Simply put, the Excel Sound team has delivered a masterpiece.
Hana SL MK II $850 - The Hana SL MK II is a worthy successor to the original Hana SL, becoming the new low-cost overachiever, capturing more of nearly everything that the cartridge it replaces in the company’s lineup does.
Turntable of the Year Clearaudio Concept Signature with Tracer Tonearm - $6000 Clearaudio created this special edition turntable exclusively for the U.S. market, and yes, it’s a home run. Think of it as a bells
"Sonics were a leap and a bound over the original entry-level Concept, which Neil Gader also reviewed. Rock-solid stability, timing accuracy, and resolving power make the Clearaudio Signature turntable a no-brainer recommendation. Add ease of setup and a buttery smooth cueing mechanism, and this becomes the affordable analog rig you've been waiting for.”
This global celebration honored 55 years of Excel Sound and introduced their new flagship cartridge, the Hana Umami Black.
"...the optical cartridge offers a more open, dynamic, pacey and detailed sound, delivering excitement and energy while capturing subtle nuances in the mix and individual musicians’ contributions."