The Japanese manufacturer of phono cartridges presents its new top-of-the-range model, the Hana Umami Black. This moving-coil (MC) cartridge is the very essence of the brand’s craft. The result of more than 50 years of expertise, it represents the ultimate expression of craftsmanship and high-precision technology.
Hana Umami Black cartridge: key specifications
- Cartridge type: moving coil (MC)
- Stylus: Integral MicroLine Nude
- Diamond cantilever
- Output voltage: 0.3mV
- Recommended load: 50 ohms
An exceptional cartridge
Japanese brand Hana, renowned for the rigor and reliability of its moving-coil cartridges, has unveiled its flagship: the MC Umami Black cartridge. This creation embodies the expertise of Excel Sound, its legendary parent company founded over fifty years ago by Masao Okada-san. With the Hana Umami Black cartridge, the brand offers a work of art that combines traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation, designed to deliver an uncompromising musical experience.
The Hana Umami Black cartridge features a diamond cantilever, a material renowned for its exceptional rigidity. This choice enables direct, distortion-free transmission of groove modulations. The result is greater precision, finer dynamics and a detailed reproduction of every sonic nuance.
OKD generator: a revolutionary design
The MC Hana Umami Black cartridge features the new OKD (Optimized Kinetic Design) generator, a world first. Its structure combines an inverted U-shaped front yoke with a single-piece rear yoke. This architecture optimizes energy transfer from the cantilever, limits resonance and maintains perfect positioning, eliminating tracking errors. Each generator component also benefits from cryogenic treatment at -184°C, which improves conductivity and reduces background noise, for a purer signal.
The Umami Black combines a Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnet with a 2mm square hybrid carbon and permalloy armature, composed of 78% carbon-infused nickel-iron. Hand-wound with 30-micron 4N copper wire, it contributes to a highly accurate dynamic response. This combination of materials ensures a detailed, intense musical reproduction.
Hana Umami Black: a design inspired by the human ear
The Hana Umami Black cartridge continues the range’s distinctive design. Called Auricle, it adopts lines inspired by the shape of the human ear to optimize rigidity and vibration dispersion. Its casing, made of A7075 aeronautical aluminum, a light, robust alloy, incorporates a black zirconia insert. This material acts as a vibration damper while enhancing playback stability.
Finally, the finish of the Hana Umami Black phono cartridge benefits from the artisanal application of Urushi lacquer. Inspired by traditional Makie art, this multi-step technique includes a black undercoat, silver and gold powders, and a final polish. Beyond its aesthetic role, lacquer plays an active part in controlling resonance, guaranteeing a stable, refined sound reproduction.
A showcase of Japanese expertise
With the Umami Black, Hana combines craftsmanship and engineering in a model positioned at the top of its range. Its €10,000 price tag reflects the pursuit of perfection and the brand’s desire to offer a listening experience where every sonic detail takes on a sensory dimension. A true reference for the manufacturer, this cartridge illustrates Excel Sound’s mastery and creativity in the world of high-end analog audio.
