Gerald Jacob-san at High Fidelity Studio / HANA German distributor has just forwarded us this article that HANA-Umami Black (UBK) has been reviewed dramatically as dream cartridge by Matthias Bode-san in Stereo 2026_Jan. magazine in Germany, for your further ongoing powerful reference.

Gerald-san says “It is the best ever reviewed cartridge in the history of Stereo !
Congratulations to the Hana team !”
Gerald-san also made 6 full pages article into all English translation !
Many thanks, Gerald-san !

→Umami UBK review in STEREO (PDF) →Full English Translation (PDF)
Following is its last phrase.

Yet it is not only the combination of lightness and precision that fascinates. This is paired with a consistently firm grip on the structure of the soundstage, lending the Umami Black a sense of linear purposefulness and even a certain strictness in the construction of its musical presentation – beyond its grace and playful love of nuance. It never loses the thread of the music, instead clearly working out the respective impetus, whether rock or baroque.

When Lyn Stanley and her Big Band Jazz Mavericks launched into Boogie Woogie Santa Claus, the Hana was fully on board. When Gary Burton and Pat Metheny drifted through gently rhythmic ballads on their Reunion album, the music floated hypnotically between the speakers as the Umami Black carefully traced the grooves.

And one could go on. With this Super Hana, you not only listen to music at the highest level, but rediscover many of your records because it draws previously unknown sounds from them. Fortunate are those who can afford one – and provide it with an adequate environment for its sonic development. An investment in vinyl happiness that one does not regret, because the Umami Black truly hits the bull’s eye.
Sound description: exceptional resolution, fine and macro dynamics, and vivid musicality.