Hana EL Phono Cartridge
Original price was: 450,00 €.300,00 €Current price is: 300,00 €.
Hana EL phono cartridge is designed to retrieve vinyl-record signals in a correctly matched turntable system. Its synthetic elliptical stylus and aluminium cantilever follow the record groove, while precise alignment helps maintain channel balance. The 0.5 mV output level means that the phono preamplifier must be able to accept a signal of this strength. A load impedance of more than 400 Ω is suggested.
Hana EL phono cartridge is designed to retrieve the signal encoded in a vinyl record groove. Its 0.5 mV output level is an important consideration when choosing associated equipment: the phono preamplifier must be able to accept a signal at this level. A load impedance of more than 400 Ω is recommended.
The cartridge uses a synthetic elliptical stylus with an aluminium cantilever. Its specified vertical tracking force is 2 g. These parameters should be followed accurately when installing the cartridge and setting up the tonearm.
Who this cartridge is for
This model is intended for a turntable connected to a suitable phono equalisation stage. Output level, load impedance and the available load-capacitance settings are the main factors to consider when matching the components. A standard line-level amplifier input alone cannot process the cartridge’s low-level signal correctly.
The Hana EL is particularly relevant for buyers who can control the loading of their phono preamplifier. If the phono stage has fixed settings only, those settings should match the electrical conditions specified for the cartridge.
Stylus and body construction
The elliptical stylus profile is designed to follow the groove of a vinyl record. The final result also depends on precise cartridge alignment in the tonearm. An incorrect angle can affect channel balance and distortion, so it is advisable to use an alignment protractor intended for the geometry of the turntable.
The aluminium cantilever transmits the stylus movements to the cartridge mechanism. The body is made from plastic and finished in moss green. The cartridge weighs 5 g, so the tonearm counterweight must have sufficient adjustment range to balance it.
Matching the signal chain
The suggested starting setting is a 47 pF load capacitance. Depending on the desired sound, 100 pF, 150 pF or 220 pF may also be selected. The higher listed values are intended to reduce the high-frequency level.
Load capacitance is not adjusted on the cartridge itself. It is selected on the phono preamplifier when the unit provides suitable settings. The total capacitance of the complete signal path may also influence the result.
Tracking force is set with the tonearm counterweight, while electrical loading is configured in the phono equalisation stage. These adjustments serve different purposes, and one cannot be used to compensate for the other.
Installation and initial setup
Begin by balancing the tonearm according to the turntable manufacturer’s operating procedure. Then set the vertical tracking force specified for the cartridge. A dedicated stylus force gauge can be used when a more precise reading is required.
The stated 70 μm tracking ability is measured at the specified tracking force. It should therefore not be assessed separately from correct tonearm adjustment. Using either too little or too much force is not an appropriate way to alter the sound.
The dynamic compliance is 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne. This value is used when assessing the relationship between the cartridge and the tonearm’s effective mass. Together, those figures help calculate the mechanical resonance of the system.
Stereo reproduction characteristics
Channel separation is rated at 25 dB at 1 kHz. This figure indicates how effectively the cartridge distinguishes information in the left and right channels. The output-balance difference is less than 2 dB at the same frequency.
If the stereo image noticeably pulls to one side, first check the cartridge position and the tonearm setup. The connections for both channels should also be inspected throughout the signal chain.
The 15-25,000 Hz frequency range describes the limits of the frequencies transmitted by the cartridge. It should not be treated as the sole measure of sound quality. The tonearm, electrical loading, phono preamplifier and the record itself all contribute to the final result.
Technical specifications
| Model | HANA-EL |
|---|---|
| Product type | Phono cartridge |
| Stylus profile | Synthetic elliptical |
| Cantilever | Aluminium |
| Output level | 0.5 mV at 1 kHz |
| Output balance | Less than 2 dB at 1 kHz |
| Vertical tracking force | 2 g |
| Tracking ability | 70 μm at 2 g |
| Dynamic compliance | 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne |
| Channel separation | 25 dB at 1 kHz |
| Frequency range | 15-25,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 30 Ω at 1 kHz |
| Suggested load impedance | More than 400 Ω |
| Suggested load capacitance | 47 pF |
| Alternative load capacitance settings | 100 pF, 150 pF or 220 pF to reduce the high-frequency level |
| Weight | 5 g |
| Body material | Plastic |
| Colour | Moss green |
FAQ
What type of phono preamplifier is required?
Choose a phono preamplifier that can accept the stated output level and provide suitable loading. Its load impedance must meet the requirement specified for the cartridge.
Which load-capacitance setting should I start with?
Start with the main suggested value. Select one of the other listed capacitance settings only when you want to reduce the high-frequency level.
How can I set the tracking force accurately?
Balance the tonearm first, then set the specified tracking force. A separate stylus force gauge helps verify the actual force applied to the record.
What should I know about the 5 g weight?
The tonearm counterweight must be able to balance a cartridge of this weight. This should be confirmed before setting the tracking force and completing the final tonearm adjustments.
Is the cartridge intended for stereo records?
Yes. Separate output-balance and channel-separation figures are specified for it. Precise alignment helps preserve the intended stereo image.
Can it be used in a home cinema system?
A vinyl source can be incorporated through a suitable phono equalisation stage. The cartridge must not be connected directly to a conventional line-level input on an AV receiver.
Why is dynamic compliance important?
It helps assess the mechanical match between the cartridge and the tonearm. The effective mass of the tonearm is also required when calculating resonance.
