Any opinions on the Hana ML cartridge?

[hifi_dave]

This is presumably a Proteus with diamond cantilever, not that I've heard of one (unlike the Koetsus which have been going for some time). By 'myth', d'you mean it didn't exist or was a very rare bespoke item, Dave?

The high-end, hand built MC myth that only one ancient artisan could build the cartridge. Some are but some are built OEM as illustrated.

[Vrajbasi]

I suppose even launching a OEM cartridge takes a lot of work financially getting prototypes made plus I am sure there is a minimum quantity etc, and deciding on certain sound characteristics is not so easy. So many turntable manufacturers have cartridges in there portofolio such as Kuzma and Vertre and I understand Michell have now launched a whole new line up all of those would have been made by OEM manufacturers. I suppose manufacturers such VDH, MY SONIC LABS (they do oem work for air tight and a few others) MIYAJIMA, ORTOFON, DYNAVECTOR ETC are examples of the ones who make there own cartridges. Dynavector doe oem for a couple of well know brands I am told.

I have been told even then some manufacturers such a Lyra get oem manufacturers to wind their coils, this makes perfect sense as these guys are geared up for mass volume. Koetsu is another example of a OEM manufactured cartidge I have been told the old story that Sugano junior is sitting there winding coils etc is a myth but have been told that the sugano family listen to there designs closely to achieve what they are looking for. Does it really matter who makes what too consumer one has to just be careful to choose the right one. Sumiko and Kuzma are both examples of the work of excel there is no doubt in one way or the other excel tops them all for doing oem work evern it is just doing coil winding.