Audio T Verdict
The Hana SLM MK II is not simply the stereo SL MK II with the channels joined together. It uses a dedicated two-coil mono generator designed specifically for playing mono records, wrapped in the same much-improved MK II mechanical architecture found elsewhere in Hana's S Series.
That makes it a particularly interesting proposition for anyone with a serious mono record collection. Rather than asking a stereo cartridge and downstream electronics to convert a two-channel signal back into mono, the SLM MK II is designed from the outset around mono playback.
The groove-reading end is equally serious. Hana uses a nude Shibata diamond mounted to a newly developed tapered aluminium cantilever. The taper increases rigidity while reducing effective mass towards the stylus tip, helping the cantilever respond more readily to fine groove modulation.
The cartridge body is modelled after Hana's M Series, coated in a damping elastomeric finish and topped by a brass cap with threaded mounting inserts. That threaded mounting is especially welcome when installing a cartridge with an expensive, delicate Shibata stylus hanging just millimetres away from your screwdriver.
Electrically, this is a genuine low-output moving-coil cartridge. Output is 0.4mV, internal impedance is 23 ohms and Hana specifies a load of at least 230 ohms. It therefore needs a suitable MC phono stage or appropriately matched step-up arrangement rather than a conventional MM input.
Tracking force is a straightforward 2.0g, cartridge weight is 8.6g and frequency response is specified at 15Hz–32kHz.
If mono records form only a tiny part of your collection, a good stereo cartridge may remain the more practical choice. But if mono vinyl is an important part of your listening, the SLM MK II gives those records a cartridge designed specifically for the job rather than treating mono playback as an afterthought.
Hana SLM MK II Mono Moving Coil Cartridge
The Hana SLM MK II is a dedicated low-output mono moving-coil cartridge developed for high-quality playback of mono vinyl records.
It combines Hana's two-coil mono generator with a nude Shibata diamond, tapered aluminium cantilever and the substantially upgraded resonance-controlled body introduced with the S Series MK II.
Key features include:
- Dedicated mono moving-coil cartridge
- Two-coil mono generator design
- Low-output moving coil
- 0.4mV output
- 23-ohm internal impedance
- 230-ohm or greater recommended loading
- Nude Shibata diamond stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- Reduced effective moving mass
- Alnico magnetic system
- High-purity copper coil wire
- Cryogenically treated yoke and pole pieces
- Cryogenically treated gold terminal pins
- M Series-inspired non-resonant body
- Soft-feel elastomeric damping finish
- Brass top cap
- Integrated threaded cartridge mounting
- 15Hz–32kHz frequency response
- Less than 1.5dB output balance at 1kHz
- 70µm trackability at 2.0g
- 2.0g vertical tracking force
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- Black finish
- Hand-assembled in Japan
- 2-year warranty
A Dedicated Mono Cartridge
The SLM MK II is designed specifically for mono record playback.
Hana uses a dedicated two-coil mono generator rather than simply taking the stereo SL MK II and relying on a mono switch further down the system.
This means the cartridge itself is engineered around retrieving a mono signal from the record groove.
More Than Pressing the Mono Button
A mono switch on an amplifier or phono stage can be extremely useful when playing mono records with a stereo cartridge, but it combines the signal after the cartridge has already traced the groove as a stereo device.
The SLM MK II takes a different approach by using a generator specifically designed for mono playback.
Who Needs a Dedicated Mono Cartridge?
Not everybody does.
If you own only a handful of mono records, buying a separate cartridge and changing it every time you play one may make little practical sense.
A dedicated mono cartridge becomes more compelling if:
- Mono records form an important part of your collection
- You regularly buy mono reissues
- You own a second tonearm
- You use an interchangeable headshell
- You have a second turntable for mono playback
- You want a cartridge optimised specifically for mono vinyl
For the right collection and turntable setup, a dedicated mono cartridge can be a far more elegant solution than constantly compromising around a stereo cartridge.
Two-Coil Mono Generator
Hana specifically describes the SLM MK II as using a:
Two-coil mono design.
This differs from the stereo SL MK II generator and is the key reason the SLM MK II should be treated as its own cartridge rather than simply a mono-labelled version of the stereo model.
Do Not Use the Stereo SL MK II Generator Specification
The stereo SL MK II uses an 8-ohm generator and recommends loading above 80 ohms.
The mono SLM MK II is different. It has a 23-ohm generator and requires a load of at least 230 ohms.
Low Output Moving Coil Design
The SLM MK II produces:
0.4mV at 1kHz.
This places it firmly within low-output moving-coil territory.
It therefore requires considerably more gain than a conventional moving-magnet or high-output MC cartridge.
A Conventional MM Input Is Not Suitable
The SLM MK II's 0.4mV output requires a suitable moving-coil phono stage, correctly matched step-up transformer or another phono solution capable of providing appropriate low-output MC gain.
Do not connect it directly to a conventional MM-only phono input.
23-Ohm Internal Impedance
Hana specifies the SLM MK II generator at:
23 ohms at 1kHz.
This is the internal electrical impedance of the cartridge generator and should not be confused with the external load selected on the phono stage.
230-Ohm or Greater Loading
Hana specifies a suggested load impedance of:
230 ohms or greater.
This is a particularly important figure because many moving-coil phono stages default to a 100-ohm input.
100 Ohms Is Below Hana's Recommendation
A fixed 100-ohm MC input falls below the SLM MK II's specified minimum loading of 230 ohms.
If your phono stage does not provide a setting at or above 230 ohms, check compatibility before purchasing the cartridge.
Phono-Stage Gain and Loading Are Different
Gain controls how much the cartridge's 0.4mV signal is amplified.
Loading determines the electrical resistance presented to the 23-ohm generator.
A suitable SLM MK II phono stage therefore needs:
- Sufficient clean gain for a 0.4mV cartridge
- A load impedance of 230 ohms or greater
Having one without the other does not automatically make a phono stage an ideal match.
Using a Step-Up Transformer
The SLM MK II can 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.
Transformer Matching Matters
The transformer's turns ratio, the cartridge's 23-ohm internal impedance and the MM phono-stage input all interact.
Do not choose a step-up transformer solely because it is labelled for moving-coil cartridges. The complete electrical combination should be checked.
Nude Shibata Diamond Stylus
The SLM MK II uses a:
Nude Shibata diamond stylus.
A Shibata profile provides an extended contact area against the groove wall compared with more basic spherical and elliptical stylus shapes.
What Does Nude Mean?
A nude stylus uses the diamond itself as the stylus tip and mounting shank rather than attaching a smaller diamond tip to another supporting material.
This removes additional material from the moving stylus assembly and eliminates an extra mechanical junction between the groove and cantilever.
Why Use a Shibata Stylus?
When correctly aligned, the extended contact profile can provide:
- Fine groove-detail retrieval
- Excellent high-frequency tracing
- Extended groove-wall contact
- Low tracing distortion
- Strong inner-groove performance
- Accurate retrieval of complex groove modulation
A Shibata Stylus Rewards Accurate Alignment
The more sophisticated the stylus profile, the more worthwhile accurate cartridge geometry becomes.
Correct overhang and offset angle should be set with an appropriate alignment method rather than positioning the cartridge by eye.
New Tapered Aluminium Cantilever
The SLM MK II uses the same newly developed:
Tapered aluminium cantilever
introduced throughout Hana's S Series MK II range.
The cantilever becomes narrower towards the stylus tip, allowing Hana to increase rigidity while reducing effective moving mass at the groove-reading end of the cartridge.
Why Reduce Moving Mass?
The stylus and cantilever must continuously accelerate and change direction as they follow the microscopic modulation within a record groove.
Reducing unnecessary moving mass helps the assembly respond more readily while the tapered construction retains the rigidity necessary to transmit those movements into the generator.
Alnico Magnetic System
The SLM MK II generator uses an Alnico magnetic system.
The magnet forms part of the stationary magnetic circuit while the moving-coil assembly responds to movement of the stylus and cantilever.
High-Purity Copper Coil Wire
Hana uses high-purity copper wire within the SLM MK II's dedicated mono generator.
The generator differs electrically from the stereo SL MK II, resulting in its specific 23-ohm internal impedance and 230-ohm-or-greater loading requirement.
Cryogenically Treated Components
Critical S Series MK II components undergo cryogenic treatment.
These include:
- Yoke
- Pole pieces
- Gold-plated terminal pins
Hana incorporates this process across the S Series MK II as part of the cartridge's upgraded generator and signal path.
M Series-Inspired Cartridge Body
The SLM MK II uses the same redesigned body architecture as the stereo S Series MK II cartridges.
The shape is modelled after the higher-level Hana M Series and provides a more substantial mechanical structure around the cartridge generator.
Soft-Feel Elastomeric Damping
The black cartridge body is coated in Hana's matte soft-feel elastomeric resin.
This coating forms part of the cartridge's approach to controlling unwanted mechanical resonance rather than being purely cosmetic.
Brass Top Cap
A brass top cap forms the upper mounting structure of the cartridge.
Combining materials with differing mechanical properties helps control unwanted resonance while creating a rigid interface between cartridge and tonearm.
Threaded Cartridge Mounting
The brass mounting structure incorporates threaded fittings for the cartridge screws.
This means the mounting bolts screw directly into the cartridge rather than requiring separate nuts.
Why Threaded Mounting Is Useful
Threaded mounting provides several very practical advantages:
- No loose cartridge nuts
- Easier physical installation
- Simpler alignment adjustments
- Secure mechanical coupling
- Less chance of dropping hardware near the stylus
Use the Correct Mounting Screw Length
Do not force excessively long mounting screws into the cartridge.
The screw needs sufficient engagement to secure the cartridge without exceeding the available depth of the threaded insert.
8.6g Cartridge Weight
The SLM MK II weighs:
8.6g.
This is the same mass as the stereo SL MK II and SH MK II cartridges.
The heavier MK II body is part of Hana's revised mechanical design and provides a more substantial interface with suitably compatible tonearms.
Check Tonearm Compatibility
Make sure your tonearm can balance an 8.6g cartridge, provide sufficient counterweight adjustment and accommodate the required cartridge alignment.
Cartridge weight alone does not determine whether a cartridge and arm are a suitable mechanical match.
2.0g Vertical Tracking Force
Hana specifies a vertical tracking force of:
2.0g.
This matches the recommended tracking force of the other S Series MK II cartridges.
Do Not Deliberately Track Too Lightly
Reducing tracking force below the correct setting does not automatically protect your records.
Insufficient tracking force can cause mistracking and prevent the stylus from maintaining stable contact with the groove.
Use an Accurate Stylus-Force Gauge
Set the tonearm according to its manufacturer's procedure and check the final 2.0g tracking force using an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
70µm Trackability
Hana specifies trackability of:
70µm at 2.0g.
This is measured with the cartridge operating at its recommended tracking force.
15Hz to 32kHz Frequency Response
Hana specifies:
15Hz–32kHz.
This matches the published bandwidth of the stereo S Series MK II cartridges.
Frequency response is only one part of cartridge performance and should be considered alongside stylus geometry, generator design, tracking behaviour and correct setup.
Less Than 1.5dB Output Balance
Hana specifies output balance of:
Less than 1.5dB at 1kHz.
As a dedicated mono cartridge, Hana does not publish a conventional stereo channel-separation figure for the SLM MK II.
No Stereo Channel-Separation Specification Is Needed
The SLM MK II is designed to reproduce a mono signal rather than maintain separation between independent left and right stereo channels.
For this reason, Hana does not specify stereo channel separation for the mono cartridge.
Accurate Cartridge Alignment Still Matters
Mono does not mean cartridge alignment becomes unimportant.
Correct setup can include:
- Overhang
- Offset angle
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
Do Not Align the Cartridge by Eye
The SLM MK II still uses a sophisticated Shibata stylus tracing a physical record groove.
Use the geometry specified by your turntable or tonearm manufacturer, or an appropriate cartridge-alignment protractor.
Bias or Anti-Skate
After establishing the 2.0g tracking force, set bias or anti-skate according to the tonearm manufacturer's recommended procedure.
Different tonearms apply compensation in different ways, so there is no universal dial position that can be guaranteed for every installation.
Tonearm Height and VTA
If your tonearm provides height adjustment, final vertical geometry can be checked once the basic cartridge alignment and tracking force have been established.
The extended contact profile of the Shibata stylus makes careful vertical setup worthwhile on a suitably adjustable tonearm.
Can You Play Stereo Records With the SLM MK II?
The SLM MK II has been designed specifically for mono records rather than as a general-purpose stereo cartridge.
If your collection includes both stereo and mono vinyl, use a suitable stereo cartridge for stereo records and reserve the SLM MK II for its intended mono role.
Interchangeable Headshells Make Mono Much Easier
If your tonearm uses a removable headshell, keeping the SLM MK II permanently fitted and aligned to a dedicated headshell can make switching between stereo and mono cartridges considerably more convenient.
Remember to check tracking force and any other relevant tonearm settings after changing headshells.
Second Tonearms and Turntables
The SLM MK II is particularly attractive for systems with:
- A turntable fitted with two tonearms
- A tonearm with interchangeable headshells
- A separate turntable dedicated to mono records
These arrangements allow the mono cartridge to remain correctly mounted rather than repeatedly removing and reinstalling it.
SLM MK II or SL MK II?
Hana SL MK II
- Stereo moving-coil cartridge
- 0.4mV output
- 8-ohm internal impedance
- Greater than 80-ohm loading
- Nude Shibata stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- 28dB channel separation
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- Designed for stereo records
Hana SLM MK II
- Dedicated mono moving-coil cartridge
- Two-coil mono generator
- 0.4mV output
- 23-ohm internal impedance
- 230-ohm or greater loading
- Nude Shibata stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- Designed specifically for mono records
The two cartridges share much of the same MK II mechanical architecture, but their generators are fundamentally different.
The SL MK II is a stereo cartridge with an 8-ohm generator, while the SLM MK II uses Hana's dedicated two-coil mono design with a 23-ohm impedance and substantially higher minimum load requirement.
Compare the Hana S Series MK II Stereo Cartridge at Audio T.
SLM MK II or a Stereo Cartridge With a Mono Switch?
Stereo Cartridge
- Plays stereo and mono records
- Most convenient for mixed collections
- Mono switch can combine channels downstream
- No cartridge changes required
- Ideal when mono listening is occasional
Hana SLM MK II
- Purpose-built for mono records
- Dedicated two-coil mono generator
- Optimised specifically for mono playback
- Best suited to substantial mono collections
- Particularly practical with a second arm or headshell
There is nothing wrong with playing mono vinyl using a good stereo cartridge and mono facility, especially if mono records only represent a small part of your collection.
The SLM MK II makes sense when mono is important enough to justify a cartridge designed specifically for those records.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
Like other moving-coil cartridges, the SLM MK II does not use a removable user-replaceable stylus assembly.
The Shibata stylus, tapered cantilever and mono moving-coil generator form part of an integrated precision assembly.
Do Not Attempt to Remove the Stylus
The stylus assembly is not designed to slide out of the cartridge body.
If the stylus becomes worn or damaged, contact Audio T to discuss the appropriate replacement or service options.
Stylus Care
The nude Shibata diamond deserves careful 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 pressure 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
A Phono Stage Is Essential
Do Not Connect the SLM MK II Directly to AUX or CD
The cartridge produces only 0.4mV and requires substantial phono gain together with RIAA equalisation.
It must therefore be connected to suitable low-output moving-coil phono amplification before reaching a normal amplifier line input.
Using an External MC Phono Stage
The normal signal path is:
Turntable ? MC phono stage ? amplifier line input.
When choosing a phono stage, remember that the SLM MK II requires both sufficient gain and a load impedance of at least 230 ohms.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Hand-Assembled in Japan
Hana cartridges are manufactured in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation, combining specialist hand assembly with laboratory testing and decades of cartridge-manufacturing experience.
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Installing the Hana SLM MK II correctly can involve:
- Checking tonearm compatibility
- Careful physical mounting
- Using appropriate 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 phono-stage gain
- Ensuring loading is at least 230 ohms
Given the Shibata stylus and low-output mono generator, professional fitting is particularly worthwhile if you are not already comfortable carrying out these adjustments accurately.
Who Is the Hana SLM MK II For?
Well Suited To
- Customers with substantial mono record collections
- Regular buyers of mono vinyl releases
- Turntables with a second tonearm
- Tonearms with interchangeable headshells
- Dedicated mono turntable systems
- Systems with a capable low-output MC phono stage
- Customers wanting a nude Shibata stylus
- Quality turntables allowing accurate cartridge setup
Check Before Buying
- Designed specifically for mono records
- 0.4mV low-output moving coil
- 23-ohm internal impedance
- Requires 230-ohm or greater loading
- Requires suitable MC gain
- 8.6g cartridge weight
- 2.0g tracking force
- Shibata stylus rewards accurate alignment
- Stylus is not user-replaceable
Key Features
- Hana SLM MK II
- Dedicated mono cartridge
- Low-output moving coil
- Two-coil mono generator
- Nude Shibata diamond stylus
- Tapered aluminium cantilever
- Reduced effective moving mass
- Alnico magnetic system
- High-purity copper coil wire
- Cryogenically treated yoke
- Cryogenically treated pole pieces
- Cryogenically treated gold terminal pins
- M Series-inspired body
- Soft-feel elastomeric damping
- Brass top cap
- Threaded cartridge mounting
- 0.4mV output
- 23-ohm internal impedance
- 230-ohm or greater loading
- 15Hz–32kHz frequency response
- 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
- 2-year warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hana SLM MK II a mono cartridge?
Yes. It is a dedicated low-output moving-coil cartridge designed specifically for mono record playback.
Is it just a Hana SL MK II wired for mono?
No. Hana specifies a dedicated two-coil mono generator with different electrical characteristics from the stereo SL MK II.
What is the output of the Hana SLM MK II?
0.4mV at 1kHz.
What is the internal impedance?
23 ohms at 1kHz.
What loading does the Hana SLM MK II require?
Hana recommends 230 ohms or greater.
Will a 100-ohm MC input work?
100 ohms is below Hana's specified minimum of 230 ohms, so it is not the recommended load. Check whether your phono stage provides a suitable higher setting.
Does the SLM MK II need an MC phono stage?
Yes. Its 0.4mV output requires suitable low-output moving-coil gain, either from an MC phono stage or another correctly matched solution.
Can I use it with an MM phono stage?
Not directly. A conventional MM input will normally provide insufficient gain. A correctly matched moving-coil step-up transformer can potentially be used ahead of an MM phono stage.
What stylus does the Hana SLM MK II use?
A nude Shibata diamond stylus.
What is the cantilever made from?
Tapered aluminium.
What tracking force should I use?
Hana specifies 2.0g.
What is the trackability?
70µm at the recommended 2.0g tracking force.
What is the frequency response?
15Hz to 32kHz.
What is the output balance?
Less than 1.5dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel separation?
Hana does not publish a conventional stereo channel-separation specification for the SLM MK II because it is a dedicated mono cartridge.
What is the dynamic compliance?
Hana does not currently publish a dynamic-compliance figure for the SLM MK II.
How much does the Hana SLM MK II weigh?
8.6g.
Does it have threaded mounting?
Yes. The mounting screws thread directly into integrated fittings within the cartridge's brass mounting structure.
Can I play stereo records with it?
The SLM MK II is designed specifically for mono playback. Use a suitable stereo cartridge for your stereo records.
Why use a mono cartridge instead of a mono switch?
A mono switch combines channels after a stereo cartridge has already traced the groove. The SLM MK II instead uses a dedicated two-coil generator engineered specifically for mono playback.
Is it useful with an interchangeable headshell?
Yes. Keeping the SLM MK II permanently mounted to its own headshell can make changing between stereo and mono cartridges considerably more convenient.
Does it have a replaceable stylus?
No. Like most moving-coil cartridges, the stylus and cantilever assembly is not intended for user replacement.
Does Hana cryogenically treat the cartridge?
Yes. Hana cryogenically treats critical components including the yoke, pole pieces and gold-plated terminal pins.
Is the SLM MK II the same weight as the stereo S MK II?
Yes. Hana specifies 8.6g for the SLM MK II, SL MK II and SH MK II.
Where is the Hana SLM MK II made?
Hana cartridges are hand-assembled and tested in Japan by Excel Sound.
Can Audio T fit and align the Hana SLM MK II?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss tonearm compatibility, cartridge fitting, Shibata alignment, tracking force and moving-coil phono-stage matching.
Related Hana Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Mono cartridge advice
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- Moving-coil phono-stage matching
- MC gain and loading advice
- Step-up transformer guidance
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- Professional cartridge fitting
- Precision Shibata alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- VTA and azimuth guidance
- Interchangeable headshell setup advice
- 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 SLM MK II is the right cartridge for your mono collection, turntable, tonearm and moving-coil phono stage, or to arrange professional cartridge fitting and alignment.