The HANA SL MC Phono Cartridge: The journey begins.
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- Опубликовано: 23 май 2022
- Welcome to the next phase of The Pressing Matters. This video marks the one year anniversary of the channel. This is the 101st video and I wanted to do something special. In this episode, I document my journey of starting to upgrade not only me phono cartridge, but will be working through the entire system in future episodes. Although this is not a formal review of the Hana (which will be several weeks out,) it is a look at the beginning of the process. I want to thank Soundlux Audio in Miami, FL for their patience and expertise in guiding my listening sessions and options. Hope you enjoy the video and would love to hear your comments. Share your experience! #highendaudio, #soundluxaudio, #audiophile, #hanacartridges, #phonocartridges, #vinyl
@audioresearchus
@mobilefidelitysoundlab
@mofidistribution
@Musicalsurroundings
Soundlux Audio: soundluxaudio.com/
Hana Cartridges: www.hanacartridges.com/
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Reference System
-Basis 1400 Turntable
-Rega RB300 Tone Arm
-Hana SL MC, Denon DL110, Denon DL103
-Audio Research SP9MK III Preamplifier
-Odyssey Stratos Amplifier
-Magnepan MMG Loudspeaker
_Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 Loudspeaker
_Definitive Technology ProSound Subwoofer
_VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
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Hey Everyone, just a bit of an update: I'm at the 15 hour mark and I have been able to try out various loading options with a borrowed Nighthawk MM/ MC phono preamp, and am getting much better results with the loading at 500 and even 100 ohms. Will tell you more about it in the next update!
Highly recommend the Hegel V10 for a phono stage. It make an amazing difference in my system.
Great video. Haven’t seen any reviews on YT of a mid level cartridge as detailed and nuanced as this. You took the time to describe the process and gave a fair and balanced review. Well done indeed. And kudos to the “salon” for exceptional customer service. Subscribed.
Thank you. I've planned a more comprehensive review that should come shortly now that we're all settled in with loading, tubes and new cable. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Glad that you've subscribed. I appreciate your support and encouragement.
I really appreciated your sense of anticipation no pun intended as you journeyed through this process but your system seems absolutely perfect for your purposes! Ty and I love jMitchell. Keep going ❤
Thank you so much for your message, David. I appreciate your encouragement greatly.
Great video, love your channel Scott.
Hi Alexandre!
Thank you so much! That was a fun video, very different for me to go "on location"
Glad you are enjoying my channel and thank you for the support and encoueagement
I glad you went with the Hana SL cart. Once you you get a phonostage and one with a wide range of loading, the SL will open up. You can experiment to find a setting you like. My Hana ML has provided my ears to some wonderful sounds. Happy listening and I will be waiting for your overall review once you break in your cartridge.
Do they still wear out like any other stylus? How much does one cost?
I'm experimenting with loading as I was able to get a phono amp on loan
This shop deserves an award for patience’s, most shops I know wouldn’t go through the hours spend for such a small ticket item. Nice looking store as well. 👍
Absolutely, they were very patient and helpful. Not the norm as far as audio stores I've encountered in the past.
Haha! I’m about to test the patience of a cool hiring store on the turntable hunt. (also maybe speakers 🤦♀️)
@@christinearmington I hope they are as good as my dealer was about it!
I laughed when this gentleman mentioned he brought his equipment in for this cartridge. I think it would be easier to return it if you don’t like it.
The Odyssey Suspiro phono pre and Candela tube preamp pair beautifully with your Khartago amp.
first, wow, what a shop!
2nd, I had a choice many years ago between an sp91 &sp92
went with the one
goddamn did it ever change my sound
I think audio research preamps are as good as you can get.
3rd, cartridge buying becomes a sort of zen thing over the years,
and hana is right up there on my radar.
weighing things like friends recommendations and yt videos helps tremendously,
but past experiences help as well.
another great video!
thanks
I definitely have more to say on the Hana now that's it's fully broken in. Add to that my new Modwright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Stage and I'm in analog heaven. Will be doing a system update very shortly. Just burning in the phono stage and I've got 100 hrs on it, so things are sounding very good, much better than when I did this video!
And yes, that ARC pre was one of the best audio buying decisions. It's built like a tank, has had zero issues (and I bought it used.) I think I paid $900 for it. Cant get anything near that quality for what it originally cost, about $2,800 back then.
Hi Scott. I came cross an old Stereo Review magazine today and found the funniest Charles Rodrigues cartoon.
A man went into a hifi store to purchase a new cartridge. He saw a sign on the wall for the Olympus Golden Tone cartridge for $1,500. The customer asked the salesman, "Why so much money?" The salesman replied, "Well after all it is the finest cartridge in all of hifidom, but if you forgo the 24-carot gold plated clutch carrying case and the inner silk slip sleeve you can get the standard model for $18.95.". The customer said, "I'll take that one." I thought that was so funny I'd share that with you.
LOL I used to love those cartoons. They really were clever and right on point. Still relevant today.
I watched this video and I’m not sure what loading is. I found this video interesting,bringing your own equipment in was so cool. I’ve enjoyed your other videos as well.
Thank you Allen! Loading comes into play when your output from the cartridge hits your phono stage, whether it be internal or external. Internal are usually moving magnet phono stages and they are set to one loading setting - 47k. When using a moving coil phono cartridge, they all require different loading settings. normally between 50 and 500, possibly 1,000. That is why a flexible external phono stage is a must for a moving coil cartridge. The settings translate to different resistance and switching between them as on the Modwright unit produces different sound characteristics. On the Hana, it's suggested to be at 400. That provides the sound the maker intended. Yet if I choose say 100, it reduces the top end and sounds a bit smoother and with less volume. That sometimes comes in handy in a particularly bright or aggressive record.
The Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+ is the perfect match for this cartridge!
Hi, thanks for your comment! That was my first choice, I've heard so many good things about this combo.
Do you have it set at 400?
@@ThePressingMatters 475!
I just ordered the P3 and the Hana el. Without hearing it just getting back into vynal in 25 years. What I like is the upgrades, first on my list is delrin platter
That's going to be a wonderful combination to get back into things. I heard the P3 with the Hana cartridges and I liked the EL better than the SL! I now have the ML and love it.
Going from.a Denon 110 to a Hanna SL is predictably night to day; a nice sunny day. They SL is considered the best cartridge under a $1,000. The Denon 160 or the 103R would have been quite a bit closer.
I had the SL for about 3 years (bought it when it was first released.) I loved it, the sound was fantastic. My friend loved the sound so much that he bought the ML when it was released. The sad end to this story is that after 3 years of moderate to heavy use, one of the channels in the cart died and I was advised not to fix the coil. I replaced it with a different MC that has a surprising similar level of detail. I would have accepted a generous trade in offer towards another SL or ML but decided to take a chance on a different brand because although I loved it and used it daily, I felt 3 years was too short of a lifespan for the cart and didn't want to spend the same money (again) for a possible similar lifespan. I hope your cart lasts longer than mine because it is truly a wonderful sounding cart!!
I'm still breaking it in, maybe have 60 hours. I am very happy with it and hope I can get at least 1,000 hrs at minimum, preferably more!
What did you replace the Hana with, I’m in the market and can’t decide. Thanks 🙏
@@1999zrx1100 AT33PTG/II
@@1999zrx1100 I'm curious about this too.
@@ThePressingMatters I bought the AT33PTG/II and it is very good. I dare say it is in the same league as the Hana. As much as I wanted to replace the Hana with another Hana, I felt it died too soon. I thought it was best to try something else.
Hi Scott I think you’ve made a really great choice there. I myself have a Hana SL (I’ve prob had it for about 8 months) and I have found it to be a fantastically musical cartridge - and a great match for my Rega P8 and Pro-ject Tube Box DS2. I have to say I thought mine sounded great straight out of the box, but once it was properly run in boy does it sound amazing - great bass and a smooth overall sound, but still with plenty of detail. I listen to a lot of records most weeks so it when It inevitably comes the time to replace the SL I will probably audition the ML, but would certainly be very happy with another SL.
Great, thanks for your comment! May i ask what you have it loaded at? Is the Project adjustable to match this cartridge exactly? 400 ohms?
I think once my loading is set perfectly, I'll notice a big step up in SQ but even now it's awesome
Yes I have mine adjusted to 400 ohms, but I have read others saying they prefer it with a higher loading. I got the DS2 because my dealer suggested it was a good match for the Hana and the P8, but also because I run a two turntable setup and it has two inputs so also works well with my other TT which has an Ortofon 2M Bronze fitted. Have a closer look at some reviews and the specs of the DS2. There might well be something better for the money out there, but personally I really like the combination.
@@lifeofvinyl3003 Im putting it on my list of candidates. Thanks so much for all the great info. I'm sure others will benefit from your experience too.
I'm curious, did you audition the ML as you were choosing cartridges?
I’ve been down the road of making a purchase and second guessing myself.
Bought a Ortofon Bronze a step up from a $100 Grado. I hated the Bronze,
too sterile or some would say digital, I put at least 50 hours on it and it never
relaxed. Maybe it just didn’t match my gear but one side of an album was more
then enough on a given night. I played with VTA, checked and rechecked tracking angle but nothing worked. Moved it along on the used market and bought a Grado wood body cartridge, the difference was night and day. I’ve picked up a nice Pass Labs phono preamp and figured I should give a Moving Coil a try. Enjoy 😎
Hi Derek, thanks for your comment. I'm about 60 hours in, long enough to judge I think, but I've been playing with an outboard phono stage before updating my internal phono stage with top of the line Vishay resistors. Also about to update the tubes in the main preamp. I did find out the tubes that were in there at the time of this video tested poorly. I had a better set sent to me by a viewer, and it was better but still not amazing. Now I have some new old stock tubes coming in the next few days. I'm hoping that does the trick. Things are sounding good but it's still nagging me that it should be much better, given the cartridges reputation. But as you experienced, it may just not be right for me and my system. I did make a follow up video and after the new tubes have settled in and I've tried the internal vs external phono stages, if I don't hear a pronounced bump in SQ, I may move on.
If you want a guaranteed relaxed analogue sound, check out a Grado Timber Series Cartridge.
For the money as far as I’m concerned nothing comes close. I want to test the waters of a MC
but worry I might regret it. Luckily I have a spare wand for my arm so if things sound like crap it will be easy to switch back to what I know sounds killer. Sure is fun experimenting. 😎
@@1999zrx1100 I'll check into the Grados. Never had one before. It sounds like something I might like. I'm not sure I'm sold on the Shibata Stylus on the Hana. I have to give it a bit more time. It's barely over 60 hours. I'm working on the phono stage and new tubes to see if I can get closer to what I'm looking for.
@@1999zrx1100 I'm not the best at installing cartridges, so with one arm I'd rather set it and forget it lol.
Sounds like fun. I like to switch out carts so I’ve always stuck with MM. Not so finicky with loading😊
The Audio Note MM was nice and worked with my phono stage but I'm really set on a moving coil, so I will have to alter my phono pre by soldering in the right resistor. It's kind of a pain but it will be worth it.
It's definitely a pain to get the loading correct as I am going through that now. Something to be said for MM ease of installation.
@@ThePressingMatters I find myself…sometimes listening to what a song sounds like more than I listen to the song. If you know what I mean. I still do this. Back in the day we didn’t have a lot of choices when it came to a pressing of a album. We bought what was available. 45rpm records were 69 cents. LP’s were $6.99 and a double LP was $9.98. Yes I’m old. Even to this very day. I’ve never paid more than $59.99 for a album. And this was for Lana Del Rey’s Blue Banisters. So…how does this MC cartridge sound? Worth it? Oh, I forgot to ask what kind of turntable do you have? Direct drive or belt?
@@tturner12341 it's a belt drive Basis 1400. To me the cartridge was a bit pricey, about double what I had spent on each of the previous ones. But I wanted a better tool to review with and something musical so this cartridge should be perfect for me
@@ThePressingMatters I love that I have a pitch control. I tend to slow my records down a bit. Just personal preference.
Have been using this cartridge for almost 1,5 year. It is great, nothing to complain about... Plenty of details, great separation, low noise, superb dynamics. I haven't heard cartridges which costs x2 - x3 times more (probably they are better), but I definitely have a feeling, that there is no need to buy a cartridge which costs more. I can live with Hana SL, listening is a pure pleasure - so why to spend more money on cartridge? Anyway, try different VTA adjustment, I found it to be optimal on 90 degr, not higher. I have also admitted, that changing an adjustment needs a break in - stylus has to be polished by a groove. After changing VTA there were micro distortion on some piano notes, high vocals in some cases but after some time (probably 20-30 hours) it was gone - so consider it too. My Hana plays with Lehmann Audio Black Cube SE II preamp, great match - worth trying at least. It can match almost every cartridge, high pass filters are very useful to cut unneeded low frequencies. You can try to buy it used (what I have done), it is very well built and is pretty safe to buy second hand.
This break in was a bit difficult, playing with loading, I was still getting some distortion on high range vocals. It seems to be calming down a bit at 11 hours and some further tweaking of alignment has helped a lot. I'll get it zeroed in but there was a few moments where I was questioning the sound in my set up. It wasn't sounding like so many others descriptions. So you think 30 hours of changes or has it kept improving?
I’m going to stick with my MM cartridges. I have a low output and couple medium output and a high output for dance music and pop music. I’ve been using Shure all my life. I understand they’re not making styluses anymore. So I’m looking into Grado. I have a vintage Marantz turntable I bought in the mid 1970’s and I doubt any new turntable would sound as good. It model 6300. It’s beautiful and I had it fully refurbished. Same with my Marantz receiver. I also have newer Marantz integrated Amplifier. I’ve been playing records since I was 15 years old. I’m still using my vintage equipment too.
@@ThePressingMatters It is hard to tell if 30h will help in your case, the problem which is causing your distortion could be different from mine. Pay attention not only on VTA, but the rest of adjustments too. Some time ago I've checked my cartridge alignment and found it to be not perfect. Readjusting it to Baerwald alignment method reduced distortion (had the same as yours - on some high and loud vocals, when piano start playing loud and aggressive). I mean, it was much lower after readjustment, but still there. After a while I have also reduced a VTA and there was no difference at first (some small distortion was present). But as i wrote on the previous comment - after ~30h distortion was gone on the LPs where it was present before. I believe the stylus was polished by a groove a bit and now fits it much better. But alignment has to be done in a proper way, make sure if it was done correctly and listen to LPs (where you had a distortion) for some weeks.
And try the proper load, 47k could make a difference if 400 Ohms is suggested. I have a 100 and 1k; (apart from 47k) built in my phono preamp and tried a proper ~400 Ohms on custom load - didn't hear any difference between 100, 400 and 1k Ohms. As far as I remember, 47k load make Hana sound a bit bright, bass was less punchy and deep.
By the way, if you haven't had advanced stylus like Shibata before - check out if LPs are clean enough. Shibata stylus is very sensitive to dirt in the grooves. Even small amount of dirt is causing distortion on highs. But if LP is clear, well recorded and pressed - Hana SL brings pure pleasure.
@@tturner12341 jico are making styluses for Shure, search for "jico stylus". I like vintage gear too - my TT is Pioneer PL30L II, totally satisfied. Looks cool, but it had shitty wiring... I've upgraded tonearm wiring and cartridge connectors to Cardas, made RCA terminals instead of built in cable with poor shielding. Also made DIY cables from Neotech OCC copper - and TT sounds brilliant. I am not a guy who listens to cables, but in this case it pays off. Original built in signal cable was very bed and long... DIY OCC copper cable from Neotech plus good RCA connectors from Rean Neutric costs about 30-40$ (2x 0,5 m).
@@mykolamisyura8107 Thanks for your insight and experience. I'm addressing all these things and one by one, it's betting better and better!
You should also check what leads you have in the headshell. I had original Pioneer leads and they were crap. Now I have Nagaoka Tonar 5970 leads and the sound is perfect, no humming noise, nothing but the pure sound. I like Ortofon 2M Black better but Hana SL is a good MC cartridge in this price range.
Hi, thanks for your comments. My Rega tonearm does not have a separate headshell, and it has been required with Origin Live from the cartridge clips to the phono terminations. Things have really improved over the last 10 hours or so - check my later video talking about the break in, alignment and loading. All solved and sounding great! I've heard the 2M Black is an excellent cartridge as well, though I haven't personally heard it. Thanks for watching, always like to hear another's experience.
Soundlux? I love that store!
It’s the perfect audio oasis like you’ve described. While I have not had the pleasure of “bonding” with Federico yet, I assume I’ve met him before at a previous audio meet that Soundlux has hosted in the past (pre-Covid). Of course I do know the owner Eric. He’s top notch dude.
In any event, congrats Scott! I am pleased to hear you are digging the Hana cart thus far. And like you said, it should only get better and better as you login those all-important play hours.
So tell me, are you saying your SP9 is currently setup for 47k but you need to solder 400 ohm resistors to better accommodate your Hana?
May I ask how long before your buddy is coming over and service your SP9?
The reason I ask is because we talked about the possibility of listening to each other’s systems at some point - and well - if your buddy was not going to be able to service your unit relatively quickly, you know, like by this weekend 😂 I would like to offer to do this for you if you bring your SP9 up to Weston and that way we can knock two balls out of the park:
1. Listen to my system (or I listening to your rig if I go there instead)
&
2. Servicing your ARC SP9
Thoughts?
I invite you to text or call me at: (954) 465-5040 to line something up. Obviously I am offering the service call at no cost to you as a courtesy.
Cheers,
Oswaldo (Oz) Martinez
Let There Be Sound
Yes it is so great to have this kind of store in the area. Federico is such a great guy. Makes you feel right at home. A really cool thing about having the channel is I'm developing some friendships with other audiophiles that commented or reached out, like you and a few others. I've been in Miami for 20 years and never met another enthusiast into this type of thing.
Yes, I need to alter the pre from 47kb to 400. A friend is coming to help me with that.
Oswaldo, thats very generous of you, and I will let you know if Plan A doesn't happen in a timely manner. But beyond that I still want to take you up in your offer to meet and have a listening session. Finding time at the moment is challenging, but I'd be excited to see and hear your setup someday soon.
@@ThePressingMatters Good. So when are we getting together? Text me. Let's get together soon.
@@ThePressingMatters Awesome and my pleasure Scott. Truly. I look forward to a potential meet soon.
I work from home so most mornings I'm available through about mid pm (not so good after 4pm). Weekends are good too with some pre-planning. I don't have a dedicated room (yet) so it's a matter of negotiating some alone time with the fam. But totally doable.
Is output less with a MC cartridge? I like high output cartridges because I listen to a lot of Pop and Dance.
Yes it is less with a low output moving coil, and the amplification on the phono stage must compensate. But you could listen to that tepe of music with either of its set up correctly
I use a hana so at 500ohms load on a tube phono stage. Paired with my rega RP3 and a SE 845 tube amp. This cartridge is fantastic but I’ve been wondering how much more will it sound on a newer rega table.
Hi great to hear from you! The Hana cartridge seems to be a great match with Rega arms, and I heard only beautiful sound from the Hana/P3 combo. I can only imagine the improvements from something higher up the line! I too wonder about upgrading my Basis 1400, but after hearing it compared to the Rega P3 and the Feikart Volaré, i am confident it is not the weak link in my system. I leaning towards a new phono stage, then speakers as my next outlay.. please let me know if you change anything A I'd love to hear from you!
@@ThePressingMatters what phono stage and speakers are you using. My entire playback chain for vinyl is all tube and my speakers are Wharfedale E-30s from the 70s with horn loaded tweeters 94dB sensitivity 1W/1M gorgeous sounding and I’m likely never gonna change them.
@@skularatna8136 I was using the built in phono on my Audio Research (tube) preamp until the Hana demanded another solution. I'm researching phono amps now, and using a model called The Nighthawk that is on loan while I decide. If you watch the more recent Hana update video you'll see me talk about it. I have a budget of about $2,000 for my phono pre. My speakers are either Magnepan MMG or Elac Debut 6.2. The speakers will be next on the upgrade path.
@@ThePressingMatters 2k can stretch quite a bit. In fact more than enough for a good phonostage. Separates when possible always best. I’ve heard good things about the ELACs
@@skularatna8136 I'm also open to buying used to get more for the money.
Why did you not choose the SH model, wouldn’t that have been the right output for your preamp/phono? Did you compare it with the ML/MH? I am interested in a higher end cartridge and I am considering the AT art9i or dynavector 20x2H but having always had MM carts with replaceable styli it is a whole different thing.
The dealer does not stock the high output versions of the cartridge, but I would have loved to audition them as well. I've had both high and low output Denons, and have always preferred low output moving coils. I don't mind that I have to address the gain in the preamp, it's actually very simple if you can solder! I do love the ease of moving magnets, and particularly a user changeable stylus. That was an attractive feature of the Audio Note. Ultimately I heard so much about the SL that I wanted to try that this time.
Nicolas, make sure you have a pre that can be adjusted for various loading. I'd also try to hear it with your phono and preamp. Even then it can be difficult to be sure . May I ask what preamp you are using? Is it MM only?
@@ThePressingMatters I am using a NAD 3020, which has a highly regarded mm phono stage. I would need to get an outboard phono preamp if I stepped up to a mc cartridge, which along with the non replaceable stylus has always put me off so far.
@@nicholas6823 I know that unit, it is a good one. Honestly it is a lot of bother and expense to go to MC. There are a lot of great MMs these days.
Scott, do you mind taking a look at the Schiit Skoll pre-amp specifications at their website and let me know if you think the Skoll has the umph to carry the Hana HL? I just ordered a Rega Planar 6 and they suggested the Hana HL and I pick it up on Saturday (tomorrow). If I need to, I'll get a different preamp. Thanks so much.
Hi,
I think you typed the Hana model incorrectly. Not sure from HL what exactly you have. Double check if it's EL, SL, ML, or one of the high output models. Regardless, if they are setting up the cartridge and the table is ready to go, why not bring your Skoll and give it a listen together with the new table? Could you try them with a similar amp?
I'll take a look at the specs and see if I can give you any insight but the correct phono preamp is crucial, especially if you are getting the low output models.
It looks like that phono preamp can handle just about anything. It's very flexible with gain, should be easy to find the right setting there. Loading has a good range too. Depending on your Hana model, you'll probably find one setting that sounds great. My only concern is if you get the SL in which 400 is the suggested setting. For the ML it's 100. But don't be afraid to try them all, and you can do it on the fly from your remote apparently. There's no right setting, only a guideline and use what sounds best to you. It would be nice if the range had a 400 or 250 setting in case you're getting the SL but not a deal breaker. You've got to listen for yourself. I often ran the SL at 100 to tone down the top end a bit. If you get a high output model, I believe you can use 47k but check that, as I'm not as familiar with those. They usually work with anything.
Yes, it’s the SL. Sorry about that. After watching your video, I asked if I could take the Skoll and they said they’d welcome it. I’m willing to buy a preamp if I need to and he said we can side-by-side with some of what they have. I’m willing to spend another $1,500~ to just be done with it. I’ve heard from other experienced guys with a Skoll that have had a wide variety of preamps that it performs well above its price point. I know the Mani 2 absolutely did. Schiit is working on a large tube phono preamp the same chassis size as the Freya +, which I own. My card is ready and waiting for that one. No timeframe on its release.
And thanks so much for the reply.
@@aa5az423 I think that's the best way. Good luck and keep me up to date!
did you check the SRA? from what you say there seems to be a problem there
Yes, all the geometry was checked and doublechecked by two different professionals. We suspect it wasn't related to set up. I know how exacting it has to be. Musical Surroundings upgraded the SL to the ML.
Great video. I'm glad this is working out for you. I am also considering the SL as an upgrade from my Quintet Red. I'm also nervous wondering if my phono preamp (built in Rogue Sphinx V3) will be a good match or not. My current Quintet Red has an output of 0.5 mV and the SL is the same, but are they really the "same"? Buying this stuff without hearing it in the exact system we own is such a shady proposition, or it can be. Ill keep you posted if I pull the trigger.
The way I look at is right now I have an entry level low output MC and it sounds damn near killer on well recorded LPs, so I just don't see this Hana making my system sound worse! And its $750, not $7500 or 75,000! :) cheers.
Thank you Frank! What have you got for loading options? I'm sure the output will be fine. What is the recommended loading for the Quintet?
@@ThePressingMatters Thanks. The load is recommended >20, and I think I have it set at 100 ohms. It's a real pain as I have to unscrew the top, but honestly it sounds great at 100 so I just left it there! There is a Hana dealer in CT that I may contact and see if I can bring my TT.
@@fcamiola Mine is a pain too requiring soldering and resistors. That's why I'm using the external for now. I think you'll find the Hana will sound too closed in at 100. That's been my experience, though it's limited to this one phono pre. I have it at 500 - the SL suggest 400. If you do audition it, I'd suggest hearing through your preamp, and then through an adjustable phono stage. The experience will be invaluable in going forward. I think the ML is happy at 100.
@@ThePressingMatters Great to know...cheers. The other options were the Quintet Blue or Bronze, but the guy who sold me my TT and amp said the Hana is the way to go. Ill probably end up doing it! Life's too short :)
Edit: Life may have to wait. My Sphinx only goes up to 300 Ohms, then 1k, then 47k. There is no option for 400. That will probably be an issue if its too bass heavy and not enough sparkle up top. Hmmmm, I may have to investigate this more or go with another option. Is the SH a better choice for me?
@@fcamiola I think you will fall in love with it! Please keep me up to date on what you do!
My Hana SL didn’t even last a week, bought it from Amazon, it developed popping noise on the left channel and then it went silent with no sound.
Hi David, that is terrible, and i hope you got it refunded or replaced since you experienced this so early in it's life. I am still not entirely convinced I love this cartridge. It generally does sound great but even with extensive tweaking and a new phono stage, I'm still having a few reservations. Lately I feel like it tends to emphasize surface noise. It's been a bit frustrating and i will choose another brand for my next cartridge.
I have Harry’s House by Harry Styles coming this week. Next week the new Charlie XCX…next month Watertown by Frank Sinatra. July the new Lizzo Special and the new Silk Sonic in September. I might of missed something. I sometimes forget what I ordered. I haven’t preordered the 6 LP boxset of Madonna’s Finally Enough Love yet. It’s still available on Rhino Records. It’s pretty expensive.
Sounds like an interesting selection of titles. May I ask what turntable / cartridge you are using?
@@ThePressingMatters I have 2 turntables. A Marantz I bought in the 1970’s and a Stanton I bought in the 2000’s. I’m using my Marantz right now. Model 6300. Built like a tank. I’m currently using a Shure stylus on it. MM High output. I use different outputs for the kind of music I’m playing. I also have a couple of Ortafon styluses too. I’ve always been a Shure fan but, they’re not making them anymore. So I’m looking into Grado. I have Marantz integrated Amplifier with a built in preamp. Wondering if I should buy a external preamp? Both of my turntables are Direct Drive. I use my Stanton DJ turntable for making mixtapes. Because you can spin it backwards to cue a song up. But my Marantz turntable is my treasure.
@@tturner12341 Great sounds like some cool vintage gear. Sometimes vintage is better! I have some vintage classics as well. Thanks for responding!
@@ThePressingMatters I also have my original Marantz receiver. I had it refurbished as well. You are correct. None of my new equipment can compare to my vintage equipment. Plus it’s so much prettier. The Blue lights are so cool. Not to say I don’t like my newer equipment..I do but, it doesn’t sound as good. I used to have people come over for a party when I had my vintage equipment and they would say….your stereo sounds so good. I still use JBL speakers. I love JBL. How is your new MC cartridge working? That’s way to much work for me. I’ve been wiring my own stylus since I was 15 years old.
@@tturner12341 It's breaking in. Yes it's a lot of work, but I hope it's worth it. Still working on loading.
what Denon cartridge did you have before?
I last had the 110, but I've had 103 as well. Love them too.
Tyler, may I ask what are using for your front end? Trying to get a feel of what people are listening on.
I've found that the golden dragon 6dj8 is the best sounding tube I've found for the sp9.
Hi Ray, thanks for the information! That's something I haven't tried yet. Is that a currently manufactured tube, or NOS? What changes did you hear with it? Did you replace both tubes or just the phono stage tube? Thanks for letting me know!
@@ThePressingMatters I don't know if it is still made,but they were readily available back in the 90s when I bought these.Ill send you a couple to try if you like,you can decide for yourself.Ive tried several tubes over the years,these sounded best to me,more neutral, better bass,more dynamic
@@raywaddell907 That would be really interesting to hear! You could shoot me an email at sw.thepressingmatters@gmail.com and we could arrange that. That would be an interesting topic for a video as well! Tell me, which version of the SP9 do you have? I know there were a few changes between MK1 and MK3.
@@ThePressingMatters I have the SP 9 mkii.I owned the original version at one time,one of the first made back in 1987.
@@raywaddell907 Hi Ray! Just wanted you to know the tubes arrived. I haven't opened them yet, just got home from vacation. I'll let you know when I start experimenting with them.
Have you upgraded your Khartago to Kismit level yet? If not, you must, you must. (If you have patience, it takes quite a while)
The amp had the Kismet board and several other upgrades, like caps and wire. I spoke to Klaus recently because the amp has a mechanical hum that I want him to fix and he's talking about adding some upgrades. He's not able to take it until March though.
What is loading?
Loading is a setting in your phono preamp. Different cartridges require different resistance in the phono stage. Most phono stages are set for moving magnet which is generally 47K. If you get into moving coil it's a bit more involved.
@@ThePressingMatters thank you. I’ve always used MM.
Please review my York phono stage Thoren restored New everything , Jelco S 550 s tonearm Grace F-9 retipped Ruby Cantilever Nude line contact stylus . Casta B horn Speakers Audio Sound As-3i tube amp
Sure send them over!
Great Video, I am looking also at the Hana for my Rega P6. Did you had to install shims under the tonearm ? I think I see one at ruclips.net/video/xv6mzz9ImQM/видео.html but I want to be sure.
Hi Frédéric,
Thank you! No, the Basis 1400 is set up where the Rega is not mounted to the surface of the plinth but rather is able to be raised or lowered freely by a set screw in the plinth. The column slides up and down through a precision cut hole.
The store didn't have it shimmed on the P3 so I think your ok. I would try to hear it and be sure to have an adjustable phono stage. Loading correctly makes a big difference for sure. Do you have a dealer where you could hear it?
@@ThePressingMatters it makes sense. Thank for the info. My phono stage is the Hegel V10. I will look at Hana later this year probably.
Keep up the good work!
I finally bought a SL too. thank you again for this video.
Why didn't you just borrow the turntable from the shop with the cart and try at home your room is going to sound different to the shop .
I don't think they would loan out a turntable. Not to a customer that hadn't established a relationship with them. I preferred to do it the way I did. That way I heard it on my turntable.
I’ve heard the price of your cables really doesn’t matter.
The quality does though. It may not always correspond with price however. It's all system dependent. But I wouldn't expect ideal results with a rca patch cord from the hardware store.
@@ThePressingMatters I used to wire my speakers with Lamp cord. I think you get better sound from larger gage cords.
@@tturner12341 Yes I believe you do. But I'm not into ultra price cables. I'm going to delve into that next.
@@tturner12341 The people who say cables don't matter haven't tried more expensive cables and their understanding of cables is seriously incomplete. They can make as big a difference as component upgrades. Moving coil cartridges usually have less output. For the low output types you need an MC switch on your amp or you can buy an external one or any external phono stage that has a moving coil .option. The reason they have low output is instead of a heavy magnet at the other end of the cantilever, there are only a few very light winds of coil that generate the output. Increase how many winds of coil and you'd get more output, but you'd also end up with something as weighty as a magnet like moving magnet cartridges have. Its the light weight at the opposite end of the cantilever that give MC cartridges a big sonic advantage. A record groove is like an obstacle course. Wouldn't it be easier to run through an obstacle course with light running shoes on, instead of heavy boots? A good moving coil cartridge can extract detail and depth information out of a record groove that you wouldn't know was even there, using a moving magnet cartridge. One moving coil cartridge & you're hooked for life.
@@sidesup8286 I might have to give one a try. You’re making me want one.