HANA SH MK II High Output MC Moving Coil Cartridge

The HANA SH MK II is a high-output MC cartridge in the S Series MK II version. Building on 50 years of cartridge manufacturing experience from Excel Sound in Japan, it has undergone significant upgrades, bringing its performance closer to the high-end Umami series, delivering a more "brilliant and gorgeous" analog sound. At a US retail price of $850, it offers near-flagship musical performance at a highly competitive price, making it ideal for audiophiles looking to upgrade from an MM cartridge or seeking the convenience of a high-output MC. The new black elastomeric coated body with a brass top plate increases its weight to 8.6g, improving coupling with the tonearm and enhancing low-frequency response and dynamics.

Materials and Technology

• Stylus: Nude Diamond Shibata, offering excellent tracking ability, extended high-frequency response, and strong detail retrieval.
• Cantilever: New Tapered Aluminum, with higher rigidity and lower effective mass, significantly improving signal transmission efficiency and resolution.
• Magnet and Coil: Alnico magnet + Cross-coil design, utilizing high-purity 30-micron copper wire to reduce moving mass and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio.
• Key Components: Pure iron yoke, pole pieces, and gold-plated output terminals are cryogenically treated for a more natural and balanced sound.
• Body: Improved non-resonant design inspired by the M series, coated with a matte black elastomeric resin paint to effectively suppress resonance; equipped with a threaded brass top plate for easier installation.
• Other Specifications:
  • Output Voltage: 2mV / 1kHz (High output, perfectly compatible with MM phono stages)
  • Frequency Response: 15–32,000Hz
  • Channel Separation: 28dB / 1kHz
  • Output Balance: ＜1.5dB / 1kHz
  • Tracking Force: 2.0g
  • Impedance: 130Ω / 1kHz (Recommended load impedance 47kΩ)
  • Weight: 8.6g

Sound Characteristics

The SH MK II retains the dynamics and driving force of high-output MC cartridges while possessing the finesse and transparency of low-output MCs:

• Bass: More powerful, deeper, precisely controlled, with excellent dynamic performance.
• Midrange: Rich, warm, and emotional, with delicate textures for vocals and instruments, and strong positional imaging.
• Treble: Smooth extension, excellent airiness, rich in detail without being harsh.
• Overall: Coherent sound, excellent rhythm, wide soundstage, precise imaging. Warmer and smoother than its predecessor, approaching the exuberant style of the Umami Red, but easier to handle, providing immense enjoyment for long listening sessions, and hailed as an "impeccable" choice at its price point.

User and Professional Review Excerpts

• hi-fi+ (Alan Sircom): "Unrivalled at its price point… its balanced warmth, excellent rhythm, and dynamics make it a perfect partner for turntables like the Technics SL-1300G. I truly cannot think of a better product in its class."
• hi-fi+ 2026 Awards: Winner in the Analogue – Cartridge category, affirming its upgraded reference-level performance.
• Stereo Magazine (Germany): Highly praised, noting the MK II's significant improvement over its predecessor and setting a new benchmark at this price point.
• Other feedback: "More coherent, smoother, combining detail with musicality," "Outstanding midrange insight, excellent soundstage," "Easy to install, wide compatibility, a standout among sub-$1000 cartridges."

The HANA SH MK II is the top choice for audiophiles seeking high performance, convenience, and excellent value for money! Whether paired with MM or MC systems, it will allow your vinyl collection to radiate an even richer, more captivating analog charm.