Hana Umami Red Cartridge at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY USA

The Hana Umami Red is a flagship low-output moving coil phono cartridge from Hana (Excel Sound Corporation, Saitama, Japan), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Handcrafted by master designer Masao Okada-san, this MC cartridge features a nude Microline diamond stylus on a boron cantilever, a Samarium Cobalt magnet, and a gloss Urushi-lacquered Duralumin (A7075) body with ebony wood inlay — delivering 0.4mV output with a frequency response of 10–50,000 Hz. The Umami Red embodies Hana's "Brilliant and Gorgeous" philosophy, honored with the Stereophile Recommended Component Award, The Absolute Sound Phono Cartridge of the Year 2021, the Audiophilia 2022 Product of the Year Award, and the Mono & Stereo Highly Recommended Product Award 2023.

Urushi Craftsmanship and Premium Materials

Every element of the Umami Red reflects the synergy between rare materials and meticulous Japanese craftsmanship. The cartridge body is CNC-machined from aerospace-grade Duralumin (A7075) and finished in gloss red Urushi lacquer — a centuries-old Japanese art form applied by hand in multiple layers. An ebony wood inlay is integrated into the body for additional resonance damping. High-purity copper coils are wound on a square permalloy armature within a magnetic circuit combining a Samarium Cobalt magnet and Pure Iron pole pieces subjected to cryogenic treatment. The result is a controlled, ultra-low-noise flux field that captures micro-detail and texture at the deepest level of the groove.

The Boron Cantilever and Microline Stylus System

The Umami Red employs a boron cantilever — one of the stiffest and lightest materials available for this application — paired with a nude Microline diamond stylus that closely replicates the geometry of a record-cutting stylus. This combination maximizes groove contact surface and high-frequency tracing accuracy, producing exceptional imaging, stereo separation of 30 dB at 1 kHz, and extended frequency response to 50,000 Hz. All major components are manufactured in-house by Excel Sound Corporation, a company with over 50 years of OEM cartridge-making expertise, and each unit is individually hand-assembled by highly trained craftsmen.

Key Features

• Nude Microline Diamond Stylus: Precision-cut diamond replicating the cutting-stylus geometry for superior groove tracing, enhanced resolution, and extended high-frequency response.
• Boron Cantilever: Extremely rigid and low-mass boron rod transmits stylus motion to the generator with minimal coloration or resonance.
• Samarium Cobalt Magnet with Cryo-Treated Pure Iron Circuit: Rare-earth magnet combined with cryogenically treated iron pole pieces creates a precise and stable magnetic flux field for linear, grain-free output.
• Urushi Lacquer Body Finish: Traditional Japanese Urushi lacquering applied to a CNC-machined Duralumin (A7075) chassis with ebony wood inlay for resonance control and visual distinction.
• High-Purity Copper Coils: Low-impedance generator (under 6 ohms) wound with high-purity copper wire for low noise and wide dynamic range.
• In-House Excel Sound Manufacturing: All major parts produced and hand-assembled under one roof by a 50-year-veteran OEM cartridge manufacturer for uncompromising quality control.
• 2-Year Warranty: Backed by a full manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Stereophile Recommended Component Award (ongoing)
• The Absolute Sound, Phono Cartridge of the Year, 2021
• Audiophilia, Product of the Year Award, 2022
• HiFi Pig, Editors Choice Award, 2022
• The Ear, Editor's Choice Award
• Mono & Stereo, Highly Recommended Product Award, 2023
• StereoNET, Applause Award, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hana Umami Red?

The Hana Umami Red is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge handcrafted in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation under the Hana brand, featuring a nude Microline diamond stylus, boron cantilever, Samarium Cobalt magnet, and a Urushi-lacquered Duralumin body with ebony wood inlay. It outputs 0.4 mV and covers a frequency range of 10 to 50,000 Hz, requiring a low-output MC-compatible phono stage for operation.

How does the Hana Umami Red compare to the Ortofon MC Windfeld Ti?

The Hana Umami Red and the Ortofon MC Windfeld Ti compete in similar upper-tier MC cartridge territory. The Windfeld Ti uses a Replicant 100 stylus profile on a boron cantilever and is known for an exceptionally detailed and silky-smooth presentation. The Umami Red counters with a Microline stylus, Samarium Cobalt magnet, and a characteristically Japanese sense of musical weight and momentum — reviewers at StereoNET noted it delivers more musicality and emotional engagement than the Windfeld Ti despite the comparable price point. The Urushi lacquer body and in-house Excel Sound manufacturing give the Umami Red a material authenticity that sets it apart.

What phono stage load impedance does the Hana Umami Red require?

The Hana Umami Red has a coil impedance of under 6 ohms and a suggested load impedance of 60 ohms. This means it is best matched with a phono stage capable of loading low-output MC cartridges at or around 60 ohms. Many dedicated MC phono stages and step-up transformers (SUTs) offer this setting. Running the cartridge at significantly higher impedances (such as 100 ohms or above) is possible but may alter the tonal balance and high-frequency character.

What is Urushi lacquering and why does it matter in a cartridge?

Urushi is a centuries-old Japanese lacquering technique using natural tree sap (Toxicodendron vernicifluum), applied by hand in multiple thin layers and polished between coats. In the context of the Hana Umami Red, it provides a visually distinctive gloss-red finish while also contributing a subtle resonance-damping effect to the Duralumin body. The use of Urushi is a hallmark of premium Japanese artisanship and historically appears in legendary cartridge designs from Japanese manufacturers.

Can the Hana Umami Red be used with a moving magnet phono stage?

No. The Hana Umami Red is a low-output moving coil cartridge producing 0.4 mV, which is far below the typical 2–5 mV output of a moving magnet cartridge. A standard MM phono stage will not provide sufficient gain. A dedicated low-output MC phono stage or a step-up transformer (SUT) feeding an MM stage is required for correct operation.

How does the Hana Umami Red compare to the Hana ML?

Both the Umami Red and the Hana ML are low-output MC cartridges from Excel Sound with Microline styli, but they differ significantly in construction and performance tier. The ML uses an aluminum cantilever and Alnico magnet in a Delrin body, while the Umami Red upgrades to a boron cantilever, Samarium Cobalt magnet, and Urushi-lacquered Duralumin body with ebony inlay. Stereophile noted the Umami Red produced sharper and more precisely focused images than the ML, placing it firmly in the upper-tier MC category.

Where can I buy the Hana Umami Red in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Hana Umami Red is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorised Hana dealer offering expert setup advice, phono stage pairing guidance, and full manufacturer warranty support. You can purchase in-store or through the Vinyl Sound USA website at vinylsound.com.