Hana MH Cartridge at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY USA

The Hana MH is a high-output moving coil phono cartridge from Hana (Excel Sound Corporation, Saitama, Japan), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Designed by master cartridge engineer Masao Okada-san, the MH features a nude Microline diamond stylus on an aluminum cantilever, an Alnico magnet with cryogenically treated Pure Iron circuit, and a Delrin (POM) body with integral machined brass cap, producing a 2 mV output that interfaces directly with any moving magnet phono stage. The Absolute Sound honored the Hana ML with an Editors' Choice Award for 2024, and the MH shares its core M Series engineering DNA.

High-Output MC Design and MM Phono Stage Compatibility

The Hana MH occupies a unique position in the cartridge world: a true moving coil generator producing a high output of 2 mV at 1 kHz — equivalent to many moving magnet cartridges — making it plug-and-play compatible with the MM phono stages found in the vast majority of integrated amplifiers, AV receivers, and turntable preamps. This removes the need for a step-up transformer or high-gain MC phono stage, significantly lowering the barrier to MC-quality sound. With a suggested load impedance of 47 kilohms and an impedance of 130 ohms, the MH is deliberately engineered to interact optimally with the standard MM input.

Nude Microline Stylus, Delrin Body, and Cryogenic Treatment

The M Series cartridge body is injection-molded from Delrin (POM), a high-tech polymer chosen for its superior resonance-damping characteristics over conventional plastics. An integral machined brass cap provides constrained-mode layer damping and contributes to the cartridge's 9.5g weight — expanding compatibility with a wider range of tonearms and improving bass coupling. The nude Microline diamond stylus traces the groove with a contact geometry closely mimicking the original cutting stylus, enhancing stereo imaging, frequency reproduction up to 45,000 Hz, and low-level detail retrieval. Critical magnetic circuit components including the front yoke and pole pieces are subjected to cryogenic treatment — cold annealing at near-absolute-zero temperatures — restructuring metal at the molecular level for a more precise, controlled magnetic flux field.

Key Features

• Nude Microline Diamond Stylus: Traces the vinyl groove with a geometry that closely mimics the original cutting stylus, improving frequency reproduction, stereo imaging, and resolution versus a standard elliptical.
• High-Output MC at 2 mV: True moving coil generator with MM-compatible output level — no step-up transformer or high-gain MC stage required.
• Alnico Magnet with Cryogenic Treatment: Alnico-based generator with cryogenically treated Pure Iron yoke and pole pieces for a precise, stable, and musically linear magnetic field.
• Delrin (POM) Body with Machined Brass Cap: Injection-molded Delrin body for resonance damping; integral brass cap provides constrained-mode damping and expanded tonearm compatibility.
• Metal Threaded Mounting Fittings: Built-in threaded inserts in the cartridge body for secure, repeatable headshell mounting with better mechanical coupling and improved bass and dynamics.
• 47k Ohm Load Compatibility: Optimized for direct use with any standard MM phono input — no additional hardware required.
• 2-Year Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty included.

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• The Absolute Sound, Editors' Choice Award, 2024 (Hana ML / M Series)
• Stereophile, Recommended Component (Hana M Series)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hana MH cartridge?

The Hana MH is a high-output moving coil phono cartridge from Excel Sound Corporation in Japan, producing 2 mV at 1 kHz. It uses a nude Microline diamond stylus, aluminum cantilever, Alnico magnet with cryogenically treated Pure Iron circuit, and a Delrin body with machined brass cap. Its high output makes it directly compatible with MM phono stages found in most amplifiers and turntable preamps.

How does the Hana MH compare to the Hana ML?

The Hana MH and ML are siblings within the M Series, sharing the same Microline stylus, Delrin body, brass cap, and cryogenically treated Alnico generator. The critical difference is output level: the MH produces 2 mV (high output, MM-compatible), while the ML produces 0.4 mV (low output, requiring a dedicated MC stage). For listeners who want M Series performance without investing in an MC phono stage or step-up transformer, the MH is the optimal choice.

How does the Hana MH compare to the Audio-Technica VM760SLC?

The Audio-Technica VM760SLC is a moving magnet cartridge with a line-contact stylus, offering excellent tracking and detail in a true MM design. The Hana MH is a high-output moving coil, meaning its generator mechanism is fundamentally different — a lighter, faster-responding coil assembly that typically retrieves more low-level groove information and dynamic nuance. The MH's nude Microline stylus also offers greater groove-wall contact area than a standard line-contact, contributing to superior tracking and extended high-frequency response to 45,000 Hz.

What is cryogenic treatment and how does it affect the Hana MH?

Cryogenic treatment — sometimes called cold annealing — involves exposing metal components to temperatures near absolute zero (approximately minus 196 degrees Celsius using liquid nitrogen). At these temperatures, the crystalline structure of the metal realigns at the molecular level, reducing internal stress and improving conductivity and magnetic permeability. In the Hana MH, cryogenic treatment is applied to the front yoke and pole pieces of the Alnico generator, producing a more controlled and precise magnetic flux field for greater sonic linearity and naturalness.

Can the Hana MH be used without a phono preamp?

No. Like all phono cartridges, the Hana MH requires a phono preamplifier to apply RIAA equalization and boost the signal to line level. However, because the MH produces a high 2 mV output compatible with a standard 47k-ohm MM input, it works with any MM phono stage — including the built-in phono stages found in most integrated amplifiers, receivers, and many turntables with onboard preamps.

What tonearms pair well with the Hana MH?

At 9.5g and 2g VTF, the Hana MH is compatible with a broad range of tonearms from low to medium-high effective mass. It pairs well with arms such as the Rega RB220, Pro-Ject 8.6 CC, and Ortofon LH-series headshells on any medium-mass pivoted tonearm. The brass-capped Delrin body and metal threaded mounting fittings ensure a stable and repeatable mechanical interface.

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

The Hana MH cartridge is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorised Hana dealer offering expert advice on cartridge selection, phono stage matching, and tonearm compatibility. Shop in store or visit vinylsound.com.