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Hana SL or Hana ML

S

Souldust

New Member
Hi everyone,

I'm new here and I'd like to share a question with you.
I have a technics 1210 with an original tonearm, rewired (rca's and tonearm cable) and a gold note ph-10 pre-amp. Till now I have MM cartridges and want to buy a better MC cartridge. After some readings and get a good price for hana's I'm think about to buy a hana's cartridge. So, the question is Hana SL or Hana ML, do you think I'll get everything hana ML can do with a original technics tonearm?

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
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I would think the ML would be the best choice, easier to set up properly. You might not get EVERYTHING it's capable of, but you'll get close enough that you probably won't feel that you short-changed yourself by not getting the Shibata...
 
justjed2 said:
I would think the ML would be the best choice, easier to set up properly. You might not get EVERYTHING it's capable of, but you'll get close enough that you probably won't feel that you short-changed yourself by not getting the Shibata...
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Thanks for your reply. Then you'll go to the ML instead of SL. Don't you think that ML is too heavy (9gr + headshell 10gr) for the original tonearm?
Later, you'd think about change the tonearm to get everything of hana? I've been checking a SME 3009 but I don't know if it's a enough improvement. I guess I'll wait to change the tonearm and if I do it, I'll going to something a little bit better like a Sorane. What do you think?

Thanks
 
I have spend time with the SL and own the ML. Although I have never mounted the ML on my SL-1210MKII, it does sound exceptional on my VPI. Both the SL and ML compete very well with the competition above their respective price points. The ML is a significant step above the SL when it comes to getting the most out of the grove. However, I’m not sure this step up is justified on your Technics? Also, depending on your phono stage, the ML may not be able to show it’s stuff over the SL?
 
stoutblock said:
I have spend time with the SL and own the ML. Although I have never mounted the ML on my SL-1210MKII, it does sound exceptional on my VPI. Both the SL and ML compete very well with the competition above their respective price points. The ML is a significant step above the SL when it comes to getting the most out of the grove. However, I’m not sure this step up is justified on your Technics? Also, depending on your phono stage, the ML may not be able to show it’s stuff over the SL?
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The phono stage is a good one I don't have doubts about it. The main question is if the ML will fit well or could get everything with the original tonearm. As I said before the tonearm is rewired with cardas and rca's is with Zu audio Mission cable, maybe in the future I'll change the tonearm. It makes sense and worth it the investment with this tonearm? Another point is I can get the hana ML with a very very good price, for that reason I'm thinking about this. Thanks for your comments.
 
I would get the ML instead of The SL with all the details provided. I have spent some time with the SL and like it very much. It was bested by an AT33PTGII which has a Micro Line. So I always wondered if the Hana ML would, in turn, be a better Cart.
 
I would get the ML and not worry about the capability of the arm that's on the table, it is more than capable especially with the work already done to it.
 
Also, If you haven't considered it already. KAB sells a ready mountable Tonearm Damping System. I would look into it as well.
 
Souldust said:
Do you think a damper could do a good job and then I wouldn't have to change the tonearm??
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I think a quick conversation with Kevin at KAB would be the best thing for you bud. He is better suited to answer your questions than I. However, I think that the Damping System is a great addition to the Technics arm.
 
thanks for your reply. I think am going to change the tonearm for a Jelco 750, it has a very reasonable price with a discount that I found. Do you think it's a good improvement? and Jelco suits better with hana Ml I guess.
 
I have had the Jelco 750. The 10” version. It is a very good arm with dampening built in. If you were comparing it to the stock Technics arm? The Jelco is a step up. But for a small sum, the Technics arm can be modded to perform well above its class. It was all the rage to do just that a few years ago, when the arms were easier to get. Buying the MkV(?) arm and adding shrink wrap to the arm wand. Adding the damping tray and a few choice mods can really elevate the arm. All that said, the Jelco is a fine option. Look into the thicker collar to mount it, this and a decent machined arm board for the Technics.
 
I would just get the ML, mount it, tweak it, and see if you really NEED to upgrade the arm. If you just WANT to upgrade the arm, then go for it!
 
I really think that the Hana ML and the KAB damping system will net you the best return on investment. That’s my advice to you bud.
 
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