The Hana Umami Red MC Cartridge represents the pinnacle of sound engineering, skillfully blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with state-of-the-art audio technology. This high-end moving coil cartridge is a testament to the decades-long expertise of Excel Sound, a company renowned for its dedication to audio excellence.

At the heart of the Hana Umami Red’s design is a commitment to exceptional materials and precision engineering. The cartridge features an ebony wood body, known for its dense, resonant qualities that contribute significantly to the overall sound character. The use of ebony is complemented by the application of Urushi lacquer, a traditional Japanese technique that not only adds a distinctive red gloss finish but also enhances the cartridge’s durability and aesthetic appeal. The integration of these materials demonstrates a harmonious blend of natural elements with technological innovation.

Central to the Hana Umami Red’s performance is its advanced magnetic circuitry. This system utilizes samarium-cobalt magnets, which are rare-earth magnets known for their high magnetic strength and temperature stability. These magnets work in conjunction with a pure iron magnetic circuit that has undergone a cryogenic treatment. This treatment process, involving the exposure of materials to extremely low temperatures, refines the metal’s structure, thereby enhancing its magnetic properties and, in turn, the cartridge’s overall performance.

The cartridge’s stylus, a crucial component in any phonographic system, features a Microline profile. This type of stylus is celebrated for its ability to trace the record grooves with exceptional precision, ensuring the most accurate reproduction of the recorded sound. The Microline stylus is mounted on a boron cantilever, a material chosen for its light weight and high rigidity, which further improves the tracking ability and transient response of the cartridge.

In terms of technical specifications, the Hana Umami Red boasts an impressive frequency response range of 10 Hz to 50 kHz. This wide range ensures that the cartridge can accurately reproduce both the deep, resonant bass tones and the high-frequency details with clarity and balance. The cartridge has an output level of 0.4 mV at 1 kHz and operates optimally at a tracking force of 2 grams, balancing delicacy with durability. Additionally, with an impedance of 6 Ohms, it pairs well with a variety of phono stages, offering flexibility in system matching.

The coil wire in the Hana Umami Red is made of high-purity copper, ensuring minimal resistance and thus maximizing the efficiency of the electromagnetic conversion process. This choice of material contributes to the cartridge’s ability to deliver a sound that is both dynamic and nuanced.

The cartridge’s housing, crafted from CNC-machined Duralumin and embellished with the aforementioned ebony wood and Urushi lacquer, not only serves an aesthetic function but also plays a critical role in the cartridge’s sound quality. The weight of the cartridge is a balanced 10.5 grams, a figure meticulously chosen to optimize performance while ensuring compatibility with a wide range of tonearms.

The Hana Umami Red MC Cartridge is a product of exceptional quality, embodying the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern audio engineering. Its design philosophy, reminiscent of a Michelin 3-star restaurant’s attention to detail and harmony of elements, results in an audio experience that is both memorable and emotionally resonant. For enthusiasts and connoisseurs looking for a truly exquisite sound experience, Soundlux Audio invites you to reach out with any questions or to arrange an audition of this remarkable cartridge.