"...the optical cartridge offers a more open, dynamic, pacey and detailed sound, delivering excitement and energy while capturing subtle nuances in the mix and individual musicians’ contributions."
AUGUST 13, 2025
"The Umami Red is not just the most engaging cartridge I’ve had in my system, but it’s one of the most engaging cartridges I’ve ever heard..."
"...the Umami Red represents one of the smartest “steps up” to the high end you can make in my opinion"
- Michael Johnson, Audiophilia.com
RECENT NEWS
"An upgraded version of the original and widely hailed Grand Master optical cartridge, it offers a rarefied experience, one not subject to the usual limitations of vinyl playback. Instead, it ascends to lofty Everest-like peaks of musicality that more fully access the hidden treasures buried in the black grooves of an LP."
AUGUST 7, 2025
"Sonically, the III has a wider dynamic window, lower noise, greater headroom, gain, transparency, detail, and resolution, with a new-found impression of roundedness, dimensionality, and density of tone and body."
AUGUST 7, 2025