92%
Hana Hana SL MK II
The MK II upgrade to our globally best-selling Hana S series cartridges enhances their musical performance and value. Master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san implements a new tapered Aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity, resulting in a remarkable improvement in transferring groove modulation from the vinyl record to the cartridge generator. The S Series MK II cartridges feature higher specified parts, advanced materials, and unique technical processes from Hana’s higher-priced elite cartridge models, furthering the Hana “brilliant and gorgeous” sound.
Hana S Series MK II cartridges use a new tapered aluminum cantilever with higher rigidity and effective mass reduction at the stylus tip. This results in greater clarity and increased music transfer from vinyl records to cartridge generator.
Critical parts, including the Yoke, Pole-pieces, and gold Terminal pins, have been cryogenically treated for a more natural sound.
The improved, non-resonant body shape, modeled after the Hana M Series, is damped with a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin paint and features a brass cap with threaded cartridge mounting fittings. The heavier MK II cartridges offer better coupling and expanded compatibility with a wider range of tonearms, improving bass and dynamics.
The SL MK II generator, as found in the Umami Blue and ML, incorporates an Alnico magnet and cross-coil using high-purity 30-micron copper wire with an 8Ω impedance. This improves signal-to-noise, reduces moving mass for higher resolution and trackability, and optimizes performance for a broader range of phono stages.
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Hana SL MK II
The Hana SL MK II pairs a nude Shibata stylus with a stiffer, tapered aluminium cantilever to deliver textured, emotionally engaging playback with a noticeably expanded soundstage and livelier dynamics. Tonally it sits slightly warm and natural in the midrange, with punchy, well-defined bass and refined treble that reveals microdynamics and instrument texture. Reviewers highlight excellent imaging, improved information retrieval and a very quiet groove, making vocals and acoustic timbres particularly compelling. Mechanical upgrades — cryo-treated generator parts, elastomeric body finish and a brass top plate — raise build quality and tonearm compatibility (8.6 g). Recommended for listeners who prioritize musicality and tactile detail in a medium- to high-end analog system, the SL MK II is widely regarded as a meaningful upgrade at its $850 price point by Ken Redmond and praised for its musical texture by Rafe Arnott.
Pros
- Significantly larger soundstage with improved imaging and instrument separation versus the original SL, enhancing spatial realism.
- Excellent dynamics and detail retrieval — lively macro/micro dynamics and strong midrange texture that bring vocals and acoustic instruments to life.
- Robust mechanical upgrades (tapered aluminum cantilever, cryo-treated generator parts, brass top plate, elastomeric finish) improve rigidity, mounting and tonearm compatibility.
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Cons
- Not the ultimate in top-end openness or extreme low-frequency probing compared with some higher-end rivals.
- Low output (0.4 mV) means some systems will need generous MC gain or a step-up transformer for optimal performance.
- Stylus guard design remains fiddly compared to Hana's Umami series, making handling less convenient.
Tracking and Retrieval
91/100
Nude Shibata stylus and 70 µm/2g trackability spec underpin strong groove retrieval; reviewer reports the MK II 'came to life' during complex passages and revealed more sax and Hammond organ detail. No mistracking reported; reviewer settled on 1.95 g tracking force for best performance.
Sound Quality
91/100
Reviewer repeatedly notes a larger soundstage and better instrument separation versus the MK I; spec'd channel separation (28 dB/1 kHz) and comments about improved separation and imaging justify a very strong spatial score.
Build Quality
92/100
Significant mechanical upgrades: tapered aluminum cantilever replacing straight alum, nude diamond Shibata stylus, cryo-treated generator parts, elastomeric-painted body and added brass top plate with threaded mounting—evidence of careful engineering and higher-end assembly.
Tonearm Compatibility
88/100
Heavier 8.6 g mass (brass top plate) increases compatibility and coupling to headshells compared with the 5 g MK I; dynamic compliance 10 x10^-6 cm/dyne is moderate, but low 0.4 mV output means users need appropriate MC phono-stage gain or a step-up transformer for best results.
Value for Money
96/100
Reviewer calls the $100 price increase 'a bargain' and describes the MK II as providing 'exceptional musical value' for both upgraders and first-time buyers at the $850 price—language that supports a strong-value rating in the high 90s.
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