Hana ML Cartridge at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY USA

The Hana ML is a low-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 ML 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 machined brass cap, delivering a low output of 0.4 mV with a frequency response of 12–45,000 Hz. Honored with the Stereophile Recommended Component Award 2023 and The Absolute Sound Editors' Choice Award 2024, the Hana ML is widely regarded as one of the finest value propositions in low-output MC cartridges worldwide.

Nude Microline Stylus and Delrin Body Engineering

The M Series name reflects the cartridge's defining feature: a nude Microline diamond stylus, mounted directly to the cantilever without a shank to minimize resonance. The Microline profile closely replicates the geometry of a record-cutting stylus, fitting more precisely into the groove wall and tracing modulations that elliptical or conical styli cannot recover. The result is enhanced stereo imaging, extended frequency response, and retrieval of low-level musical detail. The injection-molded Delrin (POM) body provides superior resonance damping compared to conventional plastics, while the integral machined brass cap contributes constrained-mode layer damping and a total weight of 9.5g — broadening tonearm compatibility.

Alnico Generator, High-Purity Copper Coils, and Cryogenic Treatment

The ML's generator combines an Alnico magnet with cryogenically treated Pure Iron yoke and pole pieces. The Alnico magnet is prized for its smooth, musically natural flux characteristics, and cryogenic cold annealing — performed at near-absolute-zero temperatures — restructures the metal at a molecular level for a more linear, precisely controlled magnetic field. High-purity copper coils wound to 7 ohms complete the low-impedance generator, requiring a suggested load impedance of over 100 kilohms for optimal performance. Built-in metal threaded fittings provide a secure and repeatable mechanical interface to any standard headshell.

Key Features

• Nude Microline Diamond Stylus: Precision stylus profile mimicking the cutting stylus geometry for superior groove tracing, extended high-frequency response, and enhanced stereo imaging.
• Alnico Magnet Generator: Alnico magnet with cryogenically treated Pure Iron circuit for a smooth, harmonically rich, and musically natural signal.
• High-Purity Copper Coils: Low-impedance generator wound to 7 ohms with high-purity copper wire for excellent signal-to-noise performance.
• Delrin (POM) Body with Brass Cap: Injection-molded Delrin body with integral machined brass cap for superior resonance damping and expanded tonearm compatibility at 9.5g.
• Metal Threaded Mounting Fittings: Built-in headshell mounting threads for secure, repeatable installation and improved mechanical coupling.
• Cryogenic Treatment: Front yoke, pole pieces, and related components cold-annealed for a more linear and musically natural magnetic flux field.
• 2-Year Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty included.

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Stereophile, Recommended Component Award, 2023
• The Absolute Sound, Editors' Choice Award, 2024
• Part-Time Audiophile, Best Phono Cartridges Buyers Guide, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hana ML cartridge?

The Hana ML is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge made in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation, featuring a nude Microline diamond stylus, aluminum cantilever, Alnico magnet with cryogenically treated Pure Iron circuit, and a Delrin body with machined brass cap. It produces 0.4 mV and requires a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer.

How does the Hana ML compare to the Dynavector DV-10X5?

The Dynavector DV-10X5 is a high-output MC at 2.5 mV, making it MM-compatible without a dedicated MC stage. The Hana ML produces just 0.4 mV and requires a proper low-output MC phono stage or SUT — but in return it offers a nude Microline stylus versus the DV-10X5's elliptical, a more precise generator, and a sound quality that Stereophile and The Absolute Sound ranked among the best in its price class. For listeners who already have an MC-capable phono stage, the ML is widely considered the more capable performer.

How does the Hana ML compare to the Hana MH?

The Hana ML and MH share the same M Series Microline stylus, Delrin body, brass cap, and cryogenically treated Alnico generator. The difference is output level: the ML produces 0.4 mV (low output, MC stage required), while the MH produces 2 mV (high output, MM-compatible). Audiophiles with a high-quality MC phono stage or SUT will typically prefer the ML for its lower noise floor and optimized low-output generator performance.

What is a nude Microline stylus and why does it matter?

A nude Microline stylus is a diamond mounted directly to the cantilever without an intermediate shank, and cut to the Microline profile — a geometry that closely replicates the chisel shape of the original record-cutting stylus. This profile traces a larger area of the groove wall than an elliptical, recovering more high-frequency detail and providing superior channel separation. The nude mounting eliminates the resonance-introducing adhesive of bonded styli, allowing more accurate transmission of stylus motion to the cantilever.

What phono stage does the Hana ML need?

The Hana ML produces 0.4 mV and has a coil impedance of 7 ohms. It requires a dedicated low-output MC phono stage or a step-up transformer (SUT) feeding a standard MM input. The suggested load impedance of over 100k ohms is relatively high for a low-output MC, meaning it performs well with a wide range of MC-capable phono stages including those from Rega, Musical Surroundings, EAR, and others.

What tonearms work best with the Hana ML?

At 9.5g and 2g VTF, the Hana ML is well suited to medium-mass tonearms — typically those with an effective mass of 8 to 16 grams. It pairs naturally with arms such as the Rega RB330, Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution, SME M2-9, and similar medium-mass pivot designs. The brass cap and metal threaded fittings ensure a solid and repeatable headshell connection.

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

The Hana ML is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorised Hana dealer with experienced staff to guide you through phono stage pairing, tonearm setup, and cartridge alignment. Shop in store or at vinylsound.com.