Hana Pre-Calibrated Cartridges for Technics SL-1200 and SL-1300 Series Turntables

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General:
This service is offered for the following brands: 
Sumiko, Hana, Lyra, Ortofon, and DS Audio

Overview:
For those of you already in possession of a wonderful Technics direct drive turntable we're offering our most popular cartridges mounted, calibrated, and ready to enjoy. 

How are we able to do this without your turntable you may ask?  

Well, we've determined by performing hundreds of calibrations over the past few years that Technics turntables are built so precisely from piece to piece that we don't require your table here. We can use one from our vast lab inventory which includes most models, vintage and new. On arrival, all you will need to is make two super easy adjustments, per our instructions, detailed on paper and a quick instructional video.  

For calibration you can choose between these two calibration methods: 

Basic Calibration: Includes mounting, connecting the headshell leads to the cartridge, and setting the overhang per the Technics calibration curve spec. This method is for the entry level cartridge, or those that are budget conscious, and It will yield nice results. This calibration s recommended for the SL-50, SL-1500C or perhaps for a second (not primary) cartridge, mono cartridge, or 78 cartridge.   

12 Step Premium Calibration: Includes mounting and the following steps for an absolutely best in class calibration, which is able to extract close to 100% of the capabilities of the cartridge. Adjustments are tailored to your music collection for both alignment (Baerwald, Stevenson, Loefgren), and VTA (standard or for 180g records). This calibration is strongly recommended for the SL-1200G, GME, GAE, SL-1300, and SL-1000R.

Some of our steps are:
Inspect and photograph cartridge using a high power digital microscope. Evaluate cantilever straightness and how the stylus is mounted on the cantilever.   

Set the cartridge overhang using a Dr. Feickert Analogue protractor and gauge.

Set and record the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) with a gauge block or digital microscope. 

Align the stylus for correct zenith using a Dr. Feickert protractor or WallyTractor.

Confirm correct left and right channel orientation and phasing using a test record.

Set the anti-skate using test tracks and an oscilloscope for best results. 

Set the azimuth using a Fozgometer (V2), BK Precision 297 and/or UPL Analyzer.

Confirm tracking ability using test record torture tracks. Provide a photo of the oscilloscope readout.

Measure and record compliance, and adjust headshell mass if required for optimal matching.

You will received a detailed 2 page report including pictures, measurements and settings.  

With both methods, upon arrival you will need to set the arm height, tracking force and anti-skate which can all do done in a few minutes.  We will provide instructions and the values appropriate for your model turntable.  

Link to more details about our process here.

For a headshell please choose one of following. 

1. Technics original OEM high-quality headshell with gold leads.  The real deal! 

2. DS Audio HS-001 Headshell: Modified specifically for us to perfectly fit the SL Series tonearms. Machined from solid Duraluminum and using Litz signal leads for the best possible performance.   

3. Ortofon LH-9000: Our favorite head shell from Ortofon, dimensionally similar to the Technics OEM, and made of carbon fiber.  

Notes:
Lead time is a day or two for our Basic Calibration, and about one week for our 12 Step Premium Calibration. We stock all phono cartridges and headshells in large quantities to avoid delays.