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Hana ML teamed with Pro-Ject 1Xpression carbon classic and Rega Aria

i have been in the process of upgrading my main system. I think my next upgrade is the phono cartridge. 
 

I currently have a Ortofon 2M bronze and am looking to upgrade to a quality mid priced MC. My research seems to point to the necessity of pairing tonearm, cartridge and phono preamp. I picked the Hana ML based upon Steve Hoffman ‘The Big Moving Coil Cartridge Poll - $1000 to $1300’, then reading reviews of the top cartridges on that list. Looking for a neutral, quality sounding MC cartridge. My pro-ject model has the 8.6 cc Evolution tonearm. I know I will need a new counter weight. The phono cable is Mogami 2549, 1.5’ to phono preamp, so very low capacitance. 

My equipment:

Pro-ject 1Xpression carbon classic

Ortofon 2M bronze 

Rega Aria

Marantz 7015 AVR

LSA Warp 1 amp (driving fronts)

KEF R11s

KEF R2C

IsoAccoustics Aperta center stand

Klipsch KSW 12 (left over… next to go)

Mirage nanosat rears (also left over)

Mirage unit-theater (using 2 channel for Dolby rear height)

Bluesound Node

Schiit Modi multibit 2 DAC 

Qobuz 

Transparent + speaker cables

Mogami 2549 interconnects - with a few core power mixed in 

Thoughts on upgrading my system with the Hana ML? Any other recommendations?  Thank you  

 

128x128signaforce

Showing 2 responses by rar1

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,746 posts
 

Hi -

If I might ask what do you find lacking with the Ortofon Bronze?

You have some nice equipment; what is not sounding right for you?  Or do you feel that the Bronze is not in the same league as some of your other equipment?

Many thanks, 

Rich 

 

 

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,746 posts
 

Curious.  I had been using an Ortofon 2M Blue and vocals were not quite sounding right, they sounded off a bit, not as deep as they should sound, if that makes sense.

I swapped in a Goldring E3, a less expensive MM cartridge, and that helped, not the last word, but pretty good.

I am sticking with MM cartridges as I have a Decware ZP3 MM phono preamp.  My TT's are Technics 1210 & 1500.  I like direct drive, as well as bayonet cartridge mounting, as I have the option of swapping out cartridges.    

I did use a Hana EH cartridge.  I managed to damage the needle (dropped it or what happens when you have the option of swapping).  Vocals were vastly improved, especially male vocals, most noticeable on Elton John (live in Australia)  & Neil Young (live at Carnegie Hall).  

I have no experience with Hana's MC line or with the LSA amp, so I can not offer an observation from experience.  Can't imagine you going wrong given that you will be doubling your investment in your cartridge.  It is cheaper than doing the plunge into tubes, which was actually the game changer for me years ago.

Best regards,

Rich 

 

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