Hana
Hana SH MK II
Best moving coil cartridge for vinyl enthusiasts seeking refined, detailed playback.
Experience enhanced musicality with the Hana SH MK II phono cartridge, an evolution of the acclaimed S series. Master designer Masao Okada-san has integrated a new tapered Aluminum cantilever, significantly improving groove modulation transfer for a more accurate vinyl playback. This cartridge benefits from advanced materials and higher-specification parts found in Hana's elite models, delivering the brand's signature "brilliant and gorgeous" sound. Critical internal components undergo cryogenic treatment for a more natural sonic presentation, while the refined body design ensures excellent tonearm coupling and compatibility.
$850.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
57
/ 1649
#57 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-33%
Below average
Stylus
Nude Shibata
/ Nude Shibata
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious listeners wanting high-end performance at a fair price
- Vinyl listeners using standard moving magnet phono stages
- Audiophiles seeking high-frequency detail and superior tracking
Who should skip it
- System owners utilizing dedicated low-output moving coil circuitry
- Purists prioritizing rigid metal housing for resonance control
- Novice users intimidated by complex cartridge alignment processes
Performance breakdown
Tracking Precision
The Shibata stylus navigates complex groove modulations with exceptional accuracy.
Sonic Transparency
Cryogenic treatment reveals a natural, open soundstage with impressive clarity.
Dynamic Range
Delivers a punchy, expressive performance that brings recordings to life.
Build Integrity
The non-resonant body design ensures a stable, vibration-free playback experience.
System Compatibility
Standard mounting and refined coupling make integration into most tonearms seamless.
High-Frequency Detail
Tapered aluminum cantilever captures delicate textures with brilliant, gorgeous precision.
Key Specs
Stylus
Nude Shibata
Cantilever
Tapered Aluminum
Output Level
2.0mV / 1kHz
Output Balance
< 1.5dB / 1kHz
Vertical Tracking Force
2g
Trackability
70 µm / 2g
Channel Separation
28dB / 1kHz
Frequency Response
15 - 32,000Hz
Features
- Shibata stylus for detailed tracking
- Rigid tapered Aluminum cantilever
- Cryogenically treated internal components
- Improved non-resonant body design
- Enhanced clarity and dynamic range
- Superior groove modulation transfer
- Excellent tonearm coupling
- Moving Coil (MC) design
What customers say
The Hana SH MK II cartridge is widely celebrated for delivering exceptional value in the mid to high tier. Owners consistently praise its sophisticated sonic presentation, noting superb detail retrieval and robust dynamics with a neutral yet engaging tonal balance. The Shibata stylus excels at tracking, pulling nuanced information from inner grooves for an airy, extended high frequency without harshness. A key advantage is the High Output designation, allowing users with standard Moving Magnet stages to easily access true Moving Coil quality, simplifying setup and lowering costs. While ultra expensive models may offer slight refinement, the consensus is that the Hana SH MK II provides substantial performance for the price, making it a highly recommended upgrade for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking maximum sonic return.
Know before you buy
The MK II features a new tapered aluminum cantilever and cryogenically treated internal components. These upgrades improve groove modulation transfer and provide a more natural, refined sonic presentation compared to the original.
The Hana SH MK II is a high-output moving coil (MC) cartridge with a 2.0mV output. It is designed to be compatible with standard moving magnet (MM) phono inputs, which typically require a 47kΩ load.
The nude Shibata stylus is shaped to reach deeper into the record groove than standard elliptical styli. This results in superior high-frequency detail, better tracking of complex passages, and reduced surface noise.
The Hana SH MK II is designed to perform optimally at a vertical tracking force of 2 grams. We recommend using a high-quality stylus force gauge to ensure you hit this target precisely for the best sound and record longevity.
The cartridge features a standard half-inch mount, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern tonearms. Its refined body design is specifically engineered to ensure excellent coupling and stability across various arm types.
Cryogenic treatment is a process that stabilizes the internal materials at a molecular level. In this cartridge, it helps reduce internal stress, resulting in a more natural, transparent, and coherent sound.
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