Audio T Verdict
The Hana S Series MK II is far more than a cosmetic refresh of the original SL and SH. Hana has taken technologies developed for its considerably more ambitious M Series and Umami cartridges and worked them into what remains one of the more accessible routes into a serious Shibata-tipped moving-coil cartridge.
Both versions use a nude Shibata diamond mounted to a newly developed tapered aluminium cantilever. The taper increases rigidity while reducing effective mass towards the stylus, helping groove movement reach the generator with less unnecessary material moving along with it.
The cartridge body has also changed substantially. Its non-resonant shape is modelled after the Hana M Series, coated in a soft-feel elastomeric damping finish and topped by a brass cap. Threaded mounting inserts are built into the body, removing the need to balance tiny nuts around the cantilever during installation.
Critical parts including the yoke, pole pieces and gold-plated terminal pins undergo cryogenic treatment, while the low-output SL MK II receives an especially significant generator upgrade. Its Alnico cross-coil generator uses high-purity 30-micron copper wire and now has an internal impedance of just 8 ohms.
As with Hana's other ranges, the decision between SL and SH is mainly about your phono stage. The SL MK II produces 0.4mV and is designed for suitable low-output MC amplification, with Hana recommending loading above 80 ohms. The SH MK II produces 2.0mV and is intended for a conventional 47k-ohm moving-magnet phono stage.
Both weigh 8.6g, track at 2.0g and share the same Shibata stylus, tapered aluminium cantilever, 28dB channel separation and 15Hz–32kHz frequency response.
For anyone looking beyond an entry-level moving coil but not yet ready to move into the M or Umami ranges, the S Series MK II hits a particularly sensible point between sophistication, system compatibility and cost.
Hana S Series MK II Shibata Moving Coil Cartridge
The Hana S Series MK II is available as the low-output SL MK II and high-output SH MK II, combining a nude Shibata stylus with a tapered aluminium cantilever, cryogenically treated generator components and a resonance-controlled cartridge body inspired by the Hana M Series.
Both versions share the same fundamental mechanical architecture while offering different generator specifications to suit either moving-coil or moving-magnet phono amplification.
Key features include:
- Moving-coil cartridge design
- Choice of high or low output
- Hana SL MK II: 0.4mV low output
- Hana SH MK II: 2.0mV high output
- Nude Shibata diamond stylus
- New tapered aluminium cantilever
- Reduced effective moving mass
- Alnico magnetic system
- Cross-coil generator design
- High-purity copper coil wire
- Cryogenically treated generator components
- Gold-plated terminal pins
- M Series-inspired non-resonant body
- Soft-feel elastomeric damping finish
- Brass top cap
- Integrated threaded cartridge mounting
- 2.0g vertical tracking force
- 70µm trackability at 2.0g
- 28dB channel separation at 1kHz
- Less than 1.5dB output balance at 1kHz
- 15Hz–32kHz frequency response
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- Black finish
- Hand-assembled in Japan
Hana SL MK II or Hana SH MK II?
The stylus, cantilever and cartridge body are shared between the two versions. The important difference is electrical.
Hana SL MK II
- Low-output moving coil
- 0.4mV output
- 8-ohm internal impedance
- Greater than 80-ohm recommended loading
- Requires suitable MC gain
- Nude Shibata stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- 8.6g cartridge weight
Hana SH MK II
- High-output moving coil
- 2.0mV output
- 130-ohm internal impedance
- 47k-ohm loading
- Designed for suitable MM phono amplification
- Nude Shibata stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- 8.6g cartridge weight
Choose the Version to Suit Your Phono Stage
If your system already has a capable low-output moving-coil phono stage or suitable step-up arrangement, the SL MK II is the natural choice.
If you have a good moving-magnet phono stage and do not want to replace it, the SH MK II provides the same S Series MK II mechanical platform with a much higher 2.0mV output.
Moving Coil Design
Both S Series MK II cartridges use moving-coil generators.
Very small coils connected to the cantilever assembly move within a stationary magnetic field as the stylus traces the record groove.
Keeping the moving generator components light can help the cartridge respond accurately to very small groove movements, but it also means output voltage and phono-stage matching need careful consideration.
Nude Shibata Diamond Stylus
Both versions use a:
Nude Shibata diamond stylus.
The Shibata profile was originally developed to trace the high-frequency information required by discrete four-channel vinyl records, but its extended groove-wall contact also makes it highly suitable for conventional stereo LP playback.
What Does Nude Mean?
A nude stylus uses the diamond itself for the complete stylus tip and mounting shank rather than bonding a smaller diamond tip to another material.
This reduces unnecessary material within the moving assembly and removes an additional mechanical interface between the groove and cantilever.
Why Use a Shibata Stylus?
A correctly aligned Shibata profile provides an extended contact area against the record groove.
Potential advantages include:
- Fine groove-detail retrieval
- Excellent high-frequency tracing
- Extended groove-wall contact
- Reduced tracing distortion
- Good inner-groove performance
- More precise retrieval of complex groove modulation
As with other advanced line-contact stylus shapes, accurate alignment becomes more important than it is with a basic spherical or elliptical cartridge.
The S Series MK II Uses Shibata, Not MicroLine
Hana's current specification identifies both the SL MK II and SH MK II as using nude Shibata styli.
MicroLine is used by Hana's M Series rather than the S Series MK II.
New Tapered Aluminium Cantilever
One of the biggest MK II changes is the new tapered aluminium cantilever.
Rather than maintaining the same diameter along its length, the cantilever becomes progressively narrower towards the stylus.
Hana uses this geometry to increase rigidity while reducing effective mass at the stylus end of the moving assembly.
Why Reduce Effective Moving Mass?
The stylus and cantilever have to accelerate, stop and change direction continuously while tracing microscopic groove modulation.
Reducing unnecessary mass helps the stylus respond more readily to these changes while maintaining the rigidity required to transfer movement accurately to the generator.
Alnico Magnetic System
The S Series MK II moving-coil generator uses an Alnico magnet system.
The magnet itself remains stationary while the small coil assembly moves with the cantilever in response to the record groove.
Cross-Coil Generator
Hana uses a cross-coil generator architecture within the S Series MK II.
This arrangement supports the moving coils at the rear of the cantilever assembly and forms part of the electromagnetic system responsible for converting stylus movement into an electrical signal.
High-Purity Copper Coils
The SL MK II uses high-purity 30-micron copper wire in its moving coils.
Its new low-impedance generator is related to the design used in the Hana ML and Umami Blue, bringing technology from significantly more expensive Hana cartridges into the S Series.
Cryogenically Treated Components
Critical components within the S Series MK II undergo cryogenic treatment.
These include:
- Yoke
- Pole pieces
- Gold-plated terminal pins
The process involves taking the components to extremely low temperatures before gradually returning them to normal temperature.
Hana incorporates this treatment as part of its approach to optimising the electrical and magnetic behaviour of the generator.
Non-Resonant M Series-Inspired Body
The S Series MK II body has been substantially redesigned compared with the original Hana S Series.
Its shape is modelled after the Hana M Series and provides a more substantial mechanical structure around the moving-coil generator.
Soft-Feel Elastomeric Damping
The black cartridge body is coated with a soft-feel elastomeric resin finish.
Rather than being purely cosmetic, Hana uses the coating as part of the cartridge's resonance-control strategy.
Brass Top Cap
A brass cap forms the upper structure of the S Series MK II body.
The combination of materials with different mechanical characteristics helps control unwanted resonance while also providing a rigid mounting interface between cartridge and tonearm.
8.6g Cartridge Weight
Both the SL MK II and SH MK II weigh:
8.6g.
This is substantially heavier than the original 5g S Series cartridges.
Hana deliberately increased the mass as part of the new body and mounting design, improving mechanical coupling and broadening compatibility with a wider range of contemporary tonearms.
Check Your Tonearm Counterweight Range
Although 8.6g falls within the operating range of many modern tonearms, do not assume compatibility purely from the cartridge mounting pattern.
Check cartridge-weight limits, counterweight adjustment and the arm's ability to apply the required 2.0g tracking force.
Threaded Cartridge Mounting
The S Series MK II incorporates threaded mounting fittings within the cartridge body.
The mounting screws therefore thread directly into the cartridge rather than requiring separate nuts around the headshell.
Why Threaded Mounting Helps
Threaded mounting provides several practical advantages:
- No loose cartridge nuts
- Easier physical installation
- Simpler alignment adjustments
- Reduced risk of dropping hardware near the stylus
- Secure mechanical connection to the headshell
Use the Correct Mounting Screw Length
Do not force an excessively long mounting screw into the threaded cartridge body.
The screw should provide sufficient engagement to secure the cartridge without exceeding the available thread depth.
Hana SL MK II Low Output
The low-output SL MK II produces:
0.4mV at 1kHz.
This requires suitable moving-coil phono amplification rather than a conventional MM-only input.
A Conventional MM Input Is Not Sufficient for the SL MK II
At 0.4mV, the SL MK II produces only a small fraction of the output of a typical moving-magnet cartridge.
Use a suitable MC phono stage, appropriately matched step-up transformer or another solution capable of providing the required gain.
8-Ohm SL MK II Internal Impedance
Hana specifies an internal impedance of:
8 ohms at 1kHz.
This is a substantial change from the generator used by the original Hana SL and helps broaden compatibility with modern moving-coil phono stages.
Greater Than 80-Ohm Loading
Hana recommends a load impedance of:
Greater than 80 ohms.
This provides useful flexibility when matching the SL MK II to an adjustable moving-coil phono stage.
100 Ohms Is a Sensible Starting Area
Many MC phono stages provide a 100-ohm loading option, which sits above Hana's greater-than-80-ohm requirement.
If your phono stage provides further settings above this value, they can also be explored as part of final system matching.
Gain and Loading Are Different
Phono-stage gain determines how much the SL MK II's 0.4mV signal is amplified.
Loading determines the electrical resistance presented to its 8-ohm generator.
A suitable phono stage therefore needs both enough clean gain and an appropriate loading option.
Using the SL MK II With a Step-Up Transformer
The low-output SL MK II can also potentially be partnered with a suitably matched moving-coil step-up transformer feeding a moving-magnet phono stage.
The signal path becomes:
Turntable ? MC step-up transformer ? MM phono stage ? amplifier.
Step-Up Transformer Matching Matters
Transformer ratio, cartridge impedance and the load presented by the MM phono stage interact electrically.
Do not choose a step-up transformer simply because it is intended for moving-coil cartridges. The complete combination should be checked for compatibility.
Hana SH MK II High Output
The high-output SH MK II produces:
2.0mV at 1kHz.
This allows the cartridge to be used with suitable conventional moving-magnet phono amplification.
Moving Coil Through an MM Phono Stage
The SH MK II is designed for customers who want the S Series MK II moving-coil construction without adding a dedicated low-output MC phono stage.
Connect it to a suitable 47k-ohm moving-magnet input.
130-Ohm SH MK II Internal Impedance
The high-output generator has an internal impedance of:
130 ohms at 1kHz.
Additional coil winding allows the SH MK II to generate its substantially higher output voltage, resulting in different electrical characteristics from the SL MK II.
47k-Ohm SH MK II Loading
Hana specifies:
47k ohms.
This is the standard resistance offered by the majority of conventional moving-magnet phono stages.
Do Not Automatically Use an MC Input
The SH MK II is mechanically a moving-coil cartridge, but its 2.0mV generator is specifically designed for MM phono amplification.
A conventional low-output MC input may provide too much gain and an unsuitable load impedance.
Will the SH MK II Be Quieter Than a Moving Magnet Cartridge?
Potentially.
At 2.0mV, the SH MK II produces less output than many conventional moving-magnet cartridges.
You may therefore use slightly more of your amplifier's volume control than you did with a higher-output MM cartridge.
This is normal and does not indicate that the SH MK II should be moved to a conventional low-output MC input.
2.0g Vertical Tracking Force
Both cartridges use a recommended vertical tracking force of:
2.0g.
Do Not Deliberately Track Too Lightly
Reducing tracking force below the correct setting does not automatically protect your records.
Insufficient force can cause mistracking, allowing the stylus to lose stable contact with the groove.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
Set the tonearm according to its manufacturer's instructions and check the final tracking force using an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
70µm Trackability
Hana specifies:
70µm trackability at 2.0g.
This figure is measured with the cartridge operating at its recommended tracking force.
28dB Channel Separation
Both versions are specified at:
28dB at 1kHz.
Channel separation describes how effectively the cartridge keeps information recovered from the left and right groove walls electrically distinct.
Less Than 1.5dB Output Balance
Hana specifies:
Less than 1.5dB at 1kHz.
Close output matching between the two channels helps maintain stable stereo positioning and consistent left-to-right presentation.
15Hz to 32kHz Frequency Response
Both the SL MK II and SH MK II are specified at:
15Hz–32kHz.
Frequency-response figures are only one part of cartridge performance and should be considered alongside stylus geometry, tracking, channel behaviour, resonance control and correct setup.
SL MK II Dynamic Compliance
Hana publishes a dynamic compliance figure for the SL MK II of:
10 x 10-6cm/dyne.
Compliance describes the flexibility of the cartridge suspension and should be considered alongside the effective mass of the tonearm when assessing mechanical compatibility.
Hana Does Not Currently Publish an SH MK II Compliance Figure
The current Hana SH MK II specification does not include a dynamic-compliance figure.
Rather than assuming it is identical to the SL MK II, check with Audio T if a precise cartridge and tonearm resonance calculation is required.
Accurate Alignment Matters
The Shibata stylus rewards careful cartridge geometry.
Correct setup may include:
- Overhang
- Offset angle
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
Do Not Align a Shibata Cartridge by Eye
Use the alignment method specified for your turntable or tonearm, or an appropriate cartridge-alignment protractor.
A sophisticated line-contact stylus cannot compensate for incorrect cartridge geometry.
Bias or Anti-Skate
Once the 2.0g tracking force has been established, set bias or anti-skate according to the tonearm manufacturer's recommended procedure.
Different tonearms use different compensation systems, so there is no single universal dial setting that applies to every arm.
Tonearm Height and VTA
If your tonearm provides height adjustment, final vertical geometry can be optimised after the basic cartridge alignment and tracking force are correct.
The extended contact area of a Shibata stylus makes careful vertical setup particularly worthwhile on a sufficiently adjustable tonearm.
Azimuth
Azimuth describes the cartridge's side-to-side orientation when viewed from the front.
Incorrect azimuth can affect:
- Channel balance
- Stereo focus
- High-frequency tracking
- Distortion
- Contact between stylus and groove walls
If your tonearm allows azimuth adjustment, it can form part of the final cartridge setup.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
Like most moving-coil cartridges, neither S Series MK II model uses a detachable user-replaceable stylus assembly.
The stylus, cantilever and moving-coil generator form part of an integrated precision assembly.
Do Not Attempt to Remove the Stylus
The Shibata stylus assembly is not designed to slide out of the cartridge body.
If the stylus becomes worn or damaged, contact Audio T for advice on the currently available replacement or service options.
Stylus Care
The nude Shibata diamond deserves careful cleaning and handling.
Useful habits include:
- Keep records clean and free from loose dust
- Use an appropriate stylus brush or approved cleaning product
- Use a gentle back-to-front cleaning motion
- Never apply sideways force to the cantilever
- Use the tonearm cueing mechanism when lowering the cartridge
- Keep fingers away from the stylus and cantilever
- Turn amplifier volume down when working around the cartridge
What Changed From the Original Hana S Series?
The MK II is a significant redesign rather than a minor update.
Changes include:
- New tapered aluminium cantilever
- Reduced effective mass at the stylus
- New M Series-inspired body shape
- Soft-feel elastomeric resonance damping
- Brass top cap
- Integrated threaded cartridge mounting
- Increased cartridge weight
- Cryogenically treated yoke and pole pieces
- Cryogenically treated gold terminal pins
- New low-impedance generator for the SL MK II
- High-purity 30-micron copper coil wire
Original SL or SL MK II?
Original Hana SL
- Low-output moving coil
- Shibata stylus
- Standard aluminium cantilever
- 5g cartridge weight
- Earlier cartridge body
- Non-threaded mounting
- Discontinued model
Hana SL MK II
- Low-output moving coil
- Nude Shibata stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- M Series-inspired body
- Brass top cap
- Threaded mounting
- 8-ohm low-impedance generator
The basic idea remains recognisable, but the MK II changes the generator, cantilever, body, mounting and resonance-control architecture rather than simply replacing the original stylus assembly.
Hana S Series MK II or E Series?
Hana E Series
- Synthetic elliptical stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- EL: 0.5mV low output
- EH: 2.0mV high output
- 25dB channel separation
- 15Hz–25kHz response
- 5g cartridge weight
- Composite body
Hana S Series MK II
- Nude Shibata stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- SL MK II: 0.4mV low output
- SH MK II: 2.0mV high output
- 28dB channel separation
- 15Hz–32kHz response
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- Brass-capped damped body
- Threaded mounting
The most obvious step is from the E Series elliptical stylus to the S Series MK II Shibata profile, but the newer cartridge also gains a substantially more sophisticated body, mounting structure and generator.
Compare the Hana E Series at Audio T.
Hana S Series MK II or M Series?
Hana S Series MK II
- Nude Shibata stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- SL MK II: 0.4mV output
- SH MK II: 2.0mV output
- SL MK II: 8-ohm impedance
- 28dB channel separation
- 15Hz–32kHz response
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- Brass-capped damped body
Hana M Series
- Nude MicroLine stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- ML: 0.4mV output
- MH: 2.0mV output
- ML: 8-ohm impedance
- 30dB channel separation
- 12Hz–45kHz response
- 9.5g cartridge weight
- Delrin and machined brass body
The S Series MK II borrows several ideas from the M Series, including the body philosophy, low-impedance SL generator architecture and cryogenically treated components.
The M Series remains the higher model, introducing a nude MicroLine stylus, more substantial Delrin and brass body construction and tighter channel specifications.
Compare the Hana M Series at Audio T.
Stereo or Mono?
The SL MK II and SH MK II are stereo cartridges designed for conventional two-channel stereo records.
Hana also produces the dedicated SLM MK II for mono LP playback.
A Dedicated Mono Cartridge Is More Than a Stereo Cartridge With Joined Channels
The SLM MK II uses a dedicated mono generator architecture intended specifically for lateral modulation from mono records.
If you own a significant mono collection or have a second tonearm or interchangeable headshell, the dedicated mono version can be worth considering.
Explore the Hana SLM MK II Mono Moving Coil Cartridge at Audio T.
A Phono Stage Is Essential
Do Not Connect Either Cartridge Directly to AUX or CD
Both versions produce phono-level signals and require gain together with RIAA equalisation before connection to a conventional amplifier line input.
The important difference is whether the phono stage needs to provide low-output MC gain for the SL MK II or conventional MM gain for the SH MK II.
Choosing the Correct Signal Path
Hana SL MK II
Turntable ? MC phono stage ? amplifier line input.
- 0.4mV output
- 8-ohm generator
- Greater than 80-ohm loading
- Requires suitable MC gain
Hana SH MK II
Turntable ? MM phono stage ? amplifier line input.
- 2.0mV output
- 130-ohm generator
- 47k-ohm loading
- Designed for suitable MM gain
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Correct S Series MK II installation may involve:
- Checking tonearm weight compatibility
- Careful physical mounting
- Using the correct threaded mounting screws
- Setting overhang
- Setting offset angle
- Checking 2.0g tracking force accurately
- Setting bias or anti-skate
- Adjusting tonearm height where available
- Checking azimuth where available
- Matching MC gain and loading for the SL MK II
- Matching MM gain for the SH MK II
Given the nude Shibata stylus and the performance available from the cartridge, professional installation is particularly worthwhile if you are not already comfortable making these adjustments accurately.
Who Is the Hana S Series MK II For?
Well Suited To
- Customers upgrading from an entry-level MC cartridge
- Customers upgrading from the Hana E Series
- Quality turntables and tonearms
- Customers wanting a nude Shibata stylus
- Customers wanting a choice of high or low output
- Systems with a quality MC stage for the SL MK II
- Systems with a quality MM stage for the SH MK II
- Turntables allowing accurate cartridge alignment
Check Before Buying
- Choose SL MK II or SH MK II to suit your phono stage
- SL MK II output: 0.4mV
- SL MK II impedance: 8 ohms
- SL MK II loading: greater than 80 ohms
- SH MK II output: 2.0mV
- SH MK II loading: 47k ohms
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- 2.0g tracking force
- Shibata stylus rewards accurate alignment
- Stylus is not user-replaceable
Key Features
- Hana S Series MK II
- Hana SL MK II low-output version
- Hana SH MK II high-output version
- Moving-coil cartridge
- Nude Shibata diamond stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- Reduced effective moving mass
- Alnico magnetic system
- Cross-coil generator
- High-purity copper coil wire
- Cryogenically treated yoke
- Cryogenically treated pole pieces
- Cryogenically treated gold terminal pins
- M Series-inspired cartridge body
- Soft-feel elastomeric damping
- Brass top cap
- Integrated threaded cartridge mounting
- SL MK II 0.4mV output
- SH MK II 2.0mV output
- SL MK II 8-ohm internal impedance
- SH MK II 130-ohm internal impedance
- SL MK II greater than 80-ohm loading
- SH MK II 47k-ohm loading
- 15Hz–32kHz frequency response
- 28dB channel separation
- Less than 1.5dB output balance
- 70µm trackability at 2.0g
- 2.0g tracking force
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- Black finish
- Non-user-replaceable stylus
- Hand-assembled in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hana S Series MK II moving magnet or moving coil?
Both the SL MK II and SH MK II are moving-coil cartridges.
What is the difference between Hana SL MK II and SH MK II?
The SL MK II is a 0.4mV low-output moving-coil cartridge designed for suitable MC amplification. The SH MK II produces 2.0mV and is designed for suitable 47k-ohm MM phono amplification.
Which Hana S Series MK II should I buy?
Choose the SL MK II if you already have a suitable low-output MC phono stage or correctly matched step-up solution. Choose the SH MK II if you want to use a conventional moving-magnet phono stage.
What stylus does the Hana S Series MK II use?
Both versions use a nude Shibata diamond stylus.
Does the Hana S MK II use a MicroLine stylus?
No. Hana's current manufacturer specification identifies both S Series MK II stereo models as using Shibata styli. MicroLine is used by the Hana M Series.
What is a Shibata stylus?
Shibata is an advanced line-contact stylus profile with an extended contact area against the groove walls, allowing it to trace fine high-frequency and inner-groove information when correctly aligned.
What is the cantilever made from?
Both models use Hana's new tapered aluminium cantilever.
What is the Hana SL MK II output?
0.4mV at 1kHz.
What is the Hana SH MK II output?
2.0mV at 1kHz.
What is the SL MK II internal impedance?
8 ohms at 1kHz.
What loading does the SL MK II require?
Hana recommends greater than 80 ohms.
Will a 100-ohm MC input work with the SL MK II?
100 ohms is above Hana's stated greater-than-80-ohm recommendation and is therefore a logical starting area. Gain and the overall phono-stage match should still be considered as well.
Can I use the SL MK II with a step-up transformer?
Potentially, yes. Transformer ratio, cartridge impedance and the MM phono stage that follows it must be appropriately matched.
What is the SH MK II internal impedance?
130 ohms at 1kHz.
What loading does the SH MK II require?
47k ohms.
Can I use the SH MK II with an MM phono stage?
Yes. That is the intended application for the 2.0mV high-output SH MK II.
Can I use the SH MK II with a conventional MC input?
Do not automatically do so. A low-output MC input may provide excessive gain and inappropriate loading for the high-output SH MK II.
What is the frequency response?
15Hz to 32kHz for both versions.
What is the channel separation?
28dB at 1kHz.
What is the output balance?
Less than 1.5dB at 1kHz.
What is the trackability?
70µm at the recommended 2.0g tracking force.
What tracking force should I use?
Hana specifies 2.0g for both models.
What is the dynamic compliance?
Hana currently publishes 10 x 10-6cm/dyne for the SL MK II. Its current SH MK II specification does not publish a compliance figure.
How much does the Hana S Series MK II weigh?
Both versions weigh 8.6g.
Why is the MK II heavier than the original Hana S?
The MK II uses a redesigned, more substantial cartridge body with a brass top cap and threaded mounting structure. Hana states that the additional mass improves mechanical coupling and broadens tonearm compatibility.
Does the Hana S MK II have threaded mounting holes?
Yes. The mounting screws thread directly into integrated fittings in the cartridge body.
Does Hana cryogenically treat the S Series MK II?
Yes. Hana cryogenically treats critical parts including the yoke, pole pieces and gold terminal pins.
Is the SL MK II generator related to the Hana ML?
Yes. Hana states that the SL MK II uses the low-impedance Alnico cross-coil generator architecture also found in the Hana ML and Umami Blue.
Does the Hana S MK II have a replaceable stylus?
No. Like most moving-coil cartridges, the stylus and cantilever assembly is not intended for user replacement.
Is the S Series MK II difficult to align?
The threaded mounting makes physical installation relatively convenient, but the Shibata stylus rewards accurate overhang, offset angle, tracking force and vertical setup.
What is the difference between Hana S MK II and Hana M?
The S Series MK II uses a nude Shibata stylus and tapered aluminium cantilever. The M Series moves to a nude MicroLine stylus, more substantial Delrin and brass body construction, wider stated frequency response and tighter channel specifications.
Is there a mono Hana S Series MK II?
Yes. Hana also offers the SLM MK II, a dedicated low-output mono moving-coil cartridge.
Where is the Hana S Series MK II made?
Hana cartridges are hand-assembled and laboratory tested in Japan by Excel Sound.
Can Audio T fit and align the Hana S Series MK II?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss tonearm compatibility, cartridge fitting, Shibata alignment, tracking force and phono-stage matching.
Related Hana Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- Moving-coil cartridge advice
- High and low-output MC guidance
- MM and MC phono-stage matching
- MC gain and loading advice
- Step-up transformer guidance
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Shibata stylus alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- VTA and azimuth guidance
- Stylus-care guidance
- Turntable setup and optimisation
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Hana SL MK II or SH MK II is the right match for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage, or to arrange professional cartridge fitting and alignment.