Grado Black3 vs Hana SL

Verdict

Overall, the Grado Black3 cartridge receives mixed reviews. Many users praise its natural sound, beautiful harmonics, and good bass performance. However, some users report issues with hum, poor tracking, and difficulty installing the cartridge. The foam pads on the Grado headphones are also a point of contention among users. Despite its flaws, the Grado Black3 is considered a good budget cartridge option by many.

Verdict

Overall, the Hana SL moving coil cartridge receives high praise from reviewers. Many note that it is a significant upgrade from their previous moving magnet cartridges and that it offers clear and energetic sound. Some reviewers mention that it is expensive but worth the investment, while others note that it is a great value for its price. Some reviewers mention that it can be finicky to set up and requires a good phono stage, but once dialed in, it performs exceptionally well. The Hana SL is recommended for those with a decent MC phono stage and is compared favorably to other high-end cartridges.