Hana SL Rebuild, Aluminium/Shibata Vs Sapphire/Paratrace

[Lurch]

Following an accident last week with my Hana SL (Snapped cantalever) I contacted expert stylus to get a quote for a rebuild. I received an email reply today giving me 2 options.

1. Rebuild with a new std aluminium cantalever (I have original and the stylus to send them)

2. Rebuild with an upgraded white Sapphire cantalever and Paratrace stylus.

Option 2 is only £69 more than option 1, so on the surface this seems like a very cost effective way to 'upgrade' a cart.

However the Hana SL is a very good cart in standard trim and I really enjoyed it. Though I have never had a more expensive cart to compare it too, so wouldn't know what I was missing against say a Benz Micro or an Ortofon Cadenza.

If I was to go for the upgrade rebuild would it change the sonic character significantly. If so would it potentially be for the better, and sonically, atleast move me further up the cartridge ladder??

Your thoughts and comments on this would be much appreciated

[walpurgis]

If I was to go for the upgrade rebuild would it change the sonic character significantly. If so would it potentially be for the better, and sonically, atleast move me further up the cartridge ladder??

What did Expert Stylus say?

[rubber duck]

Does Hana not offer a trade in for a replacement SL? Do they possibly offer a rebuild service? I'd check with the distributor. Actually, just checked and Air Audio no longer lists Hana

[Spectral Morn]

Hanna themselves will rebuild, repair it. Excel Sound Corporation.

[Lurch]

Just that as Sapphire/Paratrace is lighter then will track better and give better detail retrieval. Even reading stuff on Google i.e on the soundsmith website, doesn't give me an insight of what changes to expect.

[Spectral Morn]

Does Hana not offer a trade in for a replacement SL? Do they possibly offer a rebuild service? I'd check with the distributor. Actually, just checked and Air Audio no longer lists Hana

Yes they do. http://www.airaudio.co.uk/brands/

[rubber duck]

Ah, I see. Must remember to scroll down.

[Spectral Morn]

Thing is it will no longer be a Hanna SL, choice is yours.

[rubber duck]

My sentiments too. I run an SH. There is something innately right about the Hana sound that I would be wary of losing.

[walpurgis]

Just that as Sapphire/Paratrace is lighter then will track better and give better detail retrieval

It might. But it would be worth finding out if it's a whole new cantilever (unlikely) or a sleeved or bonded replacement cantilever section, which is of course a compromise.