Hana
Hana Umami Red High-End MC Moving-Coil Cartridge
Best high-end moving-coil cartridge for discerning audiophiles seeking emotional, detailed sound.
Experience the pinnacle of audio reproduction with the Hana Umami Red MC Cartridge. Designed by Masao Okada-san, this high-end cartridge embodies the concept of Umami, blending premium materials and classic Japanese techniques with modern audio engineering. It features a CNC machined Duralumin body finished with traditional Urushi lacquering, rare-earth magnets, and a precision-cut diamond stylus. Every element works in concert to deliver a memorable and emotional listening experience, furthering Hana’s signature “Brilliant and Gorgeous” sound quality.
$3950.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1649
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+213%
Above average
Cartridge Type
Moving Coil (MC)
/ Moving Coil (MC)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking deep sonic immersion and nuanced musical texture
- Collectors valuing long-term durability and precision Japanese engineering
- Listeners craving a dynamic, emotionally resonant, and natural sound
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking high-value entry-level components
- Novice users intimidated by complex calibration and setup requirements
- Owners of standard phono stages lacking high-gain amplification
Performance breakdown
Sonic Detail Retrieval
Microline stylus extracts nuanced textures from even the most complex grooves.
Build Craftsmanship
Duralumin body and traditional Urushi lacquer represent the pinnacle of manufacturing.
Dynamic Range
Rare-earth magnets deliver an expansive, emotionally resonant soundstage across all frequencies.
Tracking Precision
Expert assembly ensures flawless stability during demanding high-frequency passages.
System Compatibility
Low output voltage requires a high-quality phono stage for optimal performance.
Harmonic Richness
Cryo-treated circuitry produces the signature lush, vibrant Hana sound profile.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Moving Coil (MC)
Body Material
Duralumin
Cantilever Material
Boron
Stylus Shape
Microlinear
Output Voltage
0.4mV
Coil Impedance
6Ω
Load Impedance
>60Ω
Frequency Response
15-50,000Hz
Features
- Achieves intense musical experience via component synergy
- Features traditional Japanese Urushi lacquering finish
- Utilizes a precision-cut Microline Nude Diamond stylus
- CNC machined Duralumin body construction
- Hand assembled by expert craftsmen
- Incorporates rare-earth Samarium Cobalt magnets
- Delivers Hana's signature 'Brilliant and Gorgeous' sound
- Cryo-treated pure iron magnetic circuitry
What customers say
Audiophiles overwhelmingly praise the Hana Umami Red for its exceptional sonic performance. Users consistently report a highly refined and musical sound, noting its ability to reveal subtle recording details. The cartridge delivers natural timbre, an expansive soundstage, and impressive realism in vinyl playback. It achieves a superb balance between analytical detail and organic musicality, avoiding harshness. While premium priced, owners feel the investment is justified by the deeply rewarding listening experience. The Umami Red transforms familiar music, fostering a stronger emotional connection with the listener's collection through its meticulously crafted presentation.
Know before you buy
Because this is a low-output moving-coil cartridge with a 0.4mV output, you will need a phono stage capable of handling moving-coil (MC) inputs. It performs best with a high-quality preamp that offers adjustable gain and loading settings to accommodate its 6Ω impedance.
The Microline nude diamond stylus is designed to track the groove with extreme precision, reaching deep into the record wall to retrieve more detail than standard elliptical shapes. While this provides superior high-frequency response and clarity, it also requires precise tonearm setup to ensure optimal performance and longevity for both the stylus and your vinyl.
The CNC-machined Duralumin body provides a rigid, low-resonance foundation that minimizes unwanted vibrations. The traditional Urushi lacquer finish is not just aesthetic; it adds a layer of damping that helps control the cartridge's resonant characteristics, contributing to the refined, natural sound profile.
The Umami Red is a standard-mount cartridge compatible with most high-quality tonearms. However, given its high-end nature and performance capabilities, it is best paired with a tonearm that offers precise adjustment for tracking force, anti-skate, and VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) to fully realize its potential.
Boron is an exceptionally stiff and lightweight material, which allows the cantilever to react instantly to the movements of the stylus. This rigidity ensures that the signal transmitted to the coils is as accurate as possible, resulting in faster transients and a more transparent, detailed soundstage.
Hana’s signature sound is characterized by a balance of high-frequency extension and a rich, musical midrange. You can expect a wide, immersive soundstage with excellent separation, making it well-suited for listeners who prioritize both technical accuracy and emotional engagement in their music.
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$3950