Mutech Hayate cartridge preliminary impressions

Hello again everyone.  I thought I would post my initial impressions of the Mutech Hayate (this is the new one from Mutech not to be confused with the Hayabusa) after about 25 hours of run in time (yes I know a lot may change over the coming months as it runs in, and I will update as those changes become apparent).  I won't post my system as I have done so in previous posts (if anyone knows how to put system components in to the profile please let me know).  And, as a disclaimer, these are just my impressions, I don't claim to be anything more than someone who enjoys listening to music (everything from rock, to reggae, to jazz to classical) while trying to get the best sound out of my system in my room on a budget that is somewhat limited compared to many.

I purchased the cartridge from Thom Mackris at Galibier Design.  He does a very thorough set up and quality control analysis that is included in the price of any cartridge you buy from him (Feickert Adjust + software) and a digital microscope to determine VTA/SRA among other things.  He also provides detailed instructions on set up.  I would guess this alone is worth about $400.  He is also very responsive to questions and will spend a lot of time working with his customers to get the best they can out of what they have.

Currently Thom is offering favorable pricing on the new Hayate cartridge as well, and no, I have no affiliation other than being a very satisfied customer.

On to the cartridge...I will be comparing it to the Hana Umami Red that I review previously and se tup in the same system.  Just the sound will  not give impressions on packaging, looks etc. other than to note that they are as expected.  The cartridge is easy to mount, though cantilever visibility is a bit of an issue, not a huge deal though.

I am running the cart. through a Hagerman Piccolo "transimpedance" head amp in what ought to be a current mode.  The .45 mv output of the cartridge is a bit on the high side for this, so the gain is high as well running into the mm 45 dB gain of my Hagerman Trumpet MC 47kohm load.  I plan on running the Hayate into the Trumpet directly as well once it is further run in.  I played with the Hana Red into the Piccolo as well and the output is similar mV.

The very short impression is the Hayate is amazing and pretty much blew the Red away (it should given the $7500 list for the Hayate vs. the $4000 list for the Red).  Try as I might I had a very hard time getting the Hayate to mis-track, not so with the Red.  The Red tracks well and except for very dynamic passages (think kettle drums, loud vocals miced "hot", etc.), the Hayate mastered everything I threw at it including the most demanding test record tracks.  Channel separation is superb measured at roughly -33dB or -37 and -32 when phase angle is matched in each channel.  Sound stage is wider than the Red, but just a hair less deep at least right now, though that appears to be changing with run in.  Imaging is superb, better than the Red instruments are placed nicely in the stage even with classical music, timbre is excellent with both cartridges.  There is more "air" and separation than the Red as well without sounding too analytical so the music is coherent and the cartridge is very musical.  The frequency sounds more extended in both bass and treble than the Red, it is not as "warm", the Red has been described as a "Bali High" cartridge, and while the Hayate is more balanced, it is also slightly on the warm side, so in my all tube gear, it really shines, keeping the midrange magic without losing as much of the rest of the music. Vocals are just amazing, I didn't think it could get better than the Red for me, I was wrong.  More than once, I was engaged in some other task and the vocals on various records just stopped me in my tracks. Instrument timbre is as good as I have heard, especially with piano -- one of the most difficult to get right IMHO, brass instrument including french horn sound like they are made of brass.  I like the dynamic response better too, quicker attack and somewhat shorter decay.  

Where the Hayate really shines is the amazing level of inner detail without sounding artificial or too "audiophile".  There is still a great sense of "being in the hall" with instrument or singer placement about perfect for me (the Red was more "voice forward" and some instruments in the same frequency range were as well, I prefer a little more laid back approach). It is absolutely the most beautiful and engaging vinyl music experience I have ever had in my system and even comparing it to other systems costing much more (recently listened to a Lyra Atlas in a system that had to run $250K or more).  Yes, I am biased perhaps, but even given that, this is one amazing cartridge.  

So, if you read my "review" (I put that in quotes since I am just a rank amateur and these are, of course just my personal impression) of the Red, I gushed about how great it is.  And, it is a really good cartridge for the price when I compared it to others in the same price range.  The Hayata plays in another field, and it is my go to cartridge now.  

The Hayate is more picky about set up than the Red, and it really pays to take time with set up.  If you are not the patient type or just don't like to take the time to play with set up, the Red might be a better choice.  The Hayate I have like a very steep VTA to get to 92 degree SRA, so you might need a shim or two (I did) to get there.  And, if it is on the record, you will hear it.  I thought there was an issue with HF distortion or sibilance -- tried different recording of the same music ( Pictures at an Exhibition), nope, the record was to blame, just an old somewhat play worn record.  

I hope this post is helpful to those thinking about trying this cartridge out.  

Mark