Hana SL MK II

Hana SL MK II Tapered cantilever The MK II upgrade to our globally best-selling Hana S series cartridges enhances their musical performance and value. Master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san implements a new tapered Aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity, resulting in a remarkable improvement in transferring groove modulation from the vinyl record to the cartridge generator. The S Series MK II cartridges feature higher specified parts, advanced materials, and unique technical processes from Hana’s higher-priced elite cartridge models, furthering the Hana “brilliant and gorgeous” sound. Hana S Series MK II cartridges use a new tapered aluminum cantilever with higher rigidity and effective mass reduction at the stylus tip. This results in greater clarity and increased music transfer from vinyl records to cartridge generator.  Critical parts, including the Yoke, Pole-pieces, and gold Terminal pins, have been cryogenically treated for a more natural sound. The improved, non-resonant body shape, modeled after the Hana M Series, is damped with a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin paint and features a brass cap with threaded cartridge mounting fittings. The heavier MK II cartridges offer better coupling and expanded compatibility with a wider range of tonearms, improving bass and dynamics. The SL MK II generator, as found in the Umami Blue and ML, incorporates an Alnico magnet and cross-coil using high-purity 30-micron copper wire with an 8Ω impedance. This improves signal-to-noise, reduces moving mass for higher resolution and trackability, and optimizes performance for a broader range of phono stages.       REVIEW & AWARDS Hana SL MK II Cartridge - Read More " While the original Hana SL was an adequate music purveyor, by comparison, the new Hana SL MK II is a quantum leap in performance in every aspect of sound. This is a no-brainer recommendation for your consideration in this price range. " - Ken Redmond   Collecting phono cartridges - Read More "Hana’s original SL was an easy-flowing  cartridge with a natural demeanor that did  not sacrifice focus or musical form when presenting complex recordings, but it was  a little shy on quickness. Boogie slam and  jump factor were not its strong points. The  SL MK II’s heavier body, lower impedance  coils, and tapered-tube cantilever seem  to have addressed these deficiencies. On  my record player, the MK II sounded noticeably speedier, clearer, harder hitting,  and more alpha than the original SL, which  it will be replacing.  " -  HERB REICHERT     SPECIFICATIONS Stylus Nude Diamond Shibata Cantilever Tapered Aluminum Magnet Alnico Output Level 0.4mv/1kHz Output Balance <1.5dB/1KHz Vertical Tracking Force 2g Trackability 70 µm/2g Dynamic Compliance 10x10-6cm/dyne Channel Separation 28dB/1kHz Frequency Response 15-32,000Hz Impedance 8Ω/1KHz Suggested Load Impedance ≥80Ω Weight 8.6g Body Color Black Warranty 2 years