Audio T Verdict
The Sumiko Olympia is a very logical step up from an entry-level moving-magnet cartridge because it improves the mechanical parts that actually follow the record groove without making the rest of your turntable system complicated.
Sumiko uses the same basic integrated body and generator platform found throughout much of its current Oyster MM range, but Olympia moves to a hollow 0.6mm aluminium-pipe cantilever and a smaller moving magnet. Reducing moving mass helps the stylus assembly respond more readily to changes within the groove.
The stylus itself is a practical 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical profile. It provides more precise groove contact than a basic spherical tip without becoming as demanding to align as some of the more advanced Line-Contact profiles found higher up the range.
Electrically, Olympia is straightforward. Its 4.0mV output is designed for a conventional moving-magnet phono stage, with standard 47k-ohm resistance loading. Sumiko specifies total capacitance between 100pF and 200pF, so cable capacitance and the phono-stage input should be considered together.
Recommended tracking force is 2.0g, within a 1.8–2.2g operating range, and the cartridge weighs 6.7g. Those figures make Olympia practical for many conventional tonearms, although proper alignment and tonearm compatibility should still be checked.
One of its strongest long-term advantages is the interchangeable stylus system. You can replace the Olympia stylus when it wears or move further up the Sumiko range without necessarily changing and realigning the complete cartridge body.
For customers who want an accessible MM upgrade with straightforward phono-stage requirements and a useful future upgrade path, Olympia gets a lot right.
Sumiko Olympia Moving Magnet Cartridge
Olympia is part of Sumiko's Oyster Series of moving-magnet cartridges and builds on the Rainier platform with reduced moving mass, a hollow aluminium cantilever and elliptical stylus.
Key features include:
- Moving-magnet generator
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- 0.6mm hollow aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Reduced-mass moving magnet
- High-purity copper coils
- Integrated resonance-controlled body and generator
- 4.0mV output
- 1,130-ohm internal impedance
- 47k-ohm load impedance
- 100–200pF recommended capacitance
- 12Hz–25kHz frequency response
- 25dB channel separation at 1kHz
- Less than 1.5dB channel balance at 1kHz
- 12 x 10-6cm/dyn compliance at 100Hz
- 25-degree vertical tracking angle
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
- 6.7g cartridge weight
- User-replaceable stylus
- Interchangeable Sumiko Oyster stylus system
- Hand-assembled in Yokohama, Japan
Moving Magnet Design
Olympia uses a moving-magnet generator.
The magnet moves with the stylus and cantilever while fixed coils within the cartridge body convert that movement into the electrical signal sent through the tonearm wiring.
This brings several practical advantages:
- Relatively healthy output voltage
- Compatibility with conventional MM phono stages
- Standard 47k-ohm loading
- No low-output MC gain required
- No step-up transformer required
- User-replaceable stylus
4.0mV Output
Sumiko specifies:
4.0mV at 3.54cm/sec, 1kHz.
This is well suited to conventional moving-magnet phono amplification.
Less Output Than Rainier Is Completely Normal
Rainier produces 5.0mV while Olympia produces 4.0mV.
If you move from Rainier to Olympia, you may therefore use slightly more of your amplifier's volume control. That does not mean the cartridge requires an MC input or is incorrectly set up.
47k-Ohm Loading
Recommended phono-stage resistance is:
47k ohms.
This is the standard input resistance offered by most moving-magnet phono stages.
Use a Suitable Moving-Magnet Phono Stage
Olympia should be connected to an MM phono input or suitable external MM phono stage.
Do not connect it to a conventional low-resistance MC setting unless the phono-stage manufacturer specifically provides a configuration suitable for a 47k-ohm moving-magnet cartridge.
100–200pF Recommended Capacitance
Sumiko specifies a capacitive load of:
100–200pF.
This matters because moving-magnet cartridges interact electrically with the capacitance of the tonearm cable and phono-stage input.
Think About Total Capacitance
The cartridge sees the combined capacitance of:
- Tonearm wiring
- Turntable interconnect
- Phono-stage input
Do Not Consider the Phono Stage in Isolation
If your phono stage offers selectable capacitance, remember that the turntable cable and tonearm wiring also contribute to the load seen by Olympia.
Aim for Sumiko's recommended 100–200pF total wherever the system allows.
1,130-Ohm Internal Impedance
The generator has an internal impedance of:
1,130 ohms at 1kHz.
This is an internal cartridge specification and should not be confused with the external 47k-ohm load required from the phono stage.
High-Purity Copper Coils
Olympia uses high-purity copper within its fixed generator coils.
The coils convert movement of the magnetic assembly into the electrical signal that eventually reaches the phono stage.
Reduced Moving Mass
One of Olympia's key developments over Rainier is the use of a smaller magnet and hollow cantilever to reduce the mass of the moving assembly.
The stylus and cantilever have to respond to extremely small and rapid changes within the record groove, so reducing unnecessary mass helps the assembly follow those movements more readily.
0.6mm Hollow Aluminium-Pipe Cantilever
Olympia uses a:
0.6mm diameter hollow aluminium-pipe cantilever.
The hollow construction provides useful rigidity without the mass of an equivalent solid aluminium structure.
0.3 x 0.7mil Elliptical Stylus
The stylus profile is:
0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical.
An elliptical stylus has different radii along its two axes, allowing it to follow finer groove modulation than a basic spherical profile.
Why Use an Elliptical Stylus?
An elliptical profile offers a useful balance between:
- Detailed groove tracing
- Good high-frequency tracking
- Relatively straightforward cartridge setup
- Everyday record compatibility
It is still important to align Olympia correctly, but the stylus is generally less demanding than very fine Line-Contact or Micro-Ridge designs.
Accurate Alignment Still Matters
Correct cartridge setup may include:
- Overhang
- Offset angle
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
Do Not Align the Cartridge by Eye
Use the alignment method specified for your turntable or tonearm, or an appropriate cartridge-alignment protractor.
Incorrect geometry can increase distortion, compromise tracking and contribute to unnecessary stylus or record wear.
Integrated Body and Generator
Sumiko's current Oyster MM platform integrates the cartridge body and generator structure with the aim of controlling unwanted internal resonance.
The housing provides the generator with a stable mechanical structure while allowing unwanted energy to be transferred into the tonearm rather than remaining concentrated around the cartridge motor.
12Hz to 25kHz Frequency Response
Sumiko specifies:
12Hz–25kHz.
25dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is specified at:
25dB at 1kHz.
This describes the cartridge's ability to keep left and right information recovered from the two record-groove walls electrically distinct.
Less Than 1.5dB Channel Balance
Sumiko specifies:
Less than 1.5dB channel balance at 1kHz.
6.7g Cartridge Weight
Olympia weighs:
6.7g.
This is within the range accommodated by many conventional tonearms.
Still Check Tonearm Compatibility
Cartridge weight alone does not determine whether a cartridge and tonearm are a good mechanical match.
Confirm that your arm can accommodate Olympia's weight, compliance and tracking-force requirements while providing sufficient counterweight range and cartridge alignment.
Compliance
Sumiko specifies dynamic compliance of:
12 x 10-6cm/dyn at 100Hz.
Compliance describes the flexibility of the cartridge suspension and should be considered alongside the tonearm's effective mass.
2.0g Recommended Tracking Force
Sumiko specifies a tracking-force range of:
1.8–2.2g.
The recommended setting is:
2.0g.
Do Not Deliberately Track Below the Recommended Range
Reducing tracking force below the manufacturer's specified range does not automatically protect your records.
Too little tracking force can allow the stylus to mistrack and lose stable contact with the groove.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
A tonearm counterweight scale is useful for initial setup, but a separate stylus-force gauge allows the final setting to be checked accurately at the cartridge.
Bias or Anti-Skate
After setting tracking force, adjust the tonearm's bias or anti-skate using the arm manufacturer's recommended procedure.
Different tonearms use different calibration methods, so the manufacturer's setup instructions should take precedence over generic rules.
25-Degree Vertical Tracking Angle
Sumiko specifies a vertical tracking angle of:
25 degrees.
If your tonearm provides height adjustment, this can form part of final cartridge setup. A fixed-height tonearm does not automatically make Olympia unsuitable.
User-Replaceable Stylus
Unlike most moving-coil cartridges, Olympia allows the complete stylus and cantilever assembly to be removed and replaced by the user.
This means normal stylus wear does not require replacement of the complete cartridge body.
Interchangeable Sumiko Oyster Styli
The Olympia body accepts Sumiko replacement styli from:
- Rainier
- Olympia
- Moonstone
- Wellfleet
- Amethyst
- RS 78
Direct Replacement or Upgrade?
RS Olympia
- Direct replacement stylus
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical profile
- 0.6mm hollow aluminium cantilever
- Restores standard Olympia specification
Higher-Series Stylus
- Physically interchangeable
- No cartridge-body realignment required if alignment has not moved
- Different stylus, cantilever or magnet specification
- Provides a straightforward future upgrade path
Moonstone Stylus Upgrade
The Moonstone replacement stylus is compatible with the Olympia body.
Moonstone uses a slimmer 0.5mm aluminium-pipe cantilever and reduced moving mass while retaining the same basic generator platform.
This makes it a particularly straightforward upgrade when the original Olympia stylus eventually requires replacement.
Explore the Sumiko Moonstone at Audio T.
Wellfleet Stylus Upgrade
The Wellfleet stylus is also compatible with Olympia.
It uses a nude 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical diamond and 0.5mm aluminium cantilever, providing another upgrade route within the same cartridge platform.
Can You Fit an Amethyst Stylus?
Yes. The Amethyst replacement stylus physically fits the Olympia body.
However, the complete Amethyst cartridge uses a different enhanced generator architecture.
An Amethyst Stylus Does Not Create a Complete Amethyst Cartridge
You gain the Amethyst stylus and cantilever assembly, but the underlying Olympia generator remains unchanged.
For the complete Amethyst specification, choose the dedicated Amethyst cartridge.
RS 78 Stylus Compatibility
The Sumiko RS 78 stylus can also be fitted to Olympia for compatible 78rpm records.
It uses a bonded 3mil spherical diamond designed for the wider grooves used by most shellac 78rpm discs.
Do Not Play Shellac 78s With the Olympia LP Stylus
Most shellac 78rpm records use much wider grooves than modern LPs and singles.
Use an appropriate 78rpm stylus such as Sumiko's RS 78 rather than the normal Olympia elliptical stylus.
RS 78 Tracking Force Is Different
When the RS 78 stylus is installed, use its own tracking-force specification rather than Olympia's normal 2.0g setting.
The RS 78 operates between:
4.0–5.5g
with Sumiko recommending:
5.0g.
Reset Tracking Force When Changing to RS 78
Do not simply swap the stylus and continue using Olympia's normal LP tracking-force setting.
Reset tracking force for the RS 78 stylus before playing a 78rpm record, then return it to the correct setting when reinstalling the Olympia stylus.
Stylus Care
Good cartridge care helps the stylus maintain clean contact with the groove.
Useful habits include:
- Keep records free from loose dust
- Clean the stylus with an appropriate stylus brush or cleaning product
- Use the tonearm cueing mechanism when lowering the stylus
- Avoid touching the cantilever
- Fit the stylus guard while working around the cartridge where practical
Take Care Around the Cantilever
The hollow aluminium cantilever and cartridge suspension are delicate.
Do not apply sideways force or push the stylus towards the cartridge body during cleaning.
Replacing the Stylus
The removable stylus assembly means future replacement is much simpler than on a conventional moving-coil cartridge.
Turn the System Down Before Replacing the Stylus
Reduce the amplifier volume or switch the system off before removing or installing a stylus assembly.
Handle the replacement by its plastic housing and keep fingers away from the diamond and cantilever.
A Phono Stage Is Essential
Do Not Connect Olympia Directly to AUX or CD
A phono cartridge requires additional gain and RIAA equalisation before reaching a normal amplifier line input.
Connect Olympia to a suitable MM phono stage first.
Using an External Phono Stage
If your amplifier does not include a suitable MM input, use an external phono stage.
The signal path becomes:
Turntable ? MM phono stage ? amplifier line input.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Olympia or Rainier?
Rainier
- Moving magnet
- 5.0mV output
- Elliptical stylus
- 15Hz–25kHz response
- 25dB channel separation
- 10 x 10-6cm/dyn compliance
- 47k-ohm loading
- 100–200pF capacitance
Olympia
- Moving magnet
- 4.0mV output
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- 0.6mm hollow aluminium cantilever
- Reduced moving mass
- 12Hz–25kHz response
- 25dB channel separation
- 12 x 10-6cm/dyn compliance
- 47k-ohm loading
- 100–200pF capacitance
Compare the Sumiko Rainier at Audio T.
Olympia or Moonstone?
Olympia
- 4.0mV output
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- 0.6mm hollow aluminium cantilever
- 12Hz–25kHz response
- 25dB channel separation
- Less than 1.5dB channel balance
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
Moonstone
- 3.0mV output
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- Thinner 0.5mm aluminium cantilever
- Further reduced moving mass
- 12Hz–33kHz response
- 30dB channel separation
- 0.5dB channel balance
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
Compare the Sumiko Moonstone at Audio T.
Olympia or Amethyst?
Olympia
- 4.0mV output
- 1,130-ohm internal impedance
- Elliptical stylus
- 0.6mm aluminium cantilever
- 47k-ohm loading
- 100–200pF capacitance
Amethyst
- 2.5mV output
- 700-ohm internal impedance
- Nude Line-Contact stylus
- 0.5mm aluminium cantilever
- Enhanced generator
- 47k-ohm loading
- 100–200pF capacitance
Compare the Sumiko Amethyst at Audio T.
Hand-Assembled in Japan
Sumiko cartridges are hand-assembled by specialist cartridge makers at Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Installing Olympia correctly may involve:
- Physical mounting
- Overhang adjustment
- Offset-angle alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias or anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm-height adjustment where available
- Azimuth adjustment where available
- MM phono-stage matching
- Capacitance checking
If you are not confident carrying out these adjustments accurately, professional fitting is worthwhile.
Who Is the Sumiko Olympia For?
Well Suited To
- Customers upgrading from an entry-level MM cartridge
- Existing Sumiko Rainier owners
- Quality turntables with conventional tonearms
- Systems with a good MM phono stage
- Customers who value a user-replaceable stylus
- Customers wanting an easy future upgrade path
- Turntables allowing proper cartridge alignment
Check Before Buying
- 4.0mV moving-magnet output
- Requires suitable MM phono amplification
- 47k-ohm load impedance
- 100–200pF total capacitance
- 6.7g cartridge weight
- 12 x 10-6cm/dyn compliance at 100Hz
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
- Cartridge alignment needs setting accurately
Key Features
- Sumiko Olympia
- Oyster Series
- Moving-magnet cartridge
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- 0.6mm hollow aluminium-pipe cantilever
- Reduced moving mass
- High-purity copper coils
- Integrated resonance-controlled body
- 4.0mV output
- 1,130-ohm internal impedance
- 47k-ohm loading
- 100–200pF capacitance
- 12Hz–25kHz frequency response
- 25dB channel separation
- Less than 1.5dB channel balance
- 12 x 10-6cm/dyn compliance
- 25-degree vertical tracking angle
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
- 6.7g cartridge weight
- User-replaceable stylus
- Rainier stylus compatible
- Olympia stylus compatible
- Moonstone stylus compatible
- Wellfleet stylus compatible
- Amethyst stylus compatible
- RS 78 stylus compatible
- Hand-assembled in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sumiko Olympia moving magnet or moving coil?
Olympia is a moving-magnet cartridge.
What is Olympia moving magnet or moving coil?
Olympia is a moving-magnet cartridge.
What is the output?
4.0mV at 3.54cm/sec, 1kHz.
What phono stage does Olympia require?
A suitable moving-magnet phono stage.
What load impedance does it require?
47k ohms.
What capacitance does Sumiko recommend?
100–200pF total capacitance.
Can Olympia be connected directly to AUX or CD?
No. A phono stage must provide the necessary MM gain and RIAA equalisation first.
What stylus does Olympia use?
A 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus.
What is the cantilever made from?
A hollow 0.6mm aluminium pipe.
What is the internal impedance?
1,130 ohms at 1kHz.
What is the frequency response?
12Hz to 25kHz.
What is the channel separation?
25dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
Less than 1.5dB at 1kHz.
What is the compliance?
12 x 10-6cm/dyn at 100Hz.
What tracking force should I use?
Sumiko recommends 2.0g, within a specified range of 1.8–2.2g.
What is the vertical tracking angle?
25 degrees.
How much does Olympia weigh?
6.7g.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
Yes. Olympia has a user-replaceable stylus assembly.
What is the direct replacement stylus?
The Sumiko RS Olympia replacement stylus.
Can I fit a Rainier stylus?
Yes. The current Oyster MM stylus assemblies are interchangeable.
Can I upgrade Olympia with a Moonstone stylus?
Yes. Moonstone shares the same general cartridge body and generator platform, making its replacement stylus a straightforward upgrade option.
Can I use a Wellfleet stylus?
Yes.
Can I use an Amethyst stylus?
Yes, it physically fits. However, the complete Amethyst cartridge has an enhanced generator, so the Olympia body does not become a complete Amethyst cartridge simply by fitting its stylus.
Can I use the Sumiko RS 78?
Yes. The RS 78 fits the Olympia body and provides a 3mil spherical stylus for suitable 78rpm records.
Do I use Olympia's 2.0g tracking force with the RS 78?
No. The RS 78 has its own 4.0–5.5g range, with Sumiko recommending 5.0g.
Can I play a shellac 78 with Olympia's normal stylus?
Sumiko advises against it. Use an appropriately sized 78rpm stylus such as the RS 78.
Does Olympia need careful cartridge alignment?
Yes. Correct overhang, offset angle and tracking force remain important even though its elliptical stylus is relatively forgiving.
Where is Olympia made?
Sumiko cartridges are hand-assembled in Yokohama, Japan.
Can Audio T fit and align Olympia?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss tonearm compatibility, cartridge fitting, alignment, tracking force and phono-stage matching.
Related Sumiko Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- MM phono-stage matching
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- Capacitance and loading advice
- Replacement stylus guidance
- Sumiko upgrade-path advice
- 78rpm stylus guidance
- Turntable setup
- Stylus-care guidance
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Sumiko Olympia is the right match for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage, or to arrange professional cartridge fitting and alignment.