Technology
Revolutionary engineering that redefines what's possible in audio reproduction.
Clean-Sheet Systems Approach
Haniwa breaks free from 75-year-old standards like 8-ohm speakers and universal MC cartridges. Our 1-ohm speaker drivers paired with ultra-efficient GANN amplifier deliver instantaneous response for dynamic musical passages.
Advanced Phono System
Our 0.08-ohm cartridge is an order of magnitude lower than competitors. Combined with our dual-pivot tonearm, it extracts pristine signals from the groove for unparalleled vinyl reproduction.
Flat Phase Response
Advanced digital technology ensures precise phase and frequency control, perfectly replicating the input waveform. While competitors achieve flat frequency response, only Haniwa delivers flat phase response—preserving timing and transients.
Real 3D Soundstage
All sound emanates from a virtual point source using single-driver speakers. This delivers a pinpoint Real 3D soundstage with precise imaging and depth unlike anything you've experienced.
The Science Behind TrueSound
Dr. Tetsuo Kubo, engineer and medical doctor, spent his career developing theories on sound, audio reproduction, and how the brain processes what we hear. The result: a system where output truly equals input.
Output = Input
Frequency + Timing (Phase)
Input signal (blue) is transformed differently by each system. The high-end multiway speaker (priced over $200,000 USD) disperses the impulse response* over time, distorting the output. The Haniwa system concentrates the impulse response at one precise moment, preserving the original waveform.
*Impulse Response: A measure of how a speaker system reacts to a sudden sound. The ideal impulse response is a sharp, precise vertical line—meaning the speaker reproduces the sound instantly and accurately without spreading or distorting it over time. When the impulse response is concentrated at one moment (like Haniwa's), the output matches the input. When it's dispersed (like conventional speakers), the sound becomes blurred and loses detail.
Cartridge Comparison & Analysis
High-End Moving Coil Cartridges ($8k+) - December 2025
Combined Impedance vs. Tracking Force Analysis
This scatter plot visualizes internal impedance (x-axis, log scale) against tracking force (y-axis) for premium moving coil cartridges. Lower values in both dimensions are superior, representing minimal distortion, noise, and friction. The bottom-left corner represents the "best-in-class" zone.
Note: Haniwa's position in the far bottom-left underscores its superiority. Its 0.08Ω impedance is at least 5× lower than the next closest competitor (van den Hul Colibri at 0.4Ω) and up to 625× lower than outliers like Clearaudio (50Ω). Combined with the lightest tracking force (0.65g vs. competitors' 1.4g+), it excels in holistic system design that maximizes current flow while minimizing mechanical issues.
Why Low Impedance Matters
In moving coil cartridges, lower internal impedance generates higher current for a given voltage, enabling "current-mode" amplification. This reduces susceptibility to noise (thermal or electromagnetic), phase shifts, and distortion, resulting in flatter frequency response, explosive dynamics, and pinpoint imaging.
High impedance can introduce resonances or signal loss, muddying details. Haniwa's ultra-low 0.08Ω value, paired with low-resistance wiring and preamps, delivers unmatched signal purity and realism.
Why Lower Tracking Force Equals Lower Friction and Noise
Tracking force determines stylus pressure on the record groove. Higher force increases friction, amplifying mechanical noise (groove wall scraping, surface debris rumble) and accelerating vinyl wear. Lower force cuts this friction dramatically, yielding a quieter background and finer micro-dynamics.
However, it demands precise engineering to maintain tracking stability. Haniwa achieves 0.65g through balanced electromagnetic forces, mechanical damping, and high-current optimization—slashing noise far below rivals without compromising groove adherence.
While prices are comparable across this tier ($8k-$18.5k), Haniwa offers exceptional value by pushing boundaries in both critical metrics simultaneously, making it the clear leader for audiophiles seeking noise-free, lifelike playback with minimal vinyl wear.