HANA Umami Blue Low-Output MC Phono Cartridge

The HANA Umami Blue is a high-end, low-output MC phono cartridge meticulously handcrafted in Japan by Excel Sound. It embodies the design philosophy of master Masao Okada-san, integrating unique materials, traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and modern audio engineering. Featuring an Auricle™ Duralumin CNC body, it combines the precision-cut diamond stylus, boron cantilever, and high-purity copper coils of the Umami Red with the Alnico magnet generator of the ML series. This fusion delivers ultimate musicality and emotional depth, extending HANA's signature "brilliant and gorgeous" sound quality.

Materials and Technology

• Stylus: Precision-cut diamond (Microline profile), excellent groove fit, outstanding detail retrieval and tracking ability.
• Cantilever: Boron cantilever, lightweight, high rigidity, fast and precise signal transmission.
• Magnet and Coil: Alnico magnet + high-purity copper coils, low impedance design, sharing key components with Umami Red.
• Body: Exclusive Auricle™ Duralumin CNC machined body, combining aesthetics with acoustic optimization; special Melamine Thermosetting Process (MTP) treatment enhances rigidity and damping.
• Other Specifications:
  • Output Voltage: 0.4mV / 1kHz (low output)
  • Frequency Response: 15–50,000Hz
  • Channel Separation: 30dB / 1kHz
  • Output Balance: 0.5dB / 1kHz
  • Tracking Force: 2.0g
  • Impedance: 8Ω / 1kHz (recommended load impedance >80Ω)
  • Weight: 10.8g
  • Height: 15.8mm
    

Sound Characteristics

The Umami Blue delivers balanced, transparent, and musically engaging sound:

• Bass: Deep and solid, excellent control, powerful dynamics.
• Midrange: Rich and natural, delicate vocal and instrument textures, genuinely moving emotions.
• Treble: Crystalline and smooth, strong sense of air, excellent extension.
• Overall: Wide soundstage, precise imaging, high resolution, extremely dark background. Hailed as "universally excellent" and capable of reproducing master tape-like realism, it suits all music genres and is never fatiguing for long listening sessions.

User and Professional Review Excerpts

• The Absolute Sound: "An all-around excellent cartridge... a greater sense of illumination and more open sound."
• Tracking Angle / Positive Feedback: "Extremely low noise, rich in detail, and highly musically enjoyable... high-end performance at an approachable price."
• Mono & Stereo: "Superb balance and tracking ability, capable of extracting a wealth of musical pleasure from vinyl."
• Other audiophile feedback: "Wide soundstage, transparent and natural," "Captivating midrange, emotionally rich overall," "The best entry point into the Umami series, worth every penny."

The HANA Umami Blue is an ideal choice for those seeking a high-end analog experience! Paired with a quality MC phono stage system, it will unlock a richer, more three-dimensional, and soulful musical charm from your vinyl collection.