Price: $299

Website: www.sumikoaudio.net

Thom said: If your budget can’t stretch to $299, check out the Rainier for half that. But if you can afford $299 and you want the ultimate in detail, smooth response, and great tracking from a MM cartridge, audition the Sumiko Oyster Moonstone. It’s fabulous.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Top of the Oyster series is solid buy.