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Hana S Series Mk II MC Phono Cartridge SL - Low Output Reviews

4.7 Rating 7 Reviews
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Michael Weintraub
Verified Reviewer
Incentivized
Upgraded from Hana EL for my Rega P3. I was a little concerned about alignment since Shibatas are supposed to be fussier than elipticals, but it was really no problem. Definitely more high-end sparkle and more air around the instruments. When I first installed it, there was a noticeable lack of low-end, but that has improved with break-in. I also tried experimenting with different platter mats. I ultimately settled on a leather mat with a Teac washi paper mat on top. This gave me the best balance of bass and high-end clarity. Not sure if this is because of the materials or slight changes to tracking angle. Took some fiddling, but I think this is probably as good as it gets for the money. Rega's lack of VTA adjustment (if you don't want to add shims) limits cartridge choice, but I like the sound much better than my old Rega Exact. Great choice for this table, and UA's staff was very helpful.
1 Helpful Report
Posted 2 months ago
Aristotle Pahed
Verified Reviewer
Incentivized
Really good sound at a good price. Detailed and quite cart.
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Posted 2 months ago
Yuman Fong
Verified Reviewer
Incentivized
Author didn't leave any comments.
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Posted 4 months ago
Samuel Rossi
Verified Reviewer
After reading so many positive reviews on-line and in print of the refreshed Hana S Series Mk ll I had to take the plunge. The Hana replaces a much loved Sumiko Wellfleet which for the price and being MM provided a very nice, better than competent sound in all respects. The Hana is just the next level in refinement; not exponentially or hyperbolically better than the Sumiko, but improved; bass, soundstage, clarity between instruments and detail. One of my well-worn test discs included a track with a light cymbal tap that I never heard before. I mean the cymbals were just just buried in the mix. The Hana brought that out with delicate detail. Also, vocals in general have real dynamics over the Sumiko. Looking forward to how this cartridge will sound after break-in.
1 Helpful Report
Posted 6 months ago
Noberto Guzman
Verified Reviewer
Author didn't leave any comments.
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Posted 9 months ago
John Lindsey
Verified Reviewer
Author didn't leave any comments.
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Posted 9 months ago
Colin Maycock
Verified Reviewer
This is the first Hana cartridge I've ever bought and the sound it makes is nothing short of stunning. The oscillations within the shell transform fairly mundane recordings into lively, exciting works. Classic classical recordings like Glenn Gould's 1955 Goldberg variations sparkle while 1980's synth pop like Pet Shop Boys 'What have I done to deserve this' sizzle and leap from the speakers. The only downside of this cartridge is that it'll wear out eventually and you can't install a new stylus.
1 Helpful Report
Posted 10 months ago