Hana Umami Red Moving Coil Cartridge Reviews

4.9 Rating 31 Reviews

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909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

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2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
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91750

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Christopher Gragg

Verified Reviewer

“I’m just a week shy of spending a month with the Umami Red (exquisitely set-up by Sean-Paul at Upscale Audio on my new Dr. Feickert Trio SE) but I can already easily recommend this cartridge. Huge soundstage (3D & wide), instruments precisely located, no high or low end roll off whatsoever and heart thumping percussive thrust from the kick drum. And that’s all happening before it’s broken-in!! Probably the best way to describe my experience so far is that I can’t stop smiling while listening to this gem…. I mostly listen to jazz/jazz-blues, Texas blues, blues based prog-rock and 60’s - 70’s rock. I’ve not yet listened to any other genre of music but I can’t imagine that the Umami Red won’t sound equally wonderful no matter your tastes.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

“Over the last 45 years I have owned quite a few phono cartridges, all being of high quality, and mostly moving coil design. In recent times I have purchased at least one that is more expensive than the Umami Red. However, I can honestly say that the Umami Red is the best sounding cartridge I have ever owned. Top to bottom it has the most well-balanced sonic signature. Nothing is out of place while everything is "just right". Nothing is over-accentuated, while at the same time, everything stands out perfectly, in balance, with the entire musical presentation. Tonally, it is the best I have ever owned. Though it is not an inexpensive cartridge, by today's standards of high-end phono cartridges, it is a relative value. I have this cartridge set up on a Kuzma 4-Point 11" and on a Feickert Analogue, Blackbird turntable. If the price of this cartridge is within your budget then it should be at the top of your short list. It is most highly recommended.”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

“I bought the Hana Umami Red to replace my Ortofon Cadenza Black that I broke the cantilever off of while dusting. Although a costly accident, it was meant to be. The Hana to me is far superior sounding with my audio equipment. For me it was very easy to install. Easier than most cartridges I’ve had. It’s a beautiful cartridge both physically and sonically. A+++”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

Chris Harbert

Verified Reviewer

“I went from the Hana sl to the umami red. The jump was HUGE and I love the detailed sound.my system is Vpi signature 21 with the gold note phono stage. MartinLogan 13a speakers so there is no hiding anything! McIntosh c2700 with the mc462. The Hana umami red really compliments this setup nicely. Thank you Kat for always getting me the best deal even though you’re famous now..”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I paired this amazing cart with a Dr Feikert TRIO SE turntable and a Kuzma 4Point9 arm. My dream setup. I have never heard vinyl play this perfect, just liquid smooth, rich bass, warm mids, and pleasing highs. Kat and Sean Paul built an amazing package for me. I could not be happier.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I was very happy with the Hana ML cartridge, that is until I heard the Umami Red. Believe the reviews, It has once again opened my music up and all my albums need reauditioning.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

Michael Hughes

Verified Reviewer

“So far, not impressed. IMO, the Hana Red is muffled in the higher frequencies. The bass is also thinner than I would have expected. My Lyra Delos blows this cartridge away. I hope it’s sonic character improves as it fully breaks in.”