HANA UMAMI BLACK

The HANA-Umami Black is the result of the work of Masao Okada-san, a master cartridge designer with over fifty years of experience, who brings together innovative audio engineering and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Every aspect of this cartridge is conceived to maximize signal purity and musical naturalness, creating a product that is not simply an evolution of the Umami Red but a completely reimagined design.

The use of a diamond cantilever—the hardest material available—enables exceptionally precise signal transmission through its Microline stylus, whose geometry mirrors that used in the cutting heads for vinyl mastering. At the technological core of the Umami Black is the new “OKD” moving-coil generator, specially engineered around a unique structure featuring an integrated pole piece and rear yoke, combined with an inverted U-shaped front yoke. This configuration not only provides precise support for the diamond cantilever but also controls mechanical resonances, aligns the magnetic field, and optimizes the energy efficiency of the moving system.

The cartridge employs a powerful neodymium-iron-boron rare-earth magnet to enhance energy conversion into electrical signal. Its hybrid carbon–permalloy armature is extremely lightweight and hand-wound with high-purity copper wire on proprietary machinery, generating an output of 0.3 mV at 5 ohms—suitable for modern phono stages using current, voltage, or step-up transformer designs. All generator components, including the 24k gold-plated output pins, undergo a cryogenic treatment that improves conductivity, reduces distortion, and refines the metal’s microstructure.

The Duralumin body is finished with an elegant black Urushi lacquer, applied using a vapor-deposition process with high-temperature curing, resulting in a durable, glossy, and refined surface. A black zirconia inlay adds further damping as well as a distinctive visual detail, contributing both to stability and aesthetic balance.

The HANA-Umami Black represents the pursuit of perfect harmony between advanced engineering and artisanal tradition, delivering a sound that is brilliant, rich, and immersive—an expression of the dedication and mastery of one of the industry’s most accomplished designers.

Technical specifications:

• Body: Duralumin (A7075)
• Shape: Auricle open air
• Finish: Urushi lacquer
• Cantilever: Diamond
• Stylus: Microline Nude Diamond
• Armature material: Permalloy with 78% carbon-infused nickel-iron
• Armature shape: 2 mm square plate
• Internal parts material: Pure iron
• Magnet: Neodymium (NdFeB)
• Coil impedance: 5 Ω
• Output: 0.3 mV
• Load impedance: ≥ 50 Ω
• Frequency response: 15–50,000 Hz
• Output balance: 0.5 dB at 1 kHz
• Channel separation: 30 dB at 1 kHz
• Tracking force: 2 g
• Trackability: 70 μm at 2 g
• Cartridge weight: 11.3 g
• Dynamic compliance: 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz); estimated 17 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 10 Hz
• Generator specification: “OKD” with inverted U front yoke, integrated pole piece and rear yoke; 24k gold-plated output pins
• Treatment: Cryogenic
• Magnetic circuit: “OKD” generator with integrated pole and yoke structure
• Cantilever assembly: Built to “OKD” specifications