Let’s talk about what is in this system: a Clearaudio Concept AIR ($2,800 USD) turntable outfitted with the Hana Umami Blue ($2,500 USD) cartridge from Japan, handing off to a Musical Surroundings Nova III ($1,500 USD) phonostage,
“Hana has made a cart with high resolution with a wonderful tonal balance that delivers magnificent sound...and a component that’ll make waves in your system. The Umami Blue is a must-upgrade for your analog setup.”
“Hana has set another benchmark of performance-for-cost…Excel Sound Corporation has created another superb-sounding cartridge with the HANA Umami Blue.”
"So…in the V2.1 we have a more neutral, more dynamic, better tracking, higher-resolution Goldfinger Statement. As moving coils go, it is unquestionably top rank..."
“Listening to it will surely turn almost any analog lover into an adherent…the results are immediately audible…and you have one of the, if not the, best cartridges extant.”
The Hana Umami Blue and DS Audio Grand Master Extreme both win the 2023 Golden EAR Awards from The Absolute Sound.