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Analog upgrade: Luxman EQ-500 Phono preamp + Hana Umami Red Cartridge + REED 2A Tonearm

As the resident analogue system is being restructured, I am thinking of joining these 3 components:

Luxman EQ-500 Phono preamp + Hana Umami Red Cartridge + REED 2A Tonearm

I would like to know if anyone here knows and recommends them and if, by any chance, have already heard some of these components together (or not).

I have a Portuguese handcrafted turntable "Rui Borges UNO MKII", a Luxman class integrated amplifier (L-590AXMKII) and KEF R11 speakers.

On the phono issue I didn't even hesitate, as I knew the brand very well before, and it was in the top of my preferences. As for the cell, my doubt lies the most. Given her price level, can I choose better?

I've been knowing for yers the other versions of the brand and I'm a fan of the sound characteristics. But on this one, the top of the range, I never heard before and I don't know it at all. And of course, it will be impossible to demo it. 

Anyone knows how could be the relationship between Hana cartridge's with the REED tonearm? That also worries me a little as I'm not a technical expert in this matter.

Someone who knows Hana Umami (since she is recent)?
What are the pros and cons of this cell?

I listen to everything from heavy rock to jazz, acoustics, voices, blues, classical.

Thankyou for your best advice

Cheers
lcarpediem
oranfoster's avatar
oranfoster
127 posts
 
I've got an EQ-500 too, and am also saving for the Unami Red. My deck is a Luxman PD-171 with a Jelco 850 arm. Currently it's paired with an Ortofon Cadenza Black and it has really been a thrilling combination. I was happy with it UNTIL I installed a Hana MH on my secondary 'table. I must say, the hype regarding the Hana carts really seems justified. I've been really enjoying the detailed, accurate, dynamic and musical Hana. Now I just have to have an Unami Red. So now I have to cull what I can of my stereo gear and put it up for sale....

So I'm sold on the Hana without ever hearing one, but I can really recommend the EQ-500. I've had several phono stages before, including a Parasound JC3+. The Parasound was touted by many reviewers for its extreme quietness but I wasn't impressed. I don't think my unit was faulty, it just wasn't super quiet like many claimed. The Lux, tubes and all, is just supremely quiet. Turning up the volume ALL the way (without a record playing) on my Accuphase E-470 DOES reveal its noise. And the sound is a pleasing shhhhhhh of a brilliantly designed circuit. 

I'm confident that the Lux and the Hana Unami will be a match made in heaven. 
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 
I strongly advise that the Umami Red is sought out and Auditioned.
The Name Umami is suggesting it is a Opposite to another.
The term Umami is from a Culinary Perspective about opposites in taste,
i.e, Sweet and Sour.

Have Hana produced a Cartridge that is a opposite to a Sound Signature they are feeling is the Hana Sound ?
lcarpediem OP
19 posts
 
I don't believe at all that having the brand itself provided a high-segment cartridge it would deviate from its sonic signature in what matters most.

In this matter it is something I am sure I will not have any problems
qdrone
1,039 posts
 
Umami means missing  element in food, something that when added to a culinary dish brings all other ingredients together. Think of it as the missing piece or spice in a dish. 
lcarpediem OP
19 posts
 
Yes, I think the same as well 
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