Hana EL Cartridge at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY USA

The Hana EL is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge from Hana (Excel Sound Corporation, Saitama, Japan), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Handmade in Japan, the EL uses an Alnico magnet generator, a synthetic elliptical stylus on an aluminum cantilever, and a lightweight 5-gram moss-green body to produce a 0.5 mV low output with a frequency response of 15–25,000 Hz. Recognized in Part-Time Audiophile's Best Phono Cartridges Buyers Guide 2022, the Hana EL is widely regarded as one of the finest entry points into low-output moving coil performance at an accessible price.

Alnico MC Performance at an Entry-Level Price

The Hana EL brings the defining characteristics of a quality moving coil cartridge — Alnico magnets, hand-wound coils, and a cross-coil generator — into an accessible price tier. Alnico (Aluminum-Nickel-Cobalt) magnets are associated with a smooth, musical flux character that audiophiles have prized in cartridge and speaker driver design for decades. Combined with high-purity copper coils and a cross-shaped armature, the EL delivers the textural richness, precise stereo imaging, and dynamic involvement that moving coil cartridges are valued for — qualities that moving magnet cartridges at the same price cannot replicate. With a coil impedance of 30 ohms and a suggested load of over 400 ohms, the EL is compatible with a wide range of entry-level to mid-range MC phono stages.

Lightweight Design and Precise Elliptical Tracking

At just 5 grams, the Hana EL is one of the lightest cartridges in Hana's lineup, broadening its compatibility with a wide range of tonearms including lighter-mass designs. The synthetic elliptical stylus is mounted to an aluminum cantilever and traces the vinyl groove with a contact geometry superior to a conical stylus, recovering more stereo information and high-frequency detail. The distinctive moss-green body is a hallmark of Hana's E Series and houses the hand-wound cross-coil generator that defines the EL's musical character.

Key Features

• Alnico Magnet Generator: Cross-coil generator using an Alnico magnet for the smooth, tonally rich, and involving sound associated with quality moving coil cartridges.
• Synthetic Elliptical Stylus: Elliptical diamond profile mounted on an aluminum cantilever for superior stereo imaging and detail retrieval versus a conical stylus.
• Low Output at 0.5 mV: True low-output MC design for use with MC-capable phono stages or step-up transformers.
• Lightweight 5g Body: Ultra-light moss-green body for broad tonearm compatibility, including lighter-mass and medium-mass pivot designs.
• High-Purity Copper Coils: Hand-wound high-purity copper coil generator for low noise and natural timbre.
• Handmade in Japan by Excel Sound: Over 50 years of in-house cartridge manufacturing expertise ensures consistent build quality.
• 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 EL cartridge?

The Hana EL is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge handmade in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation, featuring a synthetic elliptical stylus, aluminum cantilever, and Alnico magnet cross-coil generator in a lightweight 5-gram moss-green body. It outputs 0.5 mV and requires a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer.

How does the Hana EL compare to the Hana EH?

The Hana EL and EH are siblings in the E Series, sharing the same synthetic elliptical stylus, aluminum cantilever, Alnico generator, 5-gram moss-green body, and cross-coil design. The sole difference is output level: the EL produces 0.5 mV (low output, requires MC phono stage or SUT), while the EH produces 2 mV (high output, MM-compatible). Audiophiles with an MC-capable phono stage should choose the EL; those using MM stages should choose the EH.

How does the Hana EL compare to the Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEN?

The Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEN is a low-output MC with a nude elliptical stylus at a similar price level. The Hana EL uses a synthetic (bonded) elliptical stylus versus the AT-OC9XEN's nude diamond, which is a meaningful technical distinction. The AT-OC9XEN's nude stylus offers a performance advantage in high-frequency resolution and tracking. However, the Hana EL's Alnico magnet generator is widely praised for its natural tonal character, and it remains a highly competitive choice for listeners prioritizing musical involvement over outright technical specification.

What phono stage does the Hana EL require?

The Hana EL produces 0.5 mV and has a coil impedance of 30 ohms, requiring a dedicated low-output MC phono stage or a step-up transformer (SUT) feeding an MM input. The suggested load impedance of over 400 ohms is relatively high for a low-output MC, making it compatible with many entry-level to mid-range MC phono stages including those from Pro-Ject, Rega, and Musical Surroundings.

What turntables and tonearms are compatible with the Hana EL?

At just 5 grams, the Hana EL is one of the lightest MC cartridges available, making it broadly compatible with a wide range of tonearms from light to medium mass. It pairs well with arms on turntables such as the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, Rega Planar 3, and Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB, as well as more advanced setups with dedicated MC phono stages.

Is the Hana EL a good first moving coil cartridge?

Yes. The Hana EL is an ideal first low-output MC for analog listeners stepping up from moving magnet cartridges. Its Alnico generator delivers the tonal richness and stereo imaging qualities that define the MC cartridge experience, while its 0.5 mV output and broad phono stage compatibility make it accessible without requiring exotic equipment. Part-Time Audiophile named it one of the best phono cartridges in its 2022 buyer's guide.

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

The Hana EL is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorised Hana dealer with expert staff to help you select the right MC phono stage and turntable setup for the EL. Shop in store or at vinylsound.com.