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Hana cartridge ML and MH

1767 Views
2 Comments
(5)
Posted on: 16/02/2023
 

A small Japanese brand specialising in high performance cells that is fast becoming a household name. The simple fact that these cells don't cost a fortune adds to their appeal. The first EL and SL series have built up a solid reputation among vinyl enthusiasts, and the duo we're going to talk about now, the ML and MH, confirms the first impression that was "exceptional".

We can put the two cells on the same footing. They are both housed in a polyoxymethylene (POM) body manufactured by DuPont and sold under the Delrin brand name. The front yoke, the central and rear components of the electromagnetic circuit and the wires are cryogenically treated, while high quality copper wire has been selected for the moving coils. The gold-coloured part at the top of the chassis is a gold-plated copper resonance plate which is an integral part of the cartridge body. It is there to reduce vibrations. They are equipped with a superb nude Microline diamond, hence the first letter of this series "M" and use alnico magnets. The specifications in terms of requirements and compliance are identical and offer the same frequency response, output equalisation and channel separation. The only difference, at least on paper, is that the high efficiency model has a higher output and load impedance than the low efficiency model. The word "ML" or "MH" is written on the side.

The "MH" model is more suitable for more conventional phono stages using limited settings. However, if you have a phono stage capable of handling low output with extensive adjustment possibilities then the ML model is the one for you. If you read articles comparing the two series SL or SH, you will come to the same conclusion.
However, the higher you go, the more difficult it becomes to set up the high output models with a phono stage that has only one switch to switch between 'MM' and 'MC' and this is even more true with the MH model. It is therefore essential to have a good phono stage for these two models (ML and MH).

As with all Japanese cells, the name Hana has a meaning of 'brilliant and beautiful'. These two adjectives fit perfectly with the M series which could be the most representative expression of Masao Okada-san. "brilliant" for the resolution of details and "beautiful" in the tonal balance.

What they have in common is a delicacy at the top end of the spectrum, combined with a midrange that borders on the invisible and a well-structured bass, all of which combine to perfection to give a sound that is solid and well placed, yet seems so light. A difficult alchemy to achieve and one that is most often found in very high level cells.

There's also something really interesting about the way these cells handle the vocals. Some albums like Isaac Hayes' Hot Buttered Soul is a treat. Billie Holiday's Body and Soul is exceptional in every way. The warmth and timbres of her voice are wonderful. This type of recording highlights the quality of the Hana cells and it is rare to get this intensity in cells at this price!
Moreover, the ability to reduce noise and reach deep into the recording to extract subtle effects without having to force or even exaggerate the high frequencies is one of the main characteristics of these cells.
In terms of sound rendering, they are very close to a Koetsu or a Kiseki and yet we are very far from the prices offered by these models. For a budget of 1200 euro we are close to perfection!

 
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Comments

  • Nouvelle cellule Hana
    By: Marie On 26/11/2023
    Rating:
    5.0

    I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your blog?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
    Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or
    2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?

    Replied by: Expert hifi On 18/01/2024 Thank you for your comment. I'll try to add more images next time.

  • Nouvelle cellule Hana
    By: Ted On 15/11/2023
    Rating:
    5.0

    Thanks , I have just been looking for info approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I have discovered so far.

    But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you
    certain about the source?

    Replied by: Expert hifi On 15/11/2023 Hello,

    I had the opportunity to test the Hana MH and ML cartridges with the Goldnote PH5 phono amplifier. I must say that they are by far the best cartridges I have heard at this price point.

    The Hana MH offers rich and detailed sound reproduction, with excellent spatialization. The Hana ML, on the other hand, is more subtle and refined, with a softer and warmer sound.

    Both cartridges are very musical and offer an incomparable listening pleasure. I highly recommend them to all audiophiles looking for excellent sound quality at an affordable price.

    Sincerely,

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