Hana Umami Black

A Denon 103R mc cartridge costs $350 and has a black body. Why would anybody want to pay $11.5K for a cartridge? After several years use the diamond stylus will be worn out and a re-tip from the manufacturer will cost what - $5.75K? I bet the build cost is 10% of the retail price.

It is a MC Phono Cartridge.

Diamond Cantilever and Stylus - 7075 - Urushi are all found on Cart’s across a selection of Brands for significantly cheaper.

The Boron Malnet and rethink for the Coil /Armature Interface does seem less familiar, but is it actually unique as a design or a Tweak to a better known design in use.

The Sales Speil Clearly States that the assembly is not completed by the respected Team Member but Company employees. 

The broader resource within the Company doing the assembly does suggest the Cart’ is not as Bespoke as some TOTR Cart’s, that do get the final voicing from the most respected Team Member. 

It’s difficult to see where the uplift of $7K as the next move with Hana Cart’s or their competitors  is a justified spend. 

It would be interesting to learn of comments madeabout the Hanna Umami Black and Mutech Hayate. 

Both Cart’s are designed with a wealth of background in Cart’ Production. 

John Grado has the $16K Epoch MI cartridge ahead in the race to build the most expensive cartridge. For that kind of money I'd expect a free re-tip and service for the lifetime of the original owner!

Personally, I'd never pay anywhere near that for a cartridge, but the people who buy these don't worry about re-tipping costs or they buy new ones when they wear out. Seems like a bit of a money grab, but I'm a big fan of the Hana carts. Just wondering what this one sounds like and interested to hear what people think.