Hana Pre-Calibrated Cartridges for Technics SL-1200 and SL1300 Series Turntables

Free Shipping (Contiguous U.S. Only)

This service is offered for the following brands: Sumiko- Hana- Lyra- Ortofon- DS Audio

Overview

For those of you already in possession of a wonderful Technics direct drive turntable we are 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 have determined by doing over hundred of calibrations over the past few years that Technics turntables are built so precisely from piece to piece that we don't your table here. We can use one from our vast lab inventory which includes most models.   All you will need to do on arrival is make two super easy adjustments, per our instructions, detailed on paper and a quick video.  

For calibration you can choose between these two calibration methods: 

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

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 cartridge capabilities.  Adjustments are tailored to your music collection for both alignment (Baerwald, Stevenson and Loefgren) and VTA (standard or 180g records). Strongly recommended for the SL-1200G, GME, GAE, SL-1300 and SL-1000R.

Some of the 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 head shell with gold leads.  The real deal! 

2. DS Audio HS-001 head shell 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 Basic Calibration and about 1 week for 12 Step Premium Calibration.  We stock all cartridges and head shells in large quantities to avoid delays.