Audio T Verdict
The Hana E Series provides two routes into moving-coil cartridge ownership without making the decision unnecessarily complicated.
Both versions share the same basic mechanical construction: a synthetic elliptical diamond stylus, rigid aluminium cantilever, cross-shaped armature, low-resonance composite body and a recommended 2.0g tracking force. The important difference is electrical.
The EL is the traditional low-output option. Its 0.5mV output is intended for a suitable moving-coil phono stage, with the UK Hana distributor recommending a load impedance greater than 400 ohms.
The EH produces a much healthier 2.0mV and is designed to work with conventional moving-magnet phono amplification. That makes it particularly useful for customers who want to try a moving-coil cartridge without replacing a good MM phono stage or adding a step-up device.
Both versions weigh just 5g and use the same 15Hz–25kHz frequency-response specification, 25dB channel separation and 70µm trackability at the recommended 2.0g tracking force.
The choice between them is therefore less about one cartridge being inherently better and much more about the phono stage already in your system. If you have a capable low-output MC input, choose the EL. If you have a good MM phono stage you want to keep, the EH is the logical option.
Hana E Series Moving Coil Cartridge
The Hana E Series is available in two versions: the low-output Hana EL and high-output Hana EH.
Both are hand-assembled in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation and combine a synthetic elliptical diamond stylus with a rigid aluminium cantilever and cross-shaped moving-coil armature.
The distinctive moss-green cartridge body is manufactured from a low-resonance composite material, while the two generator options allow customers to choose the version best suited to their existing phono amplification.
Key features include:
- Moving-coil cartridge design
- Choice of high or low output
- Hana EL: 0.5mV low output
- Hana EH: 2.0mV high output
- Synthetic elliptical diamond stylus
- Rigid aluminium cantilever
- Cross-shaped armature
- Alnico magnet system
- Low-resonance composite cartridge body
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
- 70µm trackability at 2.0g
- 25dB channel separation at 1kHz
- Less than 2dB output balance at 1kHz
- 15Hz–25kHz frequency response
- 5g cartridge weight
- Moss-green finish
- Hand-assembled in Japan
Hana EL or Hana EH?
The two E Series cartridges look almost identical and share the same stylus, cantilever and basic mechanical construction.
The major difference is the generator output and the type of phono amplification each version requires.
Hana EL
- Low-output moving coil
- 0.5mV output
- 30-ohm internal impedance
- Greater than 400-ohm recommended loading
- Requires suitable MC phono amplification
- Synthetic elliptical stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- 5g cartridge weight
Hana EH
- High-output moving coil
- 2.0mV output
- 130-ohm internal impedance
- 47k-ohm phono-stage loading
- Compatible with suitable MM phono amplification
- Synthetic elliptical stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- 5g cartridge weight
Choose the Cartridge to Suit Your Phono Stage
If your system already includes a capable low-output moving-coil phono stage, the EL is the natural choice.
If you have a good moving-magnet phono stage and do not want to replace it simply to move to an MC cartridge, choose the EH.
What Is a Moving Coil Cartridge?
A moving-coil cartridge reverses the basic generator arrangement used by a moving-magnet cartridge.
Rather than moving a magnet in relation to stationary coils, very small coils attached to the cantilever assembly move within a magnetic field as the stylus traces the record groove.
The resulting electrical signal is extremely small, which is why cartridge output and phono-stage matching matter.
Why Offer High and Low Output Versions?
Traditional moving-coil cartridges use relatively few turns of very fine coil wire, helping to keep the moving assembly light but resulting in a low electrical output.
A high-output MC uses a generator designed to produce more voltage, making it easier to use with conventional moving-magnet phono stages.
Hana therefore offers the E Series in both forms rather than forcing customers to change their existing phono amplification.
Hana EL Low Output Moving Coil
The EL produces:
0.5mV at 1kHz.
This is a conventional low-output moving-coil signal and requires suitable MC phono amplification.
Do Not Use the EL With a Conventional MM-Only Input
A standard moving-magnet phono stage will normally provide insufficient gain for the EL's 0.5mV output.
Use a suitable moving-coil phono stage or another phono solution specifically designed to provide sufficient gain for a low-output MC cartridge.
30-Ohm EL Internal Impedance
The Hana EL has an internal impedance of:
30 ohms at 1kHz.
This is an internal generator specification and should not be confused with the external load selected on the phono stage.
EL Loading Above 400 Ohms
The UK Hana distributor recommends a load impedance of:
Greater than 400 ohms.
If your MC phono stage offers selectable loading, choose a setting that satisfies this recommendation and then assess the complete cartridge and phono-stage combination.
Do Not Assume 100 Ohms Is Automatically Correct
100 ohms is a common MC phono-stage setting, but Hana's UK specification for the EL recommends a substantially higher load.
If your phono stage provides only fixed 100-ohm MC loading, check compatibility before buying the EL.
Phono-Stage Gain and Loading Are Different
Gain determines how much the cartridge signal is amplified.
Loading determines the electrical resistance presented to the cartridge generator.
A suitable EL phono stage therefore needs both sufficient gain for a 0.5mV cartridge and an appropriate load impedance.
Hana EH High Output Moving Coil
The EH produces:
2.0mV at 1kHz.
This is four times the output voltage of the EL and is specifically intended to make moving-coil construction practical with conventional moving-magnet phono amplification.
No Dedicated MC Input Required
The Hana EH can be connected to a suitable 47k-ohm moving-magnet phono stage.
This makes it particularly useful for amplifiers with a good built-in MM input or customers who already own a high-quality external MM phono stage.
130-Ohm EH Internal Impedance
The Hana EH has an internal impedance of:
130 ohms at 1kHz.
Its generator therefore differs electrically from the EL despite the two cartridges sharing the same basic mechanical platform.
47k-Ohm EH Loading
The Hana EH is designed around conventional:
47k-ohm moving-magnet phono loading.
This allows it to work with the MM inputs found on many integrated amplifiers and external phono stages.
Do Not Automatically Select MC Because the EH Is a Moving Coil
The EH is mechanically a moving-coil cartridge, but its high-output generator is intended for moving-magnet phono amplification.
A conventional low-output MC input may provide substantially too much gain and inappropriate loading.
Will the EH Be Quieter Than a Typical MM Cartridge?
It can be.
The Hana EH produces 2.0mV, while many conventional moving-magnet cartridges produce around 4mV or more.
You may therefore use slightly more of your amplifier's volume control than you did with your previous MM cartridge.
That is normal and does not mean the EH requires a conventional low-output MC input.
Synthetic Elliptical Diamond Stylus
Both the EL and EH use a:
Synthetic elliptical diamond stylus.
An elliptical profile uses different radii along the front-to-back and side-to-side axes of the stylus, allowing it to follow finer groove modulation than a basic spherical tip.
Why Use an Elliptical Stylus?
The elliptical profile provides a useful balance between:
- Accurate groove tracing
- Good high-frequency tracking
- Useful detail retrieval
- Relatively straightforward cartridge alignment
- Compatibility with a wide variety of records
It is still important to align the Hana E accurately, but an elliptical profile is generally less demanding to set up than more advanced Shibata or Microline designs.
Rigid Aluminium Cantilever
The stylus is mounted to a high-rigidity aluminium cantilever.
The cantilever transfers the tiny movements generated at the stylus into the moving-coil generator, so its rigidity and mass have a direct relationship with the cartridge's ability to follow groove modulation.
Cross-Shaped Armature
The E Series uses a cross-shaped armature within its moving-coil generator.
The armature supports the coil structure attached to the cantilever, allowing the generator to convert mechanical groove movement into an electrical signal.
Alnico Magnet System
Hana uses Alnico magnetic material within the E Series generator.
In a moving-coil design the magnetic assembly remains stationary while the lightweight coil structure moves in response to the stylus and cantilever.
Low-Resonance Composite Body
Both E Series cartridges use the distinctive moss-green composite cartridge body.
The material is selected to provide a mechanically stable structure while controlling unwanted resonance around the cartridge generator.
5g Cartridge Weight
Both the Hana EL and EH weigh:
5g.
This relatively low cartridge weight can be accommodated by many conventional tonearms, provided their counterweight and alignment range are appropriate.
Check Tonearm Compatibility
Cartridge weight alone does not determine whether a cartridge and tonearm are a suitable match.
Make sure your tonearm can balance a 5g cartridge, apply the required 2.0g tracking force and provide sufficient adjustment for accurate alignment.
2.0g Vertical Tracking Force
Hana specifies a vertical tracking force of:
2.0g.
This applies to both the EH and EL versions.
Do Not Deliberately Track Too Lightly
Reducing tracking force below the manufacturer's recommendation does not automatically reduce record wear.
Too little force can allow the stylus to mistrack and lose stable contact with the groove.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
Set the tonearm counterweight according to the arm manufacturer's procedure and then check the final 2.0g tracking force with an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
70µm Trackability
Hana specifies trackability of:
70µm at 2.0g.
This specification is measured at the cartridge's recommended tracking force.
25dB Channel Separation
Both E Series cartridges are specified at:
25dB channel separation at 1kHz.
Channel separation describes the cartridge's ability to keep the information recovered from the left and right groove walls electrically distinct.
Less Than 2dB Output Balance
Hana specifies:
Less than 2dB output balance at 1kHz.
This describes the difference in output between the left and right cartridge channels.
15Hz to 25kHz Frequency Response
Both the Hana EL and EH are specified at:
15Hz–25kHz.
Frequency-response figures should not be treated as a complete measure of cartridge performance. Stylus profile, cantilever behaviour, generator design, tracking and correct setup all contribute to the information recovered from a record groove.
Accurate Cartridge Alignment
Installing the Hana E correctly may involve:
- Physical cartridge mounting
- Overhang adjustment
- Offset-angle alignment
- 2.0g tracking-force setup
- Bias or anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm-height adjustment where available
- Azimuth adjustment where available
- Phono-stage gain matching
- Phono-stage loading
Do Not Align the Cartridge by Eye
Use the alignment method specified by your turntable or tonearm manufacturer, or an appropriate cartridge-alignment protractor.
Incorrect geometry can increase distortion, compromise tracking and contribute to unnecessary record and stylus wear.
Set Bias or Anti-Skate Correctly
After setting tracking force, adjust the tonearm's bias or anti-skate using the arm manufacturer's recommended procedure.
Different tonearms apply compensation in different ways, so the manufacturer's instructions should take precedence over generic dial settings.
A Phono Stage Is Essential
Do Not Connect the Hana E Directly to AUX or CD
Both the EH and EL produce phono-level signals and require additional amplification together with RIAA equalisation.
Connect the cartridge through an appropriate phono stage before using a normal amplifier line input.
Choosing the Correct Signal Path
Hana EL
Turntable ? MC phono stage ? amplifier line input.
- 0.5mV output
- Requires MC gain
- Greater than 400-ohm UK recommended load
Hana EH
Turntable ? MM phono stage ? amplifier line input.
- 2.0mV output
- Suitable MM gain
- 47k-ohm loading
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
Unlike many moving-magnet cartridges, the Hana E Series does not use a detachable user-replaceable stylus assembly.
The stylus, cantilever, armature and moving coils form part of an integrated cartridge assembly.
Do Not Attempt to Remove the Stylus
The stylus assembly is not designed to slide out of the cartridge body.
If the stylus becomes worn or damaged, contact Audio T for advice on the appropriate replacement or service options.
Stylus Care
Good record and stylus care helps maintain clean contact between the diamond and groove.
Useful habits include:
- Keep records free from loose dust
- Use an appropriate stylus brush or approved cleaning product
- Use a gentle back-to-front cleaning motion
- Never apply sideways pressure to the cantilever
- Use the tonearm cueing mechanism when lowering the cartridge
- Keep fingers away from the stylus and cantilever
- Turn amplifier volume down when cleaning around the cartridge
Hana E Series or S Series MK II?
Hana's current S Series MK II sits above the E Series and introduces several significant mechanical developments.
Hana E Series
- Synthetic elliptical stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- EL: 0.5mV low output
- EH: 2.0mV high output
- 25dB channel separation
- 15Hz–25kHz frequency response
- 5g cartridge weight
- 2.0g tracking force
Hana S Series MK II
- Shibata stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- SL MK II: 0.4mV low output
- SH MK II: 2.0mV high output
- 28dB channel separation
- 15Hz–32kHz frequency response
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- 2.0g tracking force
The most obvious upgrade is the move from an elliptical stylus to a Shibata profile, but the S Series MK II also introduces a tapered aluminium cantilever, revised non-resonant body, brass cap and threaded cartridge mounting.
Explore the Hana S Series MK II at Audio T.
Elliptical or Shibata?
The E Series elliptical stylus provides a relatively simple route into moving-coil cartridge ownership and is comparatively straightforward to align.
The Shibata profile used by the S Series MK II makes more extensive contact with the record groove and is designed to retrieve finer groove information, but accurate cartridge alignment becomes increasingly important.
The decision should therefore take the quality of the turntable, tonearm, phono stage and wider system into account rather than being based on stylus profile alone.
Hand-Assembled in Japan
Hana cartridges are manufactured by Excel Sound Corporation in Japan.
Excel Sound combines decades of cartridge-design experience with specialist hand assembly and laboratory testing, with Hana cartridges individually assembled by skilled technicians.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Correct Hana E installation can involve:
- Checking tonearm compatibility
- Careful physical mounting
- Overhang adjustment
- Offset-angle alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias or anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm-height adjustment where available
- Azimuth adjustment where available
- MC gain and loading setup for the EL
- MM phono-stage matching for the EH
If you are not confident carrying out these adjustments accurately, professional fitting is worthwhile.
Who Is the Hana E Series For?
Well Suited To
- Customers moving from MM to moving coil
- Quality turntables with conventional tonearms
- Customers wanting a straightforward elliptical stylus
- Systems with a suitable MC stage for the EL
- Systems with a good MM stage for the EH
- Customers wanting a choice of high or low output
- Turntables allowing accurate cartridge alignment
Check Before Buying
- Choose EL or EH to suit your phono stage
- EL output: 0.5mV
- EL loading: greater than 400 ohms
- EH output: 2.0mV
- EH loading: 47k ohms
- 5g cartridge weight
- 2.0g tracking force
- Stylus is not user-replaceable
Key Features
- Hana E Series
- Hana EL low-output version
- Hana EH high-output version
- Moving-coil cartridge
- Synthetic elliptical stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- Cross-shaped armature
- Alnico magnet system
- Low-resonance composite body
- EL 0.5mV output
- EH 2.0mV output
- EL 30-ohm internal impedance
- EH 130-ohm internal impedance
- EL greater than 400-ohm loading
- EH 47k-ohm loading
- 15Hz–25kHz frequency response
- 25dB channel separation
- Less than 2dB output balance
- 70µm trackability at 2.0g
- 2.0g tracking force
- 5g cartridge weight
- Moss-green body
- Non-user-replaceable stylus
- Hand-assembled in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hana E moving magnet or moving coil?
Both Hana E Series cartridges are moving-coil designs.
What is the difference between Hana EL and Hana EH?
The EL is a 0.5mV low-output moving-coil cartridge designed for suitable MC phono amplification. The EH produces 2.0mV and is designed to work with suitable moving-magnet phono stages.
Which Hana E should I buy?
Choose the EL if you have a suitable low-output MC phono stage. Choose the EH if you want to use a conventional 47k-ohm MM phono input.
What is the Hana EL output?
0.5mV at 1kHz.
What is the Hana EH output?
2.0mV at 1kHz.
What loading does the Hana EL require?
The UK Hana distributor recommends a load impedance greater than 400 ohms.
What loading does the Hana EH require?
47k ohms, making it suitable for conventional moving-magnet phono amplification.
Can I use the Hana EH with an MM phono stage?
Yes. That is one of the main reasons for choosing the high-output EH.
Can I use the Hana EL with an MM phono stage?
Not normally. Its 0.5mV output requires substantially more gain than a conventional MM input provides.
Can I connect the EH to an MC input?
Do not automatically do so simply because it is a moving-coil cartridge. Conventional low-output MC inputs may provide too much gain and unsuitable loading for the 2.0mV EH.
What stylus does the Hana E use?
Both versions use a synthetic elliptical diamond stylus.
What is the cantilever made from?
Aluminium.
What is the Hana EL internal impedance?
30 ohms at 1kHz.
What is the Hana EH internal impedance?
130 ohms at 1kHz.
What is the frequency response?
15Hz to 25kHz for both versions.
What is the channel separation?
25dB at 1kHz.
What is the output balance?
Less than 2dB at 1kHz.
What tracking force should I use?
Hana specifies 2.0g for both the EH and EL.
What is the trackability specification?
70µm at the recommended 2.0g tracking force.
How much does the Hana E weigh?
Both versions weigh 5g.
What colour is the Hana E?
Both cartridges use Hana's distinctive moss-green body.
Does the Hana E have a replaceable stylus?
No. Like most moving-coil cartridges, its stylus and cantilever assembly is not designed for user replacement.
Can Audio T fit the Hana E?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss tonearm compatibility, cartridge fitting, alignment, tracking force and phono-stage matching.
Where is the Hana E made?
Hana cartridges are hand-assembled in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation.
What is the next cartridge above the Hana E?
The Hana S Series MK II sits above the E Series and introduces a Shibata stylus, tapered aluminium cantilever and more sophisticated cartridge body and generator construction.
Related Hana Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- Moving-coil cartridge advice
- High and low-output MC guidance
- MM and MC phono-stage matching
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- MC gain and loading advice
- Stylus-care guidance
- Turntable setup
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Hana EL or EH is the right match for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage, or to arrange professional cartridge fitting and alignment.