility of the customer to return the items at your cost. Yorkshire AV are able to arrange collection - please contact us for a quote.

You must ensure goods are shipped in their original packaging if they are damaged/not working. Manufacturers will not accept returns and Yorkshire AV can not be held responsible for any damage in transit.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned.

(1) Examples of non-returnable items: 

  • Gift cards 
  • HiFi Racks
  • Second hand units / clearance products
  • Headphones (due to listener hygiene)
  • Custom cables
  • Special order items (items that we order in for you/were not in stock at the time of order)

To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase. 
Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer. 

Please complete your return via your customer account by clicking here.

There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable). Those are where:

  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error 
  • Any item that is returned more than 28 days after delivery 

There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable). Those are where:

  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error 
  • Where the item wasn't marked with an extended returns policy at the end of the checkout process

Refunds (if applicable) 

Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. 

Items that have been opened will be listed on our "Clearance" section. We charge a 20% fee from the total item value which will be deducted from any refund amount applicable.

If your returns are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within 2-3 days. Costs of shipping will be deducted from any refund amount.

Late or missing refunds (if applicable) 
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. 
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. 

Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. 

If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at info@yorkshireav.co.uk. 

Sale items (if applicable) 
Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items/clearance products cannot be refunded. 

Exchanges (if applicable) 
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at info@yorkshireav.co.uk and send your item to: Yorkshire AV LTD, Unit 6 Wood Farm, Doncaster Road, GOOLE, DN14 0JF, United Kingdom. 

Shipping 
To return your product, you should mail your product to: Yorkshire AV LTD, Unit 6 Wood Farm, Doncaster Road, GOOLE, DN14 0JF, United Kingdom 

You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. 

Please complete your return via your customer account by clicking here.

Warranty

By default, our brands follow their standard manufacturers warranty terms and length.

For extended Warranty (should this be offered with your product), please ensure you complete the Extended Warranty registration form that was emailed to you.

Warranty claims within the warranty period are underpinned by the manufacturer. With any extended warranty claims - Yorkshire AV act as your agent to the authorised repair centre.

Shipping charges are excluded from any warranty claim. Original packaging and receipts must be provided else the claim will be rejected.

For any questions or issues - please contact us directly.

Finance

We’ve got you covered, as we have finance options available for people with varying circumstances. Yorkshire AV believes that you shouldn’t have to pinch your pockets to be able to purchase our products. You can pay in affordable monthly instalments to better suit your needs and budget.

To help you purchase from Yorkshire AV, we have partnered with Kandoo, a regulated credit broker to offer all our customers a range of highly flexible finance options. Kandoo is a comparison service that searches to find you the best Personal Loan option that’s right for you.

You can apply here - then continue your purchase from us.

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Do you have a real store?

Yes! We have a store set in a quaint location with plenty of parking even for HGV's! We have a dedicated demonstration room for Headphones/portable audio, 2 channel HiFi and one of the most advanced home cinema rooms in the country.

Can I home demonstrate products?

In most cases yes. Simply contact us with your requirements and if it's on the shop floor - we can arrange a home demonstration.

Do you ship from store?

In most cases yes. We have a store front with products such as cables and smaller products physically to hand. We also have a dedicated warehouse a few minutes away with over 1200sq m of products stored. Some products are shipped direct from manufacturers - as it's not practical / cost effective to store every variant of every product. We are very efficient at stock management however.

Can I return a product?

Yes! So long as it's new/unused and in the same condition it was delivered to you, we will gladly refund you up to 14 days from purchase. Please raise a request via your Account area to start the return process.

Do you offer installation?

Absolutely - we have a dedicated, in-house team of installers who travel the UK installing lovely hifi and home cinema solutions. Contact us to discuss pricing.

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