Hana Umami Black MC Cartridge Debuts at US Audio Show for $11,500

Experience the cutting-edge Hana Umami Black MC cartridge featuring innovative design and exquisite craftsmanship at the US Audio Show.

If you're a vinyl aficionado or just love the art of high-fidelity sound, the recent US Audio Show had a very special treat. The Hana Umami Black MC cartridge made its debut, instantly captivating audiophiles with its blend of technical innovation and elegant aesthetics. Showcased alongside renowned brands like SOTA, Audio Research, and Magnepan at the Sage/Bamboo Room in The Even Hotel, this cartridge is more than just gear—it’s a tribute to precision sound craftsmanship.

Hana Umami Black MC cartridge on display at the US Audio Show

A Stunning Debut at the US Audio Show

What sets the Hana Umami Black apart? It’s all about the innovative engineering under the hood. This cartridge features a diamond cantilever paired with the brand-new “OKD” High-Efficiency Moving Coil Generator. The “OKD” design honors the legendary designer Masao Okada, incorporating a sophisticated Integrated Pole Piece and Rear Yoke combined with an Inverted U-shaped Front Yoke. This clever configuration optimizes magnetic flux, powering a highly sensitive and efficient cartridge.

But there’s more than just clever engineering—Hana leverages some rare materials to push their design further. The cartridge utilizes a rare earth neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet, known for its strong magnetic field in a compact size, paired with a 2mm square hybrid Carbon permalloy armature. This combination ensures crisp and detailed sound reproduction that vinyl lovers crave.

Craftsmanship Meets Precision in Every Detail

The Umami Black is wound with surgical precision—using 30-micron, 4N high-purity copper wire, the coil is carefully crafted to provide an output of 0.3mV and an impedance of 5 ohms. These specs translate into a cartridge capable of capturing the nuance and warmth of vinyl with remarkable clarity.

Visually, the cartridge is no less impressive. Its Urushi lacquer finish is applied through a specialized thermosetting process, bonding directly to the aluminum body using vapor deposition. This not only gives the cartridge a lustrous, deep black sheen but also pays homage to traditional Japanese lacquer artistry, blending high tech with timeless craftsmanship.

Why This Cartridge Matters to Vinyl Lovers

If you've ever spun a record and wished for something that delivers both deep sonic fidelity and exquisite build quality, the Hana Umami Black is a game-changer. It’s a marriage of modern innovation with respect for analog warmth—a rare feat in today’s audio landscape.

Bringing this cartridge to the US Audio Show was no small feat. It’s a statement piece for serious collectors and audiophiles who want to experience the pinnacle of moving coil technology. At a price point of $11,500, it’s positioned as a premium offering, but one that promises to elevate your listening sessions to a transcendental experience.

A Tribute to Masao Okada’s Legacy

The “OKD” generator design is a loving nod to Masao Okada’s legacy—his vision continues to shape high-end cartridge design today. The integrated pole piece, rear yoke, and inverted front yoke are not just technical specs on a sheet; they’re the result of decades of audio science distilled into a single cartridge.

This kind of attention to detail underlines why vinyl remains relevant in this digital age. It’s about the tactile connection, the art of sound reproduction, and the celebration of pioneering engineering.

Final Thoughts: A Vinyl Collector’s Dream

The Hana Umami Black MC cartridge is more than just a piece of hardware. It’s a sensory invitation to rediscover vinyl’s magic, a perfect blend of heritage, innovation, and impeccable craftsmanship. Whether you’re upgrading your existing turntable setup or diving into the audiophile community, this cartridge promises sound quality that rewards your passion.

FAQ

• What is the output voltage of the Hana Umami Black cartridge?
  The cartridge has an output of 0.3mV, ideal for high-fidelity moving coil preamps.
• What materials are used in the magnet and armature?
  It employs a rare earth neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet and a 2mm square hybrid Carbon permalloy armature.
• How is the Urushi lacquer finish applied?
  The finish is applied using a specialized thermosetting process, bonding the lacquer to the aluminum body via vapor deposition for durability and aesthetic beauty.
• What is the impedance of the cartridge?
  The impedance measures 5 ohms, allowing for efficient signal transfer.
• Who is the designer honored by the OKD generator design?
  Masao Okada is the designer honored through the innovative OKD generator with integrated pole piece and yoke design.

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