Hana Cartridges

This company has three levels of moving coil cartridges, each of which is comprised of both low- and high-output models. The E-series sells for $475, the S-series for $750, and the M-series for $1200. All of the low-output models are now Class-B Recommended by Stereophile, which is quite an accomplishment for such affordable cartridges!

Hana translates to “brilliant and gorgeous” and their cartridges use Excel Sound Corporation's best materials including Alnico magnets, cross-shaped armatures, and proprietary manufacturing processes. (Excel is the company that made most of Audioquest's phono cartridges in the 1980's and 1990's.) Hana cartridges are available in three series with your choice of low or high output:

• The E-Series with its distinctive moss green body and Elliptical stylus
• The S-Series, distinguished by its black body and Shibata stylus
• The M-series which features their best technology and a Microline stylus geometry

Hana EL (low output) and EH (high output) cartridges are the ideal performance/value choice and the best way to upgrade from “starter” cartridges. The E-Series features an elliptical stylus and a sophisticated generator providing true moving coil sound. The SL (low-output) and SH (high-output) cartridges offer authentic high-end performance. The Hana S-Series uses the legendary Shibata stylus shape for reproducing more musical information from your vinyl. They provide tighter channel balance, greater channel separation, and improved high-frequency extension compared to their EH and EL counterparts. The M-series features higher-specification parts, extra-pure copper wiring, Delrin cartridge bodies, cryogenically processed materials, and threaded headshell fittings. The cryogenic processing, which restructures metals at the molecular level, is especially beneficial in Alnico-based magnetic electro-motive circuitry (the cartridge signal generator). This series also uses a Microline stylus. This stylus geometry mimics the shape of a cutting stylus and fits more precisely into the vinyl groove than other types. This also enhances tracking to capture the most delicate details with better frequency reproduction, imaging, and resolution. The body also features an integral machined brass cap for constrained-mode layer damping that reduces parasitic vibrations. These upgrades yield Hana's best performing cartridges.