Description The Hana Umami Red low output moving coil cartridge captures the essence of ‘umami’ – a term coined by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda-san in 1908 to describe a deeply satisfying and harmonious flavour. This principle of synergy and intensity has been applied by master cartridge designer Maseo Okada-san, who blends premium materials, traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern engineering to create the Umami Red. Refined Design and Performance At the heart of the Umami Red is a cryogenically treated moving coil generator. It features a samarium cobalt magnet and a pure iron square plate armature, hand-wound with high-purity 30-micron copper wire. This design achieves an internal impedance of 6 Ω and a 0.4 mV output, delivering dynamic and natural sound reproduction. The microline nude diamond stylus is mounted on a solid boron cantilever, ensuring precise tracking and revealing the finest musical details. The Auricle™ body design, inspired by the human outer ear, provides rigid support for the “open air” generator, reducing resonance and enhancing clarity. Artistry in Construction The Auricle™ body is machined from Duralumin and finished with a multi-layer Urushi lacquer, a technique rooted in the Japanese Makie tradition. The striking red gloss finish is complemented by an ebony wood inlay, which acts as a resonance damper, further refining the cartridge’s performance. Masterful Craftsmanship All major components of the Hana Umami Red are manufactured in-house by Excel Sound. Each cartridge is meticulously hand-assembled by skilled craftsmen under the guidance of Okada-san, whose over 50 years of experience ensure an extraordinary level of precision and quality. A Harmony of Tradition and Innovation Umami Red is the perfect blend of artistry and engineering, offering a vivid, nuanced and deeply engaging listening experience that honours your vinyl collection. Features Auricle™ body machined from Duralumin with an ebony wood inlay Finished in red gloss Urushi lacquer inspired by Japanese Makie artistry Low output moving coil with 0.4 mV output Boron cantilever for superior tracking precision Microline nude diamond stylus for exceptional detail retrieval Samarium cobalt magnet for powerful, stable performance High purity copper coil for enhanced signal clarity Tapped mounting holes for secure and straightforward installation
