Any opinions on the Hana ML cartridge?

[Clive197]

2 weeks ago I received an addition to my cartridge collection in the form of the pre mentioned Hana ML. I’m hugely impressed with it and after reading numerous reviews on it which I wholeheartedly agree with. 1 reviewer actually stating that this is a £3,000 - £4,000 cartridge for £995!!! I think that statement might be a bit poetic but I get the point, however I do think it betters the Ortofon Cadenza Black (£1850) which I previously owned but have now moved on.
The Hana ML most certainly is up there with the best Japanese cartridges available past and present.

[mikeyb]

I agree, I have one too, it really gives me the sound I'm after and having tried Zu Denon 103, Denon 103R, Kontrapunkt B, Shure 97xe, Ortofon 2m Blue and Black, ADC QLM III, Zyx R100 twice.

This Hana ML isn't going anywhere that's for sure.

[ReggieB]

Anyone compare the ML to the SL?

I have a Hana SL and an AudioTechnica OC9ML/II. Up until my latest phono amp upgrade, the Hana was edging it - that bit sharper and a little more exciting than the AudioTechnica. However, with my latest phono amp (a Audio Detail NV-06) the AudioTechnica is really singing and I'm loving it's sweet sound. At the moment I'm happy with my cartridges, but I'd be interested as to what the upgrade paths will be in the future.

[CageyH]

An AT ART 7 or 9?

Cartridges are a personal choice and very system dependent.
That is why I find it difficult to make a recommendation, and offer just a suggestion.

I had a Hana SL, and found it OK in my system. Will the ML suit me better? I have no idea.

[Clive197]

If you notice my signature, I have currently both the SL and ML. The ML is a worthwhile improvement with a smoother and more detailed top end that to my ears makes for a much nicer listen.
I am thinking of moving the SL on as I also run a AT OC9XSH having sold my AT PTG/III.

[ReggieB]

Thank you Clive. Something for my wishlist then

[Mike Reed]

Quite interested in this bargain basement 'high end' cart. Haven't heard or read of a downbeat word for Hana generally. What distinguishes the SL from the ML in, e.g., compliance, VTF, (internal) impedance, stylus, cantilever etc.?

[graham67]

Hi Rob, if you like the OC 9 ML 2, a safe upgrade is the Art 9.
Having heard both carts on the same deck, it is obvious they are from the same family. But the Art 9 has deeper bass while retaining the extended top end of the OC 9 ML. Art 9 is also quieter, tames the occasional edginess of the oc9ml while keeping the speed.
I haven't heard it, but the new oc9xsl would also be worth investigating. If you bought an official OC 9 you may be entitled to a 40% discount using the trade-in scheme (or 30% on an art9).

[Lurch]

Quite interested in this bargain basement 'high end' cart. Haven't heard or read of a downbeat word for Hana generally. What distinguishes the SL from the ML in, e.g., compliance, VTF, (internal) impedance, stylus, cantilever etc.?

Main differences are Microline as opposed to Shibata stylus hence the M in front of the L. And the ML working optimally with the more common 100 Ohm of most non-adjustable phonostages against the 400+ Ohms for the SL. VTF/VTA are the same for both carts.

[RobbieGong]

Both are excellent, quality stylus profiles.

I've had a lot of experience of Shibata's, courtesy of Ortofon 2M Black, Quintet Black and Cadenza Black and once set up carefully and properly they are excellent.

Re: The Microline (ML), which I note is the more expensive of the two: Quote from online -

The Micro-Ridge (or Microline) stylus is a very advanced, computer designed tip shape that comes very close to the shape of a cutting stylus used to produce original master discs. They are difficult to manufacture, and very expensive, but when aligned correctly are capable of the best high-frequency performance with extended record and stylus life. Such performance is made possible by the advanced multilevel “ridge” shape of a MicroLine tip.

The Fritz Gyger S profile on my re-tipped Cadenza Black is my first experience of a profile that is cut to mimic the cutting disc, which means its shape/tip goes in very deep and extracts loads of info.

I didn't think it got more detailed than a Shibata but there is definitely even more finite info retrieved with these 'cut to mimic' the cutting head type profiles, such as the ML-Microline/Micro-ridge, FGS and Ortofon Replicants, which is fab.

If you've got the extra for the ML, I'd say go for it. If not the SL-Shibata will still be a great performer anyway