Hana
Hana SL MONO MK II Moving Coil Cartridge
Best moving coil cartridge for dedicated mono vinyl enthusiasts.
The Hana SL MONO MK II is an upgraded moving coil phono cartridge specifically designed for an optimal sonic experience with mono LPs. It features a new tapered aluminum cantilever for increased rigidity and reduced mass, a nude diamond Shibata stylus, and alnico magnets for a low-impedance generator. Critical components undergo cryogenic treatment for a more natural sound. The improved body shape, inspired by Hana's M series, is damped with a soft-feel black elastomeric resin paint and includes a brass cap with threaded mounting. This cartridge offers enhanced clarity, musicality, and compatibility with a wider range of tonearms, delivering exceptional detail and a rich, natural sound.
$850.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1649
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-33%
Below average
Output voltage
0.41
/ mV / kHz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking authentic, noise-free playback from vintage mono records
- Vinyl collectors prioritizing record longevity and high-fidelity detail retrieval
- Listeners wanting deep, textured sound from their mono vinyl library
Who should skip it
- Users needing a single, versatile cartridge for all record types
- Owners of basic systems lacking high-gain phono preamplification
- Budget-conscious listeners preferring low-maintenance, affordable equipment
Performance breakdown
Mono Signal Integrity
Dedicated mono architecture ensures superior channel focus and reduced surface noise.
Stylus Tracking Precision
Nude Shibata profile extracts intricate detail from deep within the groove.
Build Resonance Control
Brass cap and elastomeric damping effectively eliminate unwanted mechanical vibrations.
Tonearm Compatibility
Versatile design pairs seamlessly with a wide range of modern tonearms.
Frequency Extension
Broad 15-32,000 Hz response captures the full nuance of vintage recordings.
Sonic Naturalness
Cryogenic treatment results in an exceptionally organic and fatigue-free listening experience.
Key Specs
Output voltage
0.4mV / 1kHz
Output Balance
<1.5dB/1 KHz
Vertical tracking force
2 grams
Trackability
70um / 2 grams
Dynamic compliance
10 x 10 (-6) cm / dyne
Frequency response
15-32,000 Hz
Impedance
23 ohms
Suggested loading
>230Ω
Features
- Award-winning performance recognized by Stereophile and The Absolute Sound
- Specially designed for optimal reproduction of mono LPs
- Features a new tapered aluminum cantilever for enhanced rigidity
- Nude Diamond Shibata stylus for superior tracking and detail retrieval
- Alnico magnets and cross-coil generator for improved signal-to-noise ratio
- Cryogenic treatment applied to critical components for a more natural sound
- Improved, non-resonant body shape with a damped finish and brass cap
- Offers enhanced clarity, musical naturalness, and wider tonearm compatibility
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Hana SL MONO MK II Moving Coil Cartridge for its exceptional sound quality, particularly its ability to extract nuanced detail and deliver a rich, engaging mono presentation. Many reviewers highlight its remarkable value, noting that it performs at a level often associated with significantly more expensive cartridges. The cartridge is celebrated for its precise tracking and robust build, contributing to a highly satisfying listening experience that elevates mono record playback. This combination of superior audio performance and accessible pricing makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is designed to be compatible with a wide range of tonearms. Its 8.6-gram weight and standard mounting make it a versatile choice for most high-quality turntable setups.
The nude diamond Shibata stylus provides superior tracking and detail retrieval compared to standard profiles. This allows it to extract more information from the grooves of your mono LPs, resulting in greater clarity and a more natural sound.
Yes, because this is a low-output moving coil cartridge with a 0.4mV output, you will need a phono stage that supports moving coil (MC) inputs. It is recommended to use a loading setting greater than 230 ohms for optimal performance.
The cryogenic treatment is applied to critical internal components to relieve mechanical stress in the materials. This process helps the cartridge deliver a more natural, relaxed, and coherent sound signature.
The suggested vertical tracking force for this cartridge is 2 grams. Adhering to this setting ensures the best balance between tracking accuracy and record longevity.
The MK II features a new tapered aluminum cantilever for increased rigidity and reduced mass, along with an improved body shape inspired by the Hana M series. These updates contribute to better resonance control and enhanced musicality.
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