RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Hana EL Low-Output MC Cartridge with Elliptical Stylus
PREOWNED – FULLY
TESTED – INCLUDES ORIGINAL BOX, MANUAL, CASE, MANUAL, SCREWS, SCREWDRIVER,
BRUSH, NEEDLE GUARD – APPROX. 200 HOURS
Hana means “brilliant and gorgeous”
The Hana Series has been developed with significance placed
on easy use and set-up, as well as high performance reproduction.
Features: Highly rigid aluminium cantilever
assembled with crossed armatures to reproduce dynamic sound.
Manufactured by: Excel Sound Corporation (Japan)
Specifications
Model
Hana EL
Stylus
Synthetic Elliptical
Cantilever
Aluminum
Output Level
0.5mV/1kHz
Output Balance
400 ohm
Cartridge Weight
5gr
Body Color
Moss Green
This US$360 asking price for a used Hana low-output cartridge is a strong deal, sitting well below the 25th percentile of US$490 and significantly under the median of US$630 from recent comparable listings. Hana’s low-output moving-coil models (like the EL or SL) are highly regarded for delivering smooth, detailed sound with excellent channel separation at a price that rivals much more expensive options. The EL’s elliptical diamond stylus and the SL’s fine-line stylus both offer compelling performance for the cost, making this a worthwhile buy if the condition is sound.
The main upside is the timing: low-output moving coils are increasingly sought as buyers upgrade their phono stages, and finding one this far below market median is rare. Unless the listing notes missing accessories, visible damage, or a worn stylus, this represents a clean buying opportunity for an enthusiast looking to step into moving-coil performance without overspending. Just confirm it’s the correct low-output variant (EL or SL) and that the stylus is intact.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Hana Cartridges emerged in 2016 from Excel Sound Corporation, a Tokyo-based firm with over 50 years of expertise in analog audio reproduction. Handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan, by skilled artisans under the guidance of master designer Masao Okada, the brand draws on traditional Japanese precision. The name "Hana," meaning "brilliant and gorgeous" in Japanese, reflects its heritage of meticulous assembly and laboratory testing at the factory, blending time-honored craftsmanship with modern engineering.
The brand specializes exclusively in moving coil phono cartridges, offering a focused lineup across series like E (elliptical), S (Shibata), M (microline), and premium Umami models with nude diamond or Urushi finishes. Configurations include high- and low-output variants, from entry-level EL/EH and SL/SH pairs to flagship MH/ML and the $3,950 Umami Red, all optimized for vinyl playback with options for mono and stereo tracking.
Hana holds a strong mid-tier position in the high-end phono cartridge market, celebrated for exceptional value, articulate detail, dynamic range, and musical warmth. Reviewers and audiophiles praise their "brilliant and gorgeous" sound—punchy yet refined—positioning them as accessible gateways to elite analog performance without stratospheric pricing, rivaling pricier competitors while appealing to discerning vinyl enthusiasts worldwide.
See all Hana Cartridges listings on RADAR.
