Best Phono Cartridges

Product Strengths

• Smooth sound signature with a very natural and warm musicality
• Far more detail, a far wider soundstage, and far more instrumental separation than the Hana ML
• Tracks incredibly well, handling inner grooves and complex cuts without mistracking
• Exceptionally balanced sound, closer to neutral than the Hana SL, with better macro-dynamics, harmonic complexity, and warmth than the Hana ML
• Exceptional lucidity down into the sub-bass regions

Product Considerations

• Careful setup, particularly azimuth adjustment, is required to achieve optimal performance
• Threaded holes for mounting screws are a bit shallow, necessitating the use of shorter screws
• Stylus and cantilever are somewhat exposed, requiring care during handling and mounting

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Hana ML: The Umami Red takes the smooth, even sound signature of the ML and greatly expands the focus, clarity, dynamic power, and imaging
• Vs Hana SL: The Umami Red has a more neutral tonality and significantly better macro-dynamics, harmonic complexity, and warmth
• Vs Koetsu Rosewood Signature: The Koetsu is one level higher
• Vs Ortofon MC Winfeld Ti: The Ortofon offers a slightly silkier presentation with prodigious detail, but lacks the musicality and momentum of the Umami Red

Takeaway: The Hana Umami Red is a beautifully crafted cartridge that extracts a wealth of detail from records, presenting it in a musical and engaging way, and offers long, engrossing listening sessions. The Umami Red's balanced sound and generous specifications make it a great choice for improving your enjoyment of music.

Product Strengths

• Provides a balance of analog qualities with high resolution and detail retrieval
• Clear and devoid of specific character, with a silky and extended tonal balance
• Impressive dynamics without sounding bloated or overly punchy
• Excellent tracking ability and low noise floor, revealing details and nuances in recordings
• Delivers an involving and intimate musical reproduction, described as 'brilliant and gorgeous'

Product Considerations

• Clean vinyl records are essential as the Microline stylus brings out noise
• May not satisfy listeners seeking a cartridge with a strong signature in bass, mids, or highs

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs. Hana ML: The Umami Blue paints with distinct and detailed lines, while the ML is more 'analog' and focuses on the ensemble sound, with better bass definition than the ML
• Vs. DS Audio 003: The Umami Blue offers a huge amount of transparency, while feeling more analog-like
• Vs. Hana Umami Red: The Umami Blue has the same subtlety and grace, detail and precision, and outstanding imagery as the Red, but the Red has more dynamism and rhythmic drive, as well as extra air in the top-end

Takeaway: The Hana Umami Blue cartridge provides a balanced and detailed listening experience, extracting the essence of recordings without imposing its own colorations, making it a good option. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a high-performance cartridge that offers a window into the music's original character.

Product Strengths

• The Hana ML is considered a 'giant killer', offering exceptional performance that happily holds its own against more expensive cartridges, providing great value for the money
• Delivers a dynamic, dramatic, and full-bodied sound that captures the beat of music, resulting in a more realistic and enjoyable listening experience
• Offers excellent detail retrieval, a refined sound, a relaxed and expansive soundstage, and a sweet, fast treble extension
• Great tonality, and instruments come across as full-bodied, with vocals beautifully handled
• Well-built, features threaded inserts for easy mounting, and a MicroLine stylus for superior detail retrieval

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers noted a slight hum or electronic noise in the Hana ML setup, possibly due to a ground loop or loose ground connection
• While generally excellent, there were suggestions that the bass definition could be improved in certain systems
• Compared to more expensive options, it can get a bit jittery during loud crescendos, but that's to be expected of a cartridge in this price range
• The microline stylus requires accurate setup

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to Dynavector DRT-1t, the Hana ML delivers a full-blooded and powerful sound, not a toned-down version
• Compared to Hana SL, the ML is a considerable upgrade with more dynamic range, which offers a more open and lively top end
• Compared to Sumiko Songbird LO, the Hana ML has a more sturdy sound, but with a pleasingly light and airy top
• Compared to ZYX Bloom III and Sumiko Starling, the Hana ML occupies a middle ground—excelling at detail, low frequencies, and coherence
• Compared to Dynavector DV-20X2L, the Hana ML sounds more substantial with greater depth of image
• Compared to Grado Reference 2, the Grado is better for rock and roll due to its bottom end, but the Hana ML provides more detail overall

Takeaway: The Hana ML is an excellent cartridge that delivers a dynamic and detailed sound with great value, making it a worthwhile upgrade for vinyl enthusiasts seeking high-end performance. It is a versatile cartridge that works great with a variety of systems.

Product Strengths

• A Neodymium N55 magnet is used, the world's most powerful commercially available magnet, potentially providing more power and lower overall mass
• A noticeable signature style of sounding spacious and open is delivered, bringing a sense of air usually associated with moving coil cartridges
• Impressive instrument separation with a much wider soundstage
• An optimized pole gap provides superior linearity and cross talk characteristics, which provides a far wider soundstage than the previous models
• The three-point mount system simplifies alignment, particularly for Rega turntable owners and ensures perfect alignment when used with Rega tonearms

Product Considerations

• The counterweight side of things was a little trickier than some other models because there's no traditional kind of dial and numbers on the counterweight
• The connection pins on the back are smaller than those on the Carbon, so the delicate tags had to be carefully squeezed so that they made a tight fit on the new cartridge
• It is a little reserved in the mid-range, which some listeners may seek out, while others maybe not so much
• Holes do not have brass inserts for the bolts to screw into, but a thread is cut into the body; given that the body is plastic, concern that tightening with the Rega torque driver might strip the thread

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Ortofon 2M Red: Impressive instrument separation with a much wider soundstage
• Vs Rega Carbon: It is open and extended in the treble and superbly timed for its asking price, which really makes the Carbon sound course and dull in the high frequencies

Takeaway: The Nd3 is a step up from entry-level cartridges, providing a noticeable improvement in sound quality, like greater detail and better instrument separation, and it brings welcome sound characteristics and sophistication at an affordable price. The Nd3 is well-suited for those looking for a more open and dynamic listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Shares similarities with higher-priced Rega MC cartridges like Apheta 2 and Aphelion, containing the same tiny iron cross and coil assembly
• Good dynamic impact, speed and musicality characteristic of Rega products
• Delivers detail across the spectrum, more detail in bass, cleaner midrange, and high frequencies without sounding harsh
• Uses Rega's three-point fixing for stronger attachment and automatic alignment on Rega turntables
• The Rega Planar 6/Ania offers a refined, articulate, and precise sound that's lovely to listen to

Product Considerations

• Requires a dedicated MC phonostage or a step-up transformer due to its low output
• Alignment has to be perfectly set up
• The Planar 6/Ania demands careful system-matching with high-quality phono stage, stereo amplifier, and speakers
• Might not be the right cartridge if you are looking for warmth, instead offers detail at a balanced sound package
• Elliptical stylus

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Exact: The Ania has more power, guts, and joie de vivre
• Vs Hana SH: The Ania presents a leaner but faster bass
• Vs Dynavector DV20X2L: The Ania showed tighter bass, more precise tempo, and better resolution of instruments
• Vs Apheta 2: The Ania is not as fast nor as detailed—but offers similar character
• Vs Apheta 2 and Aphelion: More similarities than there are differences

Takeaway: The Ania is a good moving coil cartridge that delivers a detailed and balanced sound. It is precise, agile, and rhythmically secure, offering a musically insightful experience.

Product Strengths

• Uses a Neodymium magnet, the world's most powerful commercially available magnet, enabling unique generator geometry and performance previously unattainable in moving magnet designs
• Has a nude elliptical stylus which provides exceptional tracking accuracy and extracts greater levels of detail from the vinyl groove
• The optimized pole gap gives superior linearity and cross talk characteristics, resulting in a far wider soundstage
• Miniaturized parallel coils wound in-house using 38-micron wire with just 1275 turns produce a low inductance, low impedance generator giving vastly improved high frequency response
• More refined, clean and open sound with much more shine in the treble and a relaxed and nuanced presentation

Product Considerations

• Premium pricing may be a consideration
• Requires careful setup for optimal performance
• The essentially plastic nature of the Nd body could be a concern, though Rega states the threads are durable

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Rega Exact: The Nd5 soundly trounces the outgoing Exact in every department, with a bigger soundstage, more open and sweeter sound, and more grip and grunt
• Vs Goldring 1042: The Nd5 is considerably more refined, clean and open, with much more shine in the treble and a presentation that is relaxed and nuanced by comparison

Takeaway: The Nd5 offers high-end audio quality and brings new life to vinyl, with neutrality, clarity, and excellent tracking ability. It delivers performance approaching high-end moving coil designs with the practicality of a moving magnet.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional detail retrieval.
• Excellent dynamics and speed.
• Stiff boron cantilever.
• Ideal synergy with Rega turntables.

Product Considerations

• Potentially bright or cool sound signature.
• Low output, requiring a high-quality, low-noise phono stage to achieve optimal performance.
• Revealing of recording quality.
• Limited accessories, though a torque wrench is provided.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Aphelion 2 excels in detail, resolution, tone, and dynamics compared to the Koetsu Black Goldline, which is lusher and warmer.
• The Aphelion 2 is technically similar to the Ortofon A95 and Cadenza Black in using a boron rod cantilever, however, it stands out when used with a Rega arm due to its three-point fixing design.

Takeaway: The Aphelion 2 is a revealing and dynamic cartridge that extracts incredible detail from vinyl, offering a musically engaging experience, especially on Rega turntables. Its technical design and synergistic engineering make it a worthwhile upgrade for serious vinyl enthusiasts.

Product Strengths

• Solid aluminum alloy body provides the perfect foundation for the cartridge motor and ensures optimal resonance control
• MicroRidge stylus profile ensures intimate contact with record grooves, revealing layers of musical information
• Sounds open, transparent and dimensional, with a balanced tone without imparting much of its own character

Product Considerations

• Dynavector's stylus 'guard' is not good and is more likely to damage rather than protect the cartridge
• Requires careful setup for optimal performance

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Ortofon 2M Blue and Grado Gold1, the DV-20X2 offered more detail, extension, dynamics and imaging
• Compared to the Benz Micro Glider SL, the DV-20X2 produced a more detailed and deeper low end, and it also sounded more dynamic

Takeaway: The DV-20X2 is a reliable cartridge that communicates music flawlessly. It has a balanced, transparent, and dimensional sound, and strikes a high performance to cost ratio.

Product Strengths

• The LMC-5 creates a clearer window onto the music, offering more clarity, tighter focus, and better soundstage
• Fantastic bass quality
• Well-conceived and constructed with excellent build quality
• The midrange is sonorous, making strings sing
• Easy to mount and align due to its body shape and threaded holes

Product Considerations

• A somewhat polite top end might not be ideal for those who prefer a brighter sound with more sizzle
• Proper VTA/SRA is critical to achieving ideal balance
• The pins may be smaller than the crimps on some tonearm cables, requiring adjustment
• Vocals can be a little lean, depending on the system

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Versus Goldring Eroica HX, the LMC-5 creates a clearer window onto the music and has better soundstage
• Versus Denon DL-103 and Ortofon SPU series, the LMC-5 renders people, instruments, and the recording venue in three dimensions, has precise attack, and ultimate refinement

Takeaway: The Luxman LMC-5 is a well-built, beautiful cartridge that offers clarity, detail, and a romantic sweep to the sound, making it worth buying. It is a great cartridge to add to one's system.

Product Strengths

• Considered one of the best moving magnet cartridges available
• Offers a sound quality that resembles a moving coil cartridge, providing an open, airy, and sparkly sound not typically associated with moving magnet designs
• Provides a big 3D soundstage, speed, and musical engagement
• Offers excellent value for money, especially considering the performance
• Uses a fine line nude diamond stylus, which is the same stylus used in Rega's most expensive cartridge, the Aphelion 2

Product Considerations

• Stylus is not user-replaceable, requiring a re-tipping service through a retailer or directly with Rega
• Alignment needs to be more careful due to the fine line stylus
• Some report waiting lists due to high demand

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• ND7 gets close to the performance of Rega's best moving coil, but is not quite equal—there is a clear drop in performance
• ND7 sounds better than the Rega Enea in terms of musicality and tonal balance
• ND7 is considered an upgrade from the Rega Exact
• ND7 offers a bigger soundstage, better dynamics, more powerful/defined bass, and better treble detail than the Rega ND5, which leads to a crisper and more refined presentation

Takeaway: The Rega ND7 is a highly capable moving magnet cartridge that delivers near-moving coil performance at a fraction of the cost and offers a sound that engages the listener. The ND7 is well worth considering for those who want a seriously good cartridge without the expense of a moving coil setup.

Product Strengths

• Significant leap forward in detail and musicality, redefining the vinyl listening experience
• Advanced Vital profile nude diamond stylus extracts fine details
• PPS body construction ensures unwavering performance over time due to its hardness and dimensional stability
• Balanced sonic signature with tight bass, warm midranges, and clear high frequencies
• Easy installation is ensured with the three-point fixing method, which optimizes connection to the headshell and automatically sets the correct overhang

Product Considerations

• 0.35mV output is lower than some rivals and may prove an issue in systems with more limited gain available
• Premium pricing may be a barrier for some, though reviewers generally agree it is justified by the performance
• May reveal limitations in lower-quality recordings
• PPS body has the effect of softening and sweetening the presentation
• Compared with the Apheta 3, some of the immediacy is lost

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Rega Ania: The Ania Pro offers a clear upgrade with greater definition and extension in the treble—and more substantial and powerful bass
• Vs Dynavector DV20XL: The Ania Pro has a bit more dynamic power and clearly greater immediacy—which gives it the edge in timing terms
• Vs Apheta 2: The Ania Pro arguably improves on the Apheta 2—and does so for less; the Pro adds an extra dose of civility and warmth
• Vs Apheta 3: The Ania Pro is a little smoother and rounder sounding, but still delivers a highly engaging result
• Vs Goldring Ethos MC: The Ania Pro does not feel at a disadvantage
• Vs Rega Elys2: The jump in refinement is significant, the mids and highs are instantly more open and detailed, with low-level detail coming through that was not even suggested by the MM

Takeaway: The Ania Pro is a high-performing cartridge that brings out the best in vinyl recordings with its exceptional detail and musicality. It is a great choice for anyone looking to elevate their vinyl listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional stability and remarkably low magnetic resistance due to the magnetic flux damper technology and Alnico-5 magnet system
• Precise and unwavering tracking, even during demanding musical passages, because of its rigid construction and solid boron cantilever
• Extracts fine details from vinyl grooves while maintaining a natural, organic presentation, capturing every nuance with stunning accuracy
• Precise imaging, deep, controlled bass, and silky, extended highs because of the 0.14 x 0.08mm Line contact PF stylus
• Presents music naturally and in an unforced manner

Product Considerations

• Requires a premium investment
• Needs a high-quality phono stage to perform optimally
• Careful setup is recommended to achieve the best results
• One review noted a 'thuddy' quality to the sound, but this may be due to setup issues or cartridge-tonearm mismatch
• Rich sounding electronics can cause excess warmth due to the bass, according to one review

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The XX-2 MKII is more even-handed and produced great slabs of bass, compared to the Lyra Helikon
• The XX-2 MKII has a darker tonal balance and funky bass lines, compared to the Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua

Takeaway: The Dynavector XX-2 MKII is a high-end cartridge that retrieves a lot of detail from vinyl while remaining natural sounding, making it a standout choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts. It is an excellent choice for people looking for a solid upgrade to their analog setup.

Product Strengths

• Pleasingly rhythmic, energetic, and cohesive music experience
• Colorful and clear vocals and instruments, allowing good tone perception
• Good all-around nature that gets the listener involved in the music and all its aspects like rhythm, timing, timbres, and emotion
• Small elliptical stylus minimizes pops and clicks from older records

Product Considerations

• Bass, while lively and enjoyable, could benefit from improved definition and clarity
• High-frequency range could be better, with improved high-frequency extension
• Might require adding extra weight to the headshell due to its light weight (5g)

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Denon DL103, the Hana EL improves on the shortcomings with better treble response, tighter bass, and wider, more stable imaging
• Compared to the Sumiko Blue Point No. 2, the Hana EL offers a more involving and gripping LP playback experience, while the Sumiko sounds 'plain vanilla'

Takeaway: The Hana EL is a delightful cartridge that offers a good balance of musicality, detail, and emotional involvement. It is worth buying to upgrade the listening experience and to have clear and good tones from favorite vinyl records.

Product Strengths

• Joyous and communicative musicality.
• Midrange frequencies delivered with terrific punch and realism.
• Very good value, giving a taste of high-end performance at a more accessible price point.
• Surface noise is suppressed well.
• Well-built and looks good when mounted on a tonearm.

Product Considerations

• The very highest frequencies are not as airy, nor is the overall sound as rich, compared to more expensive cartridges.
• Success can depend on the tonearm and phono stage it is paired with, with some reviewers finding the high output version could sound overly tight, flat, and gray with certain tonearms or phono stages.
• On older vinyl records, the stylus collected more crud than other cartridges, requiring frequent cleaning.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Dynavector XX2—it isn't quite as airy in the highest frequencies or as rich overall.
• Vs Dynavector DV20x2—it sounds more solid and impactful.

Takeaway: The Dynavector DV-10X5 MkII is a cartridge that delivers a lot of musical enjoyment for the price and will bring your records to life. It is built well and offers great value.

Product Strengths

• Focuses hard and fast on tonal realism, and provides quality sound
• Offers a broad and open soundstage
• Has straight sides, making alignment and cueing easy

Product Considerations

• Not tuned for Metal music
• With a 2g downforce, not quite as secure a tracker as the top Ruby Reference
• The exposed cantilever may agitate nervous types

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The AVID Ionic offers similar inky-black backgrounds to the SME Model 60, but the SME surpasses the AVID in its shattering dynamics and its utter transparency and clarity in the upper frequency range

Takeaway: The AVID Ionic cartridge is a balanced and neutral cartridge that is focused on detail and clarity, not on being bigger or louder. With a good turntable, this cartridge will open up a world of information and be a sonic friend for life.

Product Strengths

• Extracts more detail from the record groove, translating into more music
• Features a super high-powered, neodymium magnet
• Has a coil meticulously hand wound on an iron cross that is fifty percent smaller than the MK1 model, allowing greater freedom to track the vinyl groove
• Housed within a completely redesigned, single piece, aluminum anodized body and protected by a CAD designed, smoked rigid cover to protect the internal fine wires
• Perfect partner for the latest Planar 8 and Planar 10 turntables

Product Considerations

• Cables are not removable from the Planar 10, which may limit customization options for some users
• The protective cover on the Planar 10 is made of plastic and is not meant for continuous use
• The Planar 10's plastic cover may lack precision and be difficult to aim correctly

Takeaway: The Apheta is designed to get as much detail as possible out of records. It's a technologically advanced product that can enhance the listening experience.