Observations - Trying to audition a Hana cartridge before buying

If a company offers to take back a cartridge after an "audition" by a prospective customer, what do they do with it then?  They cannot re-package it and sell it as new if they are an honest dealer.  If Audio Advisor really does allow some in-home trial, I would expect them to also be selling slightly used cartridges; if they don't, I would be suspicious of their new cartridge sales.

Auditioning anything is hard to do.  Brick and mortar shops may let customers take home electronics for in-home trials, but cartridges and speakers are another matter because they are so easily damaged in the trial process.  I know a shop that allowed such in-home trial for its most trusted customers, but that is rare.

Any kind of in-shop demonstration of a cartridge is also not easy as it takes some time to properly mount and set up a cartridge and there is some risk of damage in the process.

If you can find ANY dealer who can play ANY cartridge from the manufacturer you are interested in, that is about as close as you can get to a real audition.

Hana cartridges are excellent transducers. The simple fact is that cartridges are unlike every other hi fi product because they physically deteriorate once they are used. As some other posters have indicated above, its not practical for dealers to have a wide stock of demo cartridges because any cartridge, once it's used, will suffer serious depreciation - much more so than any other piece of gear that's been demonstrated. I will also say that Hana cartridges are frequently in high demand/short supply so there is even less incentive for dealers to be opening boxes and putting the cartridges on demo.

First, do not listen to anyone telling you that you must get a specific type or they prefer a specific cantilever material.  I can't believe some of the responses here on the subject.  For what it's worth, I personally like all the Hana cartridges and am thinking hard about purchasing one the next time around.  A lot of improvements have been made to the SL cartridges, narrowing the gap with the ML models, which have not seen an upgrade.  I'm thinking that the ML models are up for an upgrade soon.  A friend recently had a high-output SL Mk 2 installed on his Rega and just loves it.  And I think it stinks that the dealers nearby(where do you live, I know it's not Iowa because you have audio dealers) have to order everything.  

Step number one-develop a relationship with a dealer that seems fair to you and carries equipment you have interest in.  My dealer is a 2 hour drive, but is well worth it when I need to go physically-which is rare.  We do almost all business by phone now.  He has helped me build an awesome system.  He has fully gained my trust-everything he has recommended has been spot on. For installs, he comes to me and if demos are available, he brings them as well.  Unless you have installed multiple cartridges and have all the necessary tools, you will need assistance in setup.  The dealer should provide this service as well.  For me, the price always included set up.

Step number two-identify the sound you are looking for. Some like an analytical and leaner sound, others a more lush sound.  I prefer more to the lush side and Hana excels at this. Your dealer can help nudge you into the carts that are most likely to appeal to your tastes.

Step number three- enter your system into AI google and query if the cartridge is a good fit for your table and tonearm.  I did this recently when I bought my Hana Umami Black.  My dealer gave me some cartridge recommendations based on his knowledge of my system and preferences.  There is an amazing wealth of information that is nanoseconds away.  It can also be helpful in suggesting other brands that you may like better.  FWIW, I can not recall any review or discussion that was neutral or negative regarding Hana carts.  By the way, I love the Black-best cart I've ever had.

Step number four-sit back and enjoy the sound.  Understand that it will take about 100 hours of break in time and the personality of the cart will change somewhat during that time.  I would recommend getting a stylus timer-that way you know how many hours of play time has occurred.  Helpful for knowing when stylus maintenance is due.  Elusive Disc carries them for $20.  If your rig allows for VTA adjustment, learn how to do it.  It is usually very easy and can make you less dependent on others for fine tuning the cart.

Regarding Upscale Audio, my one experience with them was not good. Sold me a defective headphone amp and refused to acknowledge this fact. After many argumentative and rude email exchanges with their salesman, I finally got them to accept the return. Will never do business with them again.