HANA HISTORY

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“HANA MEANS “BRILLIANT, GORGEOUS”

The story of Hana cartridges begins with Excel Sound Corporation, a Tokyo-based company that has been a pivotal force in the development of high-quality phono cartridges for over five decades. Its origins trace back to San Okada, who began researching cartridge technology in 1964. After perfecting his processes, Okada opened his factory in 1970, marking the official founding of Excel Sound Corporation. Excel quickly established itself as a respected name in the audio industry, thanks to its dual focus on innovation and precision craftsmanship. Initially, the company gained recognition for its production of low-cost cartridges, including the highly acclaimed Excel ES70. This early success set the foundation for Excel’s evolution into a premier manufacturer of moving coil (MC) cartridges.

By the late 1970s, Excel had ventured into MC cartridge technology, a field that demands exceptional engineering expertise. The company’s dedication to low-output MC designs earned it a reputation for delivering performance-oriented solutions at accessible price points. During this period, Excel also became a trusted OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), crafting cartridges for a variety of well-known audio brands. While the specifics of these collaborations remain closely guarded, Excel’s expertise and reliability as a manufacturing partner are widely acknowledged in the industry.

In 2015, Excel took a bold step by introducing its own brand of cartridges under the name “Hana,” a Japanese word that translates to “brilliant” or “gorgeous.” This name reflects the brand’s mission to create products that combine exquisite craftsmanship with exceptional sonic performance. The Hana range, consisting of both low-output and high-output MC cartridges, was designed to bridge the gap between affordability and audiophile-grade sound quality.

Central to the success of Hana cartridges is their unique construction, which features high-rigidity aluminium cantilevers and cross-shaped armatures. These components work in harmony to deliver a natural, balanced sound signature that has become synonymous with the Hana name. Each cartridge undergoes meticulous hand assembly by skilled technicians, followed by comprehensive laboratory testing to ensure consistent quality and performance. This blend of advanced technology and artisanal attention to detail has positioned Hana as a standout brand in the competitive world of high-fidelity audio.

Hana cartridges quickly garnered critical acclaim upon their release. Reviewers and audiophiles alike praised their ability to deliver detailed, dynamic sound at a price point that made high-end performance accessible to a broader audience. Over the years, the brand has earned numerous industry awards and continues to be celebrated for its balance of technical excellence and musicality.

Today, Hana represents the culmination of Excel Sound Corporation’s decades-long commitment to cartridge design. By combining modern manufacturing techniques with a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, Hana cartridges have carved out a unique space in the market. For Excel, the launch and success of Hana not only affirmed its legacy as a pioneering cartridge manufacturer but also solidified its role as a leader in the ongoing evolution of analogue audio technology.

DISCOVER HOW A HANA IS BUILT

Follow the links below to learn how HANA cartridges are built, from winding the coil to installing the damper to final assembly and testing.