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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
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Protrator for cartridge alignment supplied with every Reed tonearm, more than enough to adjust any cartridge on Reed. This is excellent tonearm, I have 3p "12 inch cocobolo.

I’m pretty sure you can find many cartridges at $4k or cheaper, I believe Hana is your choice not because some reviewer claimed this is the best.

You can look for top LOMC models from Shelter, Dynavector, Audio-Technica, Phasemation ...

At 5k you should look for AT ART-1000 because this is unique design.

grk
223 posts
 
@Lcarpediem
That’s great news about the Hana and thanks for the information! I may look into the Hana myself.
Hmm...I wonder how high an impedance above 2.5 ohms would no longer be considered "compatible"? Or how low or high above the 40 ohm SUT rating?
qdrone
1,039 posts
 
I've heard the Umami Red not just read reviews. I think it will fit my  Whest Titan Pro admirally. 
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 
The Link may need to be translated.

The information can be trusted as this reviewer has much experience with High End Vinyl Replay Devices.

https://www.analog-forum.de/wbboard/index.php?thread/149365-neues-von-hana/&postID=2193701&h...
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. 
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