Hana EH Cartridge at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY USA

The Hana EH is a high-output moving coil phono cartridge from Hana (Excel Sound Corporation, Saitama, Japan), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Handmade in Japan, the EH features a synthetic elliptical stylus on an aluminum cantilever, a cross-coil generator with Alnico magnet, and a lightweight 5-gram moss-green body producing a 2 mV high output compatible with any standard MM phono stage — covering a frequency response of 15–25,000 Hz. The Hana EH is the definitive upgrade path for listeners ready to move beyond the moving magnet cartridges that typically ship with entry-level turntables.

High-Output MC Performance with MM Phono Stage Compatibility

The Hana EH is purpose-designed for analog listeners who want the musical character of a moving coil cartridge — cross-coil generator, Alnico magnet, hand-wound high-purity copper coils — but need it to work with the MM phono stage already built into their integrated amplifier, AV receiver, or turntable. At 2 mV output and a suggested 47k-ohm load, the EH is plug-and-play compatible with any MM phono input, eliminating the need for a step-up transformer or dedicated MC phono stage. Its distinctive moss-green body houses the same cross-coil generator architecture that defines the Hana E Series sound: tonally rich, dynamically agile, and musicially involving at an entry-accessible price.

Lightweight Design and Elliptical Stylus Tracking

Weighing just 5 grams, the Hana EH offers broad tonearm compatibility across a wide range of entry-level and mid-range turntables. The synthetic elliptical stylus traces the vinyl groove with a two-radius contact geometry superior to a spherical or conical tip, recovering greater stereo information and high-frequency detail. The aluminum cantilever provides efficient mechanical transmission of stylus motion to the generator, and the cartridge's 2g vertical tracking force is standard for most tonearms equipped with adjustable anti-skate and tracking force mechanisms.

Key Features

• High-Output MC at 2 mV: True moving coil cross-coil generator producing MM-compatible output — works directly with any standard 47k-ohm MM phono input, no additional hardware required.
• Alnico Magnet Generator: Cross-coil generator with Alnico magnet for the tonally rich, smooth, and musically involving character associated with quality MC cartridges.
• Synthetic Elliptical Stylus: Two-radius elliptical diamond on an aluminum cantilever for superior stereo imaging and detail retrieval versus a conical tip.
• Lightweight 5g Moss-Green Body: Ultra-light body for broad compatibility with entry-level and medium-mass tonearms.
• Handmade in Japan by Excel Sound: Over 50 years of in-house cartridge manufacturing expertise for consistent quality and musicality.
• Plug-and-Play MM Compatibility: No step-up transformer or high-gain MC phono stage required — connects directly to the MM phono input of virtually any amplifier or receiver.
• 2-Year Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty included.

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Part-Time Audiophile, Best Phono Cartridges Buyers Guide, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hana EH cartridge?

The Hana EH is a high-output moving coil phono cartridge handmade in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation, featuring a synthetic elliptical stylus, aluminum cantilever, and a cross-coil Alnico generator in a 5-gram moss-green body. It outputs 2 mV, making it directly compatible with standard MM phono stages without requiring any additional hardware.

How does the Hana EH compare to the Hana EL?

The Hana EH and EL are E Series siblings sharing the same elliptical stylus, aluminum cantilever, Alnico cross-coil generator, 5-gram moss-green body, and 2g VTF. The only difference is output level: the EH produces 2 mV for direct MM phono stage use, while the EL produces 0.5 mV and requires a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer. For listeners upgrading from an existing MM setup, the EH provides immediate MC performance without any additional investment in phono equipment.

How does the Hana EH compare to the Ortofon 2M Red?

The Ortofon 2M Red is a moving magnet cartridge — the fundamental distinction from the Hana EH, which is a true moving coil. Moving coil cartridges have a lighter and faster-responding coil assembly than moving magnets, typically producing greater dynamic contrast, more precise stereo imaging, and more textural detail from the groove. The 2M Red uses a bonded elliptical stylus; the Hana EH also uses a synthetic elliptical. For listeners with a built-in MM phono stage seeking a material upgrade in musical engagement over a standard MM, the EH represents a more technically capable solution than an equivalent-priced MM cartridge.

Is the Hana EH compatible with entry-level turntables?

Yes. At 5 grams and 2g VTF, the Hana EH is compatible with most entry-level and mid-range turntables including those from Pro-Ject, Rega, Audio-Technica, and others that feature adjustable tonearms with anti-skate and tracking force adjustment. Its MM-compatible 2 mV output and 47k-ohm load means it works with the phono stage built into any integrated amplifier or receiver.

Does the Hana EH need a special phono stage?

No. The Hana EH's 2 mV output and 47k-ohm suggested load are identical to a standard moving magnet cartridge's requirements. It plugs directly into any MM phono input — including the built-in phono stages found in integrated amplifiers, AV receivers, and the phono preamps bundled with many turntables. No step-up transformer or MC phono stage is needed.

What is a cross-coil generator in a moving coil cartridge?

A cross-coil generator — also called a cross-coil or X-coil design — arranges the two coil windings in a cross (X) configuration around the armature rather than in a standard in-line arrangement. This geometry improves channel separation, reduces crosstalk between the left and right channels, and produces a more focused stereo image. Hana uses the cross-coil design throughout the E Series, contributing to the EH's notably precise stereo imaging for a cartridge at its price point.

Where can I buy the Hana EH cartridge in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Hana EH is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorised Hana dealer with expert staff to guide you through cartridge selection and turntable setup. Shop in store or at vinylsound.com.