It’s always exciting to see a new cartridge brand pop up on the market, and even more so in 2015! Hana, like the majority of high-end MC cartridge brands, has come to us from Japan.
Hana EL: Output
As the name suggests (‘L’ for Low), the Hana EL is a low output model.
Its 0.5 mV mean that is suitable for use with all MC phono preamplifiers available on the market. Hana recommends a charge above 400 Ohms.
Hana’s approach to the design and technology of the generator is fairly flexible.
Hana EL: Needle
The cantilever is made of aluminium and is fitted with an elliptical stylus that, after undergoing rigorous tests to ensure compliance with the brand’s technical specs, has been shaped with the utmost precision.
With this optimal profile, it nestles perfectly into the grooves of your records.
Hana EL: Body
The body is made from a Delrin-like synthetic material, and this low output model is coloured green.
Hana EL: Listening and test review
We tried this Hana Hi-Fi cartridge out with a lightweight 9” tonearm as well as with a more substantial 12” model.
It’s worth noting that its compliance of 10 at 100 Hz – so around 18 at 10 Hz – gives it impressive versatility, which is helpful for you when choosing either a lightweight or average weight tonearm.
The Hana EL delivers impressive timbre and nuance.
With a load of 100 Ohms (which is the load offered by standard MC preamps), the balance is delicate and can sound a little dull. If you have a relatively neutral Hi-Fi setup, and if your preamp allows, we recommend setting it to a value above 400 Ohms.
With our Hi-Fi system, we achieved the best results after a break-in period with the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS phono preamp set to over 600 Ohms. Playback is detailed, defined and natural, with a well-articulated and nuanced bass register. Vocals sound very present, with no aggressiveness to report. The level of detail is incredible, without ever spilling over into a clinical sound.
The Hana EL cartridge is an excellent alternative to other brands’ offerings, such as Ortofon or Audio Technica! It is sure to meet the high standards of audiophiles who love the timbres and silky smooth sounds of analogue.
And the value for money is remarkable!
Also available in high output model: HANA EH MC CARTRIDGE
AWARDS :
Positive Feedback - Writer's Choice Award - 2018
Positive Feedback - Very Highly Recommended
Hi-Fi World
The Audiophile Man - Deeply Groovy - 2016
Stereo - test
FranckPrinciple: High output MC
Stylus type: Elliptical
Cantilever: Aluminium
Output: 0.5mV
Balance: > 2 dB
Tracking force: 2g
Tracking ability: 60µm/2g
Compliance 10 Hz: 18
Compliance 100 Hz: 10
Channel separation: 25 dB/1 kHz
Frequency response: 15-25,000 Hz
Internal impedance: 30 Ohms
Load resistance: >400 Ohms
Weight: 5g
Customer reviews
Superbe
Achetée pour remplacer ma Sumiko Blue Point en fin de vie. Tout est mieux: transparence, dynamique, cohérence. Certes ma Sumiko était en fin de vie. Mais voilà, je ne me souviens pas l'avoir entendu chantée aussi bien.
En tout cas, le rapport qualité/prix est excellent. Si vous avez un ampli qui accepte les cellule MC bas niveau, il n'y a pas à hésiter. A 449 euros, vous avez une excellente cellule à prix encore raisonnable. Je me vois bien recommander cette Hana, lorsque la mienne sera usée. Pourvu que chez Hana, ils ne réagissent pas comme chez Sumiko (le pris de la Blue Point a doublé en 8 ans !). Ils ne profiteraient pas un peu de l'engouement pour le vinyle chez Sumiko ? Et après l'avoir comparée à la Hana, je me dis que le prix de la Sumiko n'est pas justifié.
Cellule montée sur platine Pro-ject 1-Expresion et reliée à un ampli Lehmann Black Cube réglé sur 1 kOhm.
Avis hana el
merci beaucoup à Franck de m'avoir orienté vers la hana el, je redécouvre mes vinyles !!!
ou plutôt non, je découvre enfin mes vinyles après tant d'années d'écoute approximatives. quel régal !!! Patrice
Imbattable
Le meilleur des deux mondes: audiophile/mélomane. Le détail, transparence d'une Ortofon combiné aux timbres, présence d'une Benz. Rapport prix/musicalité imbattable.
Comme toujours, merci à Franck, Olivier et toute l’équipe de maplatine.com pour leur professionnalisme tout aussi imbattable :)