MAGAZINE
"Umami Blue" is the name of the new MC cartridge, which is supposed to be a significantly cheaper, but no less aleborate model accompanying the flaghsip Umami Red by Hana.
With the "Microline" diamond, ultra-stiff boron cantilever, as well as the housing made of a particularly hard aluminum alloy – almost identical to the that of the Red –, the Umami Blue shares important details with the higher model.
Read our Review of the Hana Umami Red MC cartridge here!
Like the Umami Red, the low-output MC system coated with glossy blue melamine resin comes in the familiar "AuricleTM" body made of A7075 duralumin. The shape, carved out of a solid block of the light metal, is intended to provide the elaborately built, open generator with an optimal working environment that prevents resonances. A small plate made of POM on the front of the body is also said to contribute to this.
Inside, the generator equipped with classic Alnico magnets goes to work, which is supposed to provide an output voltage of 0.4 millivolts. An extra-lightweight permalloy carrier wrapped with 99.9999% oxygen-pure copper wire is supposed to provide the Umami Blue, – weighing around 11 grams and running at the usual 20 millinewtons of tracking force – with a rich array of timbres as well as a musicality defined by fine resolution, in addition to substantial dynamics.
Important parts have been cryogenically treated, to positively alter their molecular structure, which, according to the manufacturer, adds the finishing touches to the pickup's performance.
The Hana Umami Blue is available now in Germany at an MSRP of around 2,500 euros.
