Hana SL MKII

The Hana SL MKII represents the culmination of over five decades of Japanese expertise in phono cartridge design. This low-output moving coil cartridge combines traditional materials with modern techniques to deliver music reproduction of remarkable finesse. Featuring a new conical aluminum cantilever, cryogenically treated components, and the same generator as the brand’s high-end models, it sets new standards in its price category.

Technical Innovations of the MKII

The SL MKII incorporates technologies derived from the Umami Blue and ML models. The major change lies in the new conical aluminum cantilever, which offers increased rigidity and reduced mass at the diamond tip. This geometry substantially improves the transfer of groove modulations.

The cryogenic treatment of critical components—yoke, pole pieces, and gold-plated pins—alters the crystalline structure of the metals for more natural reproduction. This technique, inherited from the high-end models, contributes to the transparency and musicality characteristic of the MKII.

Technical Architecture and Construction

The generator uses an Alnico magnet and cross-wound coils made of 30-micron high-purity copper wire. With only 8 ohms of impedance, this configuration minimizes moving mass while optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio.

The body adopts the non-resonant shape of the M series, with a black elastomer damping coating. The threaded brass top plate brings the total mass to 8.6 grams, improving mechanical coupling and broadening compatibility with different tonearms.

Sound Performance and Listening Characteristics

The SL MKII stands out for its presentation that is both dynamic and refined. The nude Shibata diamond extracts a remarkable amount of information while preserving records. The sound signature combines fundamental neutrality with a slight warmth in the midrange, giving vocals a palpable presence.

The bass is articulated without heaviness, and the treble extends naturally up to 32 kHz without harshness. The soundstage impresses with its width and depth, offering exemplary instrument separation. The improvements to the cantilever result in increased dynamics and better-defined transients.

Compatibility and Implementation

With 2 grams of tracking force and a compliance of 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne, the SL MKII is well-suited to medium-mass tonearms. Its output level of 0.4 mV requires an MC preamplifier offering 60–65 dB of gain and a load of at least 80 ohms.

The tracking ability of 70 μm ensures flawless playback of demanding passages. Channel balance below 1.5 dB and separation of 28 dB guarantee a stable stereo image. Break-in requires 20 to 40 hours to reveal the cartridge’s full sonic potential.

Technical Specifications

Physical Construction

• Phono cartridge type: low-output moving coil
• Stylus: Nude Shibata
• Cantilever: conical aluminum

Electrical Characteristics

• Output level: 0.4 mV / 1 kHz
• Coil impedance: 8 Ω / 1 kHz
• Recommended load impedance: 80 – 100 Ω

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 15 – 32,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 28 dB / 1 kHz
• Channel balance: > 1.5 dB / 1 kHz

Mechanical Parameters

• Recommended tracking force: 2 g
• Tracking ability: 70 µm / 2 g
• Compliance at 100 Hz: 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm / dyne

General Information

• Weight: 8.6 g