HANA SL MK II Low Output Moving Coil Cartridge

The HANA SL MK II is a low-output MC cartridge in the S Series MK II version, delivering significantly improved performance after a comprehensive upgrade. It now more closely resembles the high-end Umami series, offering a more delicate, transparent, and high-resolution "brilliant and gorgeous" analog sound. With a US Retail price of $850, it provides near flagship-level performance at an excellent price-to-performance ratio, making it suitable for audiophiles who already own a high-gain MC phono stage and seek ultimate detail and musicality. The new black elastomeric coated body with a brass top plate increases the weight to 8.6g, significantly improving coupling with the tonearm for more solid bass and overall better dynamics.

Materials and Technology

• Stylus: Nude Diamond Shibata stylus, offering excellent tracking ability and high-frequency extension to precisely extract rich information from the groove.
• Cantilever: New tapered aluminum, with higher rigidity and lower effective mass for faster and more precise signal transmission.
• Magnet and Coil: Alnico magnet + cross-coil design, using high-purity 30-micron copper wire to reduce moving mass and significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio and resolution.
• Key Components: Pure iron yoke, pole pieces, and gold-plated output terminals are all cryogenically treated for a more natural, balanced, and delicate sound.
• Body: Improved non-resonant shape inspired by the M Series, coated with a matte black elastomeric resin (Elastomeric Paint) to effectively suppress resonance; equipped with a threaded brass top plate for more stable and convenient installation.
• Other Specifications:
  • Output Voltage: 0.4mV / 1kHz (low output, requires MC phono stage or Step-up Transformer)
  • Frequency Response: 15–32,000Hz
  • Channel Separation: 28dB / 1kHz
  • Output Balance: ＜1.5dB / 1kHz
  • Tracking Force: 2.0g
  • Impedance: 8Ω (recommended load impedance ≥80Ω)
  • Weight: 8.6g

Sound Characteristics

The SL MK II fully leverages the advantages of low-output MC, delivering a delicate, transparent, and layered sound:

• Bass: Deep and powerful, with precise control, excellent texture, and impact.
• Midrange: Rich and full, with delicate textures. Vocals and instruments are emotionally rich and have a strong sense of placement.
• Treble: Smooth extension, excellent airiness, rich in detail without being harsh.
• Overall: High resolution, wide and layered soundstage, strong dynamic contrast. More open, faster, and more informative than its predecessor, it has been described as a "new overachiever," suitable for users seeking high resolution, musicality, and emotional expression.

User and Professional Review Excerpts

• Stereophile (Herb Reichert): "It sounds audibly faster, clearer, and more impactful… The MK II is more dominant than its predecessor."
• The Absolute Sound (Andre Jennings): "The new overachiever overachieves again! The SL MK II becomes the new low-price king, surpassing all the virtues of its predecessor."
• Tracking Angle (Ken Redmond): "Superior to the original SL in every aspect, with a larger soundstage, better dynamics, more open treble, more information, and better instrument separation."
• Stereo Magazine (Germany): Received high praise, with the MK II setting a new benchmark at this price point, combining musicality and resolution.
• Other Audiophile Feedback: "Significant improvements in detail and airiness," "More solid mid-bass, overall more coherent and fluid," "The most impressive low-output MC at this price point."

The HANA SL MK II is the best upgrade choice for audiophiles pursuing ultimate analog sound quality and who already have an MC phono stage system! It allows vinyl to reproduce richer, more three-dimensional, and more captivating musical details.