Hana Umami Black (Diamond) MC Cartridge
What is HANA Umami Sound?
Umami Sound is a uniquely captivating musical experience—an exceptional sensuality that immerses you in the performance and leaves a lasting impression. Expect harmonic richness, delicate textures, sweet highs, solid bass, rhythmic vitality, lifelike dynamics, and the rare “you-are-there” presence that makes music unforgettable. Just as umami in cuisine describes a deep and satisfying flavour created through a perfect blend of ingredients, Umami Sound delivers the same synergy for your ears—a harmonious fusion that transcends the sum of its parts.
Crafted by a Master
Behind the Umami Black is Masao Okada-san, Master Cartridge Designer at Excel Sound, with more than five decades of innovation and Japanese craftsmanship. His expertise brings Umami Sound to life, blending state-of-the-art engineering with meticulous handcrafting.
The HANA Umami Legacy
• HANA-Umami Red (2020): Introduced the world to Umami Sound, acclaimed worldwide.
• HANA-Umami Blue (2023): Expanded access to the philosophy with the same powerful musical synergy.
• HANA-Umami Black (2025): The new flagship—pushing expression, purity, and realism to even greater heights.
HANA-Umami Black Highlights
• Diamond Cantilever – A HANA first. Ultra-rigid, precise signal transfer with astonishing clarity.
• High-Efficiency “OKD” Moving Coil Generator – Category first with integrated pole/rear yoke, inverted U-shaped front yoke, cryogenically treated for pure signal transfer.
• Inverted U Front Yoke – Controls mechanical resonance and magnetic alignment, minimises distortion, and reduces tracing error.
• Rare Earth Magnet & Hybrid Armature – NdFeB magnet with a 2mm square hybrid carbon-permalloy armature, hand-wound with high-purity copper for ideal energy conversion.
• Auricle™ Cartridge Body – Inspired by the human ear, machined from aircraft-grade aluminium with a black zirconia inlay for damping and elegance.
• Urushi Enameled Finish – Traditional Japanese lacquer artistry, high-gloss, resonance-controlled, and visually stunning.
• Microline Stylus – Mirrors the original mastering stylus for maximum detail retrieval.
• Cryogenic Processing – Signal-path components deep-treated for tonal purity and reduced distortion.
• Hand-Built in Japan – Each cartridge crafted by Excel Sound’s master artisans, continuing a 55-year legacy.
A Masterwork of Musical Synergy
The HANA-Umami Black represents the pinnacle of cartridge design. Every component, from its diamond cantilever to its handcrafted Urushi lacquer finish, works in synergy to deliver an immersive and emotionally powerful experience. It is Okada-san’s new masterpiece—an exquisite fusion of tradition, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge engineering that brings you closer than ever to the soul of your music.