The classic affordable low-output moving coil: an Alnico-magnet Hana at 0.5 mV that gives a good MC phono stage the texture and imaging of far more expensive cartridges.
The EL is hand-made by Excel Sound in Japan. It uses Alnico magnets and Hana's cross-shaped armature behind a synthetic elliptical stylus on a high-rigidity aluminum cantilever, all in the same 5 g moss-green body as the high-output EH. Output is 0.5 mV at 1 kHz from a 30 Ω coil. Hana's suggested load is above 300 Ω (the owner's manual says above 400 Ω), tracking force is 2 g, and trackability is rated at 70 µm at that weight. The warranty is two years.
Herb Reichert in Stereophile found the EL highly musical and exceptionally non-mechanical, and Positive Feedback called it a remarkable cartridge. The EL's character is involving rather than analytical: good texture, solid imaging and an easy, rhythmic flow. It needs a true MC phono stage or step-up transformer with roughly 60 dB of gain; the 0.5 mV output is comfortable for the MC inputs on Luxman and McIntosh integrateds and for dedicated MC stages, but it is not a match for an MM-only input. Loading of 300 to 500 Ω is a sensible starting point. At 5 g with an aluminum cantilever it suits light and medium-mass arms. If your phono stage only offers MM gain, choose the EH instead.
| Type | Low-output moving coil (MC) |
| Output | 0.5 mV at 1 kHz |
| Internal impedance | 30 Ω at 1 kHz |
| Recommended load | Greater than 300 Ω (manual: greater than 400 Ω) |
| Tracking force | 2.0 g (70 µm trackability at 2 g) |
| Compliance | Not published by Hana |
| Weight | 5 g (15 mm tall) |
| Stylus | Synthetic elliptical |
| Cantilever | Aluminum |
| Magnet | Alnico |
| Frequency response | 15 Hz – 25 kHz |
| Channel separation / balance | 25 dB at 1 kHz / within 2 dB |
| Body | Moss green |
| Also available | Hana EH (2 mV high-output version for MM phono inputs) |
Pearl Audio is an authorized Hana dealer. Call or visit our Portland showroom to talk about matching a cartridge to your tonearm and phono stage.
