HANA-Umami Black MC Phono Cartridge

Experience the pinnacle of analog audio with the HANA-Umami Black, the latest innovation from master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san. Celebrating over 50 years of excellence, this moving coil cartridge redefines sonic brilliance with a diamond cantilever and the revolutionary “OKD” High-Efficiency Generator. Its meticulously engineered components—including a hybrid carbon armature, inverted U-yoke design, and neodymium magnet—deliver unmatched clarity, dynamic range, and musical depth. Finished in a hand-applied Urushi lacquer over a Duralumin body, the Umami Black is both a technical marvel and a work of art.

Specifications

• Body: Duralumin (A7075)
• Finish: Urushi Lacquer (Black), Thermosetting Process with Vapor Deposition
• Cantilever: Solid Diamond
• Stylus: Microline Nude Diamond
• Generator: "OKD" High-Efficiency MC Generator with Integrated Pole Piece and Rear Yoke
• Front Yoke: Inverted U-Shaped Bifurcated Design
• Armature Material: Permalloy, 78% Carbon-Infused Nickel-Iron
• Armature Shape: 2mm Square Plate
• Parts Material: Pure Iron
• Magnet: Neodymium (NdFeB) Rare Earth Magnet
• Coil Impedance: 6Ω
• Output Voltage: 0.3mV
• Load Impedance: Greater than 60Ω
• Cryogenic Treatment: Applied to Generator Assembly and Output Pins
• Frequency Response: 15–50,000Hz
• Output Balance: 0.5dB at 1kHz
• Channel Separation: 30dB at 1kHz
• Tracking Weight: 2g
• Trackability: 70μm at 2g
• Dynamic Compliance: 10 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100Hz), estimated at 17 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (10Hz)
• Cartridge Weight: 11.3g

Key Features List

• Diamond Cantilever: Enables ultra-precise signal transfer with maximum rigidity and minimal distortion.
• “OKD” High-Efficiency Generator: Features integrated pole piece and rear yoke for unparalleled energy conversion and detail retrieval.
• Inverted U Front Yoke: Stabilizes magnetic fields and controls resonance for cleaner, more accurate playback.
• Hybrid Carbon Armature: Lightweight yet durable design hand-wound with 4N copper for refined tracking and clarity.
• Neodymium Magnet: High-power rare-earth magnet enhances efficiency and dynamic expression in audio reproduction.
• Urushi Lacquer Finish: A visually striking, resonance-optimized finish applied via vapor deposition and thermosetting.

Q&A Section

Q: What makes the HANA-Umami Black unique among moving coil cartridges?
A: It features a diamond cantilever and the exclusive “OKD” high-efficiency generator for outstanding sonic performance and structural innovation.

Q: How does the Urushi lacquer finish impact performance?
A: Besides its visual beauty, the Urushi coating enhances resonance control and structural rigidity, improving overall sound clarity.

Q: Is the Umami Black suitable for all tonearms?
A: With its 11.3g weight and 2g tracking force, it’s compatible with most mid to high-mass tonearms—check your tonearm specs for best pairing.

Q: What output voltage does the Umami Black provide?
A: It delivers a low-output signal of 0.3mV, making it ideal for high-quality phono stages with MC input support.

Q: Does the cartridge require a specific load impedance?
A: Yes, it performs best with a load impedance greater than 60Ω, optimizing frequency response and detail retrieval.

Q: What materials are used in the coil and armature?
A: The armature is a carbon-infused nickel-iron permalloy, hand-wound with 30μm 4N purity copper wire for high conductivity and precision.

Q: What kind of stylus is used in the Umami Black?
A: It uses a nude Microline diamond stylus for ultra-accurate groove tracking and extended frequency response.

Q: Has the generator been cryogenically treated?
A: Yes, critical components of the generator, including the pole piece and yoke, undergo cryogenic treatment for enhanced stability and performance.

Hana Unami Black Instruction Manual