Hana Umami Blue

The Hana Umami Blue phono cartridge represents the culmination of meticulous research in pursuit of the perfect harmony between Japanese artisanal tradition and modern engineering. Born from the union of two of the brand’s iconic models—the ML and the Umami Red—this low-output moving coil cartridge embodies a unique approach in which every component has been selected to create remarkable musical synergy.

The Auricle Design: A Bold Biomimetic Approach

The Auricle body of the Umami Blue evokes the curves of the auricular pavilion. Machined from a block of A7075 aluminum—an aerospace alloy combining lightness and strength—this design firmly supports the “Open Air” generator while creating a free air volume for cantilever vibrations.

The front POM insert pays homage to the ML, the first Hana cartridge to use this anti-vibration polymer. The striking blue finish results from a sophisticated process: a thermosetting melamine resin is sprayed on and then baked at 120°C for 30 minutes. This technique increases rigidity and improves resonance control, resulting in greater clarity and enhanced spatial definition.

Playback Mechanics with Surgical Precision

The nude MicroLine diamond replicates the shape of the cutting stylus used for vinyl masters. This optimized geometry extracts the subtlest information while minimizing record wear, offering the greatest longevity among available profiles.

The boron cantilever, whose hardness approaches that of diamond, boasts an exceptional stiffness-to-mass ratio. This feature allows faithful transmission of micro-modulations to the generator, preserving the entirety of the musical information.

A Hybrid Generator with Optimized Performance

The generator intelligently synthesizes the technologies of the ML and Umami Red. The ML’s Alnico magnets provide linearity and low magnetic saturation. The cruciform permalloy armature houses hand-wound 4N copper coils, generating 0.4 mV with an impedance of 8 ohms.

A cryogenic treatment applied to the generator and gold-plated pins alters the molecular structure of the materials. This “cold annealing” process, close to absolute zero, improves conductivity and reduces background noise.

Carefully Considered Implementation

Weighing 10.8 grams with a compliance of 16 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 10 Hz, the Umami Blue is suitable for medium to high-mass tonearms. A tracking force of 2 grams ensures optimal tracking. The recommended load impedance is above 80 ohms, with excellent results reported between 100 and 200 ohms.

Integrated threaded inserts in the body make mounting easier and ensure optimal mechanical coupling with the headshell.

A Strategic Position in the Hana Range

The Umami Blue occupies a pivotal position, combining the best of the ML (Alnico magnets, cryogenic treatment) and the Umami Red (Auricle™ body, boron cantilever). Compared to the ML, it offers greater dynamics and a wider soundstage. Against the Umami Red, it features a slightly brighter signature while retaining Hana’s characteristic musicality.

Technical Specifications

Type and Construction

• Phono cartridge type: Low-output MC
• Stylus: Nude MicroLine integral
• Cantilever: Boron

Output Characteristics

• Output level: 0.4 mV / 1 kHz
• Channel balance: > 0.5 dB / 1 kHz
• Channel separation: 30 dB / 1 kHz

Playback Parameters

• Recommended tracking force: 2 g
• Tracking ability: 70 µm / 2 g
• Compliance at 10 Hz: 16 × 10⁻⁶ cm / dyne
• Compliance at 100 Hz: 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm / dyne

Electrical and Frequency Characteristics

• Frequency response: 10 – 50,000 Hz
• Coil impedance: 8 Ω / 1 kHz
• Recommended load: > 80 Ω

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 10.8 g