This is a great video review of MC vs MM generally speaking. It is nice and important to understand and let know about the capabilities of MM. as long as properly paired to a phono preamp. Thanks for your review
Thanks man for this well described comparison. So interesting for a person like me who is just about to make the similar jump. My Nagaoka Jeweltone JT-80 BK is the same price as Amethyst and i am also very happy with it but curiosity has made me keen on the Hana ML. After watching this I will have the same experience. Would you mind sharing with us if you used a step up transformer for the ML and if so which product??
Thanks for your views of these 2 cartridges. Great food for thought. I enjoyed your review of the Sumiko Amethyst 3 months ago . Have you considered testing the Sumiko Wellfleet? Having the Sumiko Wellfleet, Moonstone and Hana EH I would be interested in your thoughts as compared to the Amethyst. Thanks for your reviews!
Thank you.. the reason for the comparison was to show that very divergent Carts can still compete in quality. Comparing Carts that are closer would not be something I would concentrate on as so many variables can distort perception. Appreciate you viewing .
I understand the new Goldring E4 cartridge due for release in July is supposed to be excellent at the price point.. im considering a cartridge upgrade for my X1.. and it may fall between the Sumiko and Goldring E4
Just found you video today. Thanks for your review. I too rely on Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio since the company is close by. Since 4 months have passed and you have more break in time on your Hana ML, any update on your thoughts about the cart? Also, what phono stage are you using?
Using Sutherland KC vibe phonostage which id say is even more significant than the cart differences in providing an upgrade to sound. After break in id say the Hana is a bit smoother but it sounded good from the start. The Amethyst is still competitive with it in my opinion. I will say the Hana tracks a little better and the inner grooves barely demo more distortion than the outer. So maybe Hana a little more 'butter' smooth than the Sumiko but its still a taste issue as to which is superior.
Had the moonstone (came with my table). However, my 2-year-old daughter had some upgrade plans for me when she destroyed it the other day. So…I pulled the trigger on the Hana ML (still waiting for it) which is quite the jump from the moonstone. I was VERY close to buying the amethyst instead, but I wanted to give the moving coil a go (I planned for a new phono stage anyway). It was a tough decision. I really thought the moonstone was quite good for the level it’s at - so in theory, the amethyst would have been an excellent upgrade (same family of carts) …BUT - I got a decent deal on the Hana ML, so we’ll see how it goes…next step - find a new place for the turntable outside of the path of my 2 year old lol.
You can't go wrong with the ML. and if it gives you any peace of mind, you will get less inner groove distortion with the ML compared to the Amethyst. That has been my experience having lived with both on my Pro-Ject X2 turntable.
@@PhonoDirect Hm.. Black Pearl and Amethyst are from exactly the same manufacturer. This does not prevent them to sound differently. Not every Japanese product sounds like a typical Japanese one. When I'd like to hear no base I plug AT95EN, and am pretty satisfied ) It's also kind of flattish. Amethyst is not flat. That's it.
This is a great video review of MC vs MM generally speaking. It is nice and important to understand and let know about the capabilities of MM. as long as properly paired to a phono preamp. Thanks for your review
cool
thank you!
very interesting video and well explained. i am tempted by the Amethyst
It's a good one. thanks for watching !
Great review, thanks! Currently using sumiko blue point special evo, the Amethyst sounds like a fitting upgrade
That room sounds like a hall in a castle.
Likely because to the left of the mic is a dining area and kitchen. From listening position maybe just a slight pleasing reverb. From the Castle..
Thanks man for this well described comparison. So interesting for a person like me who is just about to make the similar jump. My Nagaoka Jeweltone JT-80 BK is the same price as Amethyst and i am also very happy with it but curiosity has made me keen on the Hana ML. After watching this I will have the same experience. Would you mind sharing with us if you used a step up transformer for the ML and if so which product??
have never used a step up transformer. thanks for your words. please subscribe. Scott
I have a Hana ML retipped Boron Cantilever with a Micro Ridge nude Stylus. 100 hours is a dream cart
sounds awesome.. hope you might subscribe!
Thanks for your views of these 2 cartridges. Great food for thought. I enjoyed your review of the Sumiko Amethyst 3 months ago . Have you considered testing the Sumiko Wellfleet? Having the Sumiko Wellfleet, Moonstone and Hana EH I would be interested in your thoughts as compared to the Amethyst. Thanks for your reviews!
Thank you.. the reason for the comparison was to show that very divergent Carts can still compete in quality. Comparing Carts that are closer would not be something I would concentrate on as so many variables can distort perception. Appreciate you viewing .
Thanks for your feedback 👍
Great review I was thinking of getting a ML
happy to hear.. Scott
I understand the new Goldring E4 cartridge due for release in July is supposed to be excellent at the price point.. im considering a cartridge upgrade for my X1.. and it may fall between the Sumiko and Goldring E4
I just got an EH; enjoying it. Your "studio" is very echo-e
cool.. a little bit echo-e .. wood floors. Peace. Id love it if you would subscribe.
@@lifebed4 I have a ceramic tile floor; bought a nice geometric area rug, hung two new quilted shipping blankets on one side-wall.
Just found you video today. Thanks for your review. I too rely on Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio since the company is close by.
Since 4 months have passed and you have more break in time on your Hana ML, any update on your thoughts about the cart?
Also, what phono stage are you using?
Using Sutherland KC vibe phonostage which id say is even more significant than the cart differences in providing an upgrade to sound. After break in id say the Hana is a bit smoother but it sounded good from the start. The Amethyst is still competitive with it in my opinion. I will say the Hana tracks a little better and the inner grooves barely demo more distortion than the outer. So maybe Hana a little more 'butter' smooth than the Sumiko but its still a taste issue as to which is superior.
@@lifebed4 - nice phono stage! Thanks for your prompt reply as I am considering a Hana LOMC cart👍👍 (to replace my Dynavector 20x2 LOMC)
Had the moonstone (came with my table). However, my 2-year-old daughter had some upgrade plans for me when she destroyed it the other day. So…I pulled the trigger on the Hana ML (still waiting for it) which is quite the jump from the moonstone. I was VERY close to buying the amethyst instead, but I wanted to give the moving coil a go (I planned for a new phono stage anyway). It was a tough decision. I really thought the moonstone was quite good for the level it’s at - so in theory, the amethyst would have been an excellent upgrade (same family of carts) …BUT - I got a decent deal on the Hana ML, so we’ll see how it goes…next step - find a new place for the turntable outside of the path of my 2 year old lol.
You can't go wrong with the ML. and if it gives you any peace of mind, you will get less inner groove distortion with the ML compared to the Amethyst. That has been my experience having lived with both on my Pro-Ject X2 turntable.
Thank you so much .
What kind of turntable are you using ? The Hana ML may be too much cartridge for your turntable/tonearm combo.
it’s a pro ject x2. compatible indeed
Good info, thanks
glad it was helpful. cheers. please subscribe if you don't mind
Just looking at your system, I have to say, everything is very subjective in audio.
Could be your down stream system limit.
Amethyst has no a flat EQ. It's rather a typical Japanese one. Hana is much much better sounding cartridge
It's rather a typical Japanese one, from exactly the same OEM company as the other one... 😅
@@PhonoDirect Hm.. Black Pearl and Amethyst are from exactly the same manufacturer. This does not prevent them to sound differently. Not every Japanese product sounds like a typical Japanese one. When I'd like to hear no base I plug AT95EN, and am pretty satisfied ) It's also kind of flattish. Amethyst is not flat. That's it.