Umami Blue MC Cartridge

The Umami Blue moving coil cartridge combines the vision of Master cartridge designer Okada-san with the history of unique materials, classic Japanese techniques, and modern audio engineering. The Auricle™ body design, unique and exclusive to our Umami series, is CNC machined from Duralumin. Sharing key Umami Red ingredients, including the precision-cut diamond stylus, Boron cantilever, and high-purity copper wires, then combining these with the Alnico magnet-based generator found in the famous Hana ML, creates the exceptionally musical Umami Blue.

This synergistic relationship in MC cartridge design between specific materials, unique body design, a sophisticated generator, and hand-built precision is critical for outstanding cartridge performance. This creates a memorable and emotional experience, reminiscent of a meal at a Michelin 3-star restaurant, with every element and detail working in concert.

All the major parts in a HANA-Umami Blue are manufactured in-house by Excel Sound with its rich history spanning over 50 years. Excel’s highly trained craftsmen skillfully hand assemble the HANA-Umami Blue ensuring an intensely musical experience furthering the HANA “Brilliant and Gorgeous” sound quality.

CHASSIS
Body Material: Duralumin (A7075)
Body Finish: Urushi Lacquer (Blue), Thermosetting Process

MECHANICAL
Cantilever: Boron
Stylus Shape: Microline Nude Diamond
Armature Material: Permalloy
Coil Wiring: High Purity Copper
Armature Shape: Cross Plate
Parts Material: Pure Iron
Magnet: AlNico (Al-Ni-Co)

ELECTRICAL
Coil Impedance: 8Ω
Output Voltage: 0.4mV
Channel Balance: 30dB @ 1kHz
Recommended Load: ≥80 Ω

SETUP
Frequency Response: 15Hz-50kHz
Recommended Tracking Force: ~2gms
Compliance: 10
Weight: 10.8 gms

In Japan, Umami describes the taste that signals protein in food. Recognized as one of the five basic tastes—alongside salty, sweet, bitter, and sour—it’s often described as rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Considered to be one of the five basic tastes (which also includes salty, sweet, bitter and sour) Umami is best understood as being both rich and savory. Here in the US we might be more familiar with the terms "hearty" or "meaty", but of course, we might also use "lip smacking good".

Much like the flavor they're named after, Hana's Umami series cartridges deliver a warm, rich and flavorful vinyl experience crafted to satisfy!