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Hi Everyone, I recently got one of the newly released Hana cartridges. They are available from a number of sources now. Two types, high output (2mv) and low output (0.2mv). Two stylus types elliptical and Shibita. All are essentially the same construction and similar specs. I got the EL or elliptical low output one. Not too pricey as cartridges go at $475US (the SH and SL are $750) considering the current state of audio gear. I have mine feeding a pair of Lundahl 9226 step up transformers into my fifth generation Groove preamp. It resides in an Origin Live arm on my Empire 598. 1 to 10 step up with 400 ohm loading (factory recommended value) on the cartridge. Even right out of the box it was good. After a number of hours really a great buy in that price range. Very clean well rounded sound, excellent tracking and a slightly warm overall presentation. Not as warm as the Grados, but not as bright as the Denon and Benz Micro (both mentioned below). Easy and non-fatiguing to listen to. I like it so much that it is my second choice now. It can't compete with the Dyna Vector Karat 23RS-MR I have, few can and it retails for a whole lot less. Still I like it better than the AT33PTG/II (third best), Benz Micro MC Gold, Denon DL 110, Om 30, and Grado Woodie I have. To find out more check it out on line. The company that makes them is the OEM supplier for many other brands and they thought they would put one out as they had all the parts in house and could do it better and less expensive. Seems like a winner to me. The EH version was subject of a recent thread on another site and well liked too.
For those curious about the rest of my main system it consists of a modified (and digitially controlled) Forewatt line stage, a pair of upgraded KT120 Oddblock power amps and Martin Logan electrostatics. On rare occasions I add in a pair of 30 cm subs in 200 ltr boxes with a pair of SS (gads what is the world coming to) sub amps to handle chores below 40HZ. There is also an OPPO SE version Blue Ray, an Akai reel to reel and a Nakamichi cassette. The main turntable is a custom diy Dual 701 with Jelco arm.
Good listening
Bruce
_________________ Some of my DIY Tube Amplifier Projects:
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