Question -- when you chose the Hana ML cartridge, what did you hear that convinced you to buy it over another cartridge? Also, what phono preamp was being used at the time? The easiest suggestion to my mind is to try the same preamp that impressed you when the cartridge was selected and work from there.
Phono Preamplifier Redux .. Damn This is Getting Expensive
I posted previously in search of a phono preamplifier, but as I put together a system I refined what I was looking for.
My current Analog food chain consists of Technics 1200G turntable, Hana ML cartridge, unknown phono preamplifier, McIntosh MA12000 integrated, Sabrina X, pair of REL S/812 subs. Also, Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner and a mix of Alpha V2 NR and Venom V10NR power cables. Other cables: AQ Earth balanced interconnects, William Tell full range speaker cables. Also, had to make some room acoustic modifications.
So, here is the problem. I just got a Holo May DAC DTE and have been streaming by Roon, mostly purchased and ripped files on a Synology NAS. The problem is that my digital side sounds much more musical than my analog. Part of the remedy is on the way with 3" Tiger Maple equipment rack, but digital and analog are not close. My Sutherland 20/20 LPT is going back. It has limited front/back sound stage and the upper mids and treble are a bit shrill. I say this because the Holo is just beautifully musical throughout.
Music Direct will be taking Sutherland back and has suggested the Esoteric E-02 Balanced as a solution. So this post I'm raising my budget to 9-10K new, or used and prefer balanced out. Looking for detail, dynamics and silent background. I just can't have the digital so much more enjoyable... of course there is always selling all analog and staying digital, but that doesn't feel right.
So, where do I go for balanced out and more musical, but retaining micro detail and dynamics?