Hana
Japanese cartridge maker built by Excel Sound, one of the oldest cartridge manufacturers in Japan. Hana brought genuine moving coil performance to a price that had not seen it before.
About Hana
Quick Access
Half a century of cartridge making, under a new name
Excel Sound have been making cartridges in Japan since the late 1960s, much of it for other companies to sell under their own names. Hana arrived in 2016, when founder Masao Okada returned to design a range Excel would badge themselves, hand-assembled in Yokohama.
The range is organised by stylus: elliptical in the E series, nude Shibata in the S, MicroLine in the M, with the Umami models above all three. Each series comes in high and low output versions.
What Hana changed was the entry price for a proper moving coil. The step from a good moving magnet to a moving coil worth having used to be a large one, and the E series compressed it considerably.
Check your phono stage first. The low output models need a moving coil input or a step-up transformer, while the high output versions will run from a moving magnet stage.
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NEW£474.17Ex. VATThe Hana EH MK II is a high-output moving coil cartridge with an elliptical stylus, Alnico magnet and threaded brass cap, giving 2mV to work directly with a standard moving magnet phono stage. -
NEW£474.17Ex. VATThe Hana EL MK II is a low-output moving coil cartridge with an elliptical stylus, Alnico magnet and 8-ohm coil, built for a closer match with moving coil phono stages.
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£582.50Ex. VATThe Hana SL MK II elevates performance in the S Series with a rigid tapered aluminum cantilever, cryo-treated components, and a non-resonant damped body. Drawing tech from Hana’s premium lines, it offers greater bass, clarity, and compatibility—plus a 2-year warranty and replacement service.
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£582.50Ex. VATThe Hana SH MK II MC Cartridge delivers high-resolution analog sound with an upgraded cantilever, cryogenic treatment, and a resonance-controlled body. Its advanced design, Alnico magnet, and low-noise coil system ensure precise tracking and improved audio. Ideal for MM phono stages. -
£582.50Ex. VATThe Hana Mono SLM MK II brings high-performance analog sound to the S Series. Featuring a rigid tapered aluminum cantilever, cryogenically treated components, and an Alnico magnet generator, it delivers outstanding resolution and bass. Its damped, non-resonant body enhances stability and tonearm compatibility. -
£999.17Ex. VATThe Hana ML Moving Coil Cartridge delivers enhanced sonic precision with a Micro-Line stylus, cryogenically treated internals, and a low-resonance Delrin body. With 0.4mV output and premium copper wiring, it captures fine musical details with low distortion. Includes 2-year warranty and replacement service. -
£999.17Ex. VATThe Hana MH Cartridge delivers high-output Moving Coil sound through a standard MM phono stage. Its Micro-Line stylus extracts fine musical detail with low distortion, while a Delrin body and gold-plated resonance plate ensure clean signal transfer. Cryogenically treated parts and premium copper wiring provide enhanced clarity. With a 2.0mV output, easy installation, and a 2-year guarantee, it’s ideal for audiophiles seeking high-end performance in a practical setup. -
£415.83Ex. VATThe Hana EL is a low output moving coil cartridge featuring a synthetic elliptical stylus, rigid aluminium cantilever, and low-resonance body. Offering 0.5mV output and superior trackability, it delivers transparent, high-fidelity sound—perfect for audiophiles seeking quality performance at a competitive price. -
£415.83Ex. VATThe Hana EH is a high-output moving coil cartridge with a 2.0mV output and an elliptical diamond stylus. It delivers excellent tracking, clear detail, and vibrant sound. Housed in a low-resonance dark green body, it's a standout choice for audiophiles seeking performance and value. -
£6,662.50Ex. VATThe HANA-Umami Black elevates analog audio with groundbreaking design. Featuring a diamond cantilever, new “OKD” High-Efficiency Moving Coil Generator, rare earth magnet, and hybrid carbon armature, it delivers exceptional signal transfer and resonance control. Finished in striking Urushi lacquer, the Umami Black embodies HANA’s vision of “Brilliant and Gorgeous” sound, offering audiophiles a cartridge that blends advanced engineering with breathtaking musicality.
