Observations - Trying to audition a Hana cartridge before buying


I am looking forward to buying a Hana SL MK II.  I want to listen to it before I purchase.

Called Dealer 1, 10 miles away.  We have a turntable with Hana Red.  The preamp is a $ 125,000 model.  It will likely not demonstrate anything close to what you are looking for.  We can order but not demo.

Called Dealer 2, 50 miles away.  I am a Hana dealer, but I have no Hana cartridges for demo.  We can order.

Called Dealer 3, 100 miles away.  We have ML and Blue for demo.  Not the model SL MkII.  We are open Monday to Friday only until 5.30 PM.  We can order.

Dealer 4, 30 to 70 miles away, multiple stores.  We sell, but have no Hana on demo.  We can order.

Called Dealer 5, 50 miles away.  Don’t have Hana for demo.  I will send you a list of the Hana cartridges we have in stock, versus those we need to order.

I called USA Importer and shared my story, they offered to call around to dealers to find out which dealer may have one for demo, recognizing I would have to travel there to be able to audition.

I am curious as to other Audiogoner’s experience.  Is it this hard to get a demo?  Maybe too many brands and too many models for dealers to demo.

dcaudio

Gone are the days when the dealers would have a suite of carts for demo. Can't go wrong with Hana. Had a SL and now have a Umami blue. They have great resale value if you want to change down the road. What TT and tonearm do you have? 

@cleeds Wow, I missed that! Audio Advisor looks like a better choice. I have returned stuff with them and only had to pay for shipping!

Search Results for "hana"+

RETURN POLICY & PROCESS

NOTE:
You may only return a product purchased within 60-days of the receipt date.
The product must be in like-new condition and shipped in the original packaging (So SAVE THOSE BOXES!!!)


  1. Call 1-800-942-0220 to request an RMA number.
  2. Print the RMA number on the return shipping label.
  3. Please make sure the return shipping name and address are written in a note on the inside.
  4. Ship package to…

Audio Advisor Returns
4717 Broadmoor Ave SE
Suite G
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(PRINT YOUR RMA NUMBER HERE)

 

@cleeds yes. I never said you cab return a mangled cartridge to TMR for a full refund. The return policy is absolutely reasonable

 

  • If a newly purchased cartridge is functional but not satisfactory (within 60 days) please contact [email protected] with the serial number of the cartridge and the original order number to request return authorization. Upon receipt the cartridge will be evaluated in-house to determine its condition and sellability. If the cartridge is considered to be resellable, the customer may receive a full or partial refund (or exchange value).

that’s common sense. 
Upscsle Audio return policy on cartridges is no return - final sale. 
Music Direct cartridge return policy is identical to TMR

New cartridge that customer does not like (within 60 return period)

If a newly purchased cartridge is functional but not satisfactory please contact Music Direct Customer Service with the serial number of the cartridge and the original order number to request return authorization. Upon receipt the cartridge will be evaluated in-house to determine its condition and salability.


once again…common sense. 

OP setup tools and experience and test lp and often eyesight matter MUCH more than arguments about cantilever material or stylus shapes…. As in racing there is a great deal of satisfaction in passing what should be a faster car/driver due to poor setup… often middling setup

also… there are some really tasty Japanese carts with exotic  aluminum cantilever… 

@dcaudio 

Its very important to know what turntable you have and the tonearm you're going to use your new cartridge with. Without these important criteria there's no way to know if the Hana is going to be a good choice.