Hana SH Cartridge Review: A High-Output Marvel with Shibata Precision

In the realm of high-fidelity audio, few components are as crucial as the phono cartridge. Today, we're diving deep into the Hana SH cartridge review, a Japanese handcrafted marvel that combines high output with exceptional resolution. This high-output moving coil (MC) cartridge, featuring a nude natural Shibata stylus, promises to elevate your vinyl listening experience to new heights.

Craftsmanship and Design

The Hana SH is a testament to Japanese precision engineering. Handcrafted with over 50 years of cartridge design experience, Excel Sound has created a masterpiece that stands out in both form and function.

The sleek black body not only looks sophisticated but also serves a purpose in dampening unwanted resonances. Weighing in at a precise 5 grams, it strikes an ideal balance between mass and agility, ensuring optimal tracking across a wide range of tonearms.

Technical Prowess

At the heart of the Hana SH lies its special coil design, which allows for high output (2mV/1kHz) while maintaining the finesse and detail retrieval typically associated with low-output MC cartridges. This unique characteristic makes it compatible with standard MM phono stages, offering flexibility in system matching.

The nude natural Shibata stylus is a standout feature. Known for its extended contact area with the groove walls, the Shibata profile excels in high-frequency tracking and reduced wear on both the stylus and your precious vinyl.

Sonic Performance

The Hana SH delivers a sonic performance that belies its price point. The high output provides dynamics and drive that bring your music to life, while the Shibata stylus extracts every nuance from the groove.

Bass response is tight and controlled, with a palpable sense of weight and texture. Midrange reproduction is where this cartridge truly shines, offering a natural and uncoloured presentation that lets vocals and instruments breathe with lifelike realism.

The high-frequency extension is remarkable, thanks to the Shibata stylus. You'll notice previously unheard details in familiar recordings, with a sense of air and space that creates a expansive soundstage.

Specifications and Compatibility

• Stylus: Shibata
• Cantilever: Aluminum
• Output Level: 2mV/1kHz
• Vertical Tracking Force: 2g
• Frequency Response: 15-32,000Hz
• Impedance: 130Ω/1kHz
• Suggested Load Impedance: 47kΩ

These specifications ensure that the Hana SH will play nicely with a wide range of phono stages and tonearms. The 2-gram tracking force is gentle on records while maintaining excellent trackability at 70 μm/2g.

Who Is It For?

The Hana SH is perfect for the discerning audiophile looking to upgrade their vinyl setup without breaking the bank. It's particularly suited for those who:

• Want MC cartridge performance with MM convenience
• Appreciate precise imaging and expansive soundstage
• Desire a cartridge that's gentle on their record collection
• Seek a balance between detail retrieval and musicality

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High output (2mV) compatible with MM phono stages
• Nude natural Shibata stylus for excellent tracking and detail
• Handcrafted Japanese quality
• Excellent channel separation (28dB/1kHz)
• Wide frequency response (15-32,000Hz)
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• May require careful system matching to fully realise its potential
• Some may prefer the ultra-low output of traditional MC designs

Installation and Setup

While the Hana SH is relatively forgiving, proper installation is crucial to extract its full potential. Our team at The Audio Tailor is always on hand to offer guidance on optimal setup and system matching. Don't hesitate to give us a call for personalised advice tailored to your specific turntable and system.

A Needle-Drop Above the Rest

The Hana SH cartridge represents a significant step up for many vinyl enthusiasts. Its ability to combine the best attributes of MC and MM designs makes it a versatile and high-performing option in its price range.

From the first needle drop, you'll notice the improved clarity, dynamics, and overall musicality that the Hana SH brings to your system. It's a cartridge that invites long listening sessions, revealing new layers in your favourite records with each spin.

If you're considering taking your vinyl playback to the next level, we strongly recommend auditioning the Hana SH. Our team at The Audio Tailor is always excited to discuss how this remarkable cartridge can integrate into your system. Give us a call or drop by our Brisbane store – we'd love to help you experience the magic of the Hana SH for yourself.