Hana Umami Black


Just noticed on the Hana cartridge site that they've made an Umami Black cartridge for $11.5k, it must be absolute one hell of a cart. If its been out a while and I'm just lost on the times, my apologies! Anyone with deep pockets who gets one, please report. I've been running an Umami Red since it came out and damn for 3x the cost this must be a dynamo!

https://musicalsurroundings.com/downloads/products/umami-black-brochure.pdf

njkrebs

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. 

 

@njkrebs 

Will you tell me your impressions of the Unami Red?   I am considering buy one.

My system is linked... 

If it matters, my music is 50% classical, 40% classic rock, 10% jazz, all at moderate to low volumes.

Regards,

I have no real issues with the cost, just how does the area of design that seems unique, justifies a price separation of approx' £7K

As this Black Model is a Flagship Model and seemingly quite separated through design than earlier Hana Flagship Models. 

It can be suspected that the Red and Blue Hana's are to be superseded by Cart's incorporating Trickle Down technology used on the Blsclk. 

A $7K and $4ish K Black sibling could be available for 2026.

I too would like to hear them, if they are realized, especially with my Bespoke Phon's and in the  Company of a Mutech Hahate and Ortofon Verismo. 

What's not to like?