Hana SL MK II Moving Coil Phono Cartridge
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Hana SL MK II Moving Coil Phono Cartridge
The Hana SL MK II represents a significant upgrade to the globally best-selling Hana SL cartridge, delivering enhanced musical performance and exceptional value. Master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san has implemented a new tapered aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity, resulting in remarkable improvements in transferring groove modulation from vinyl records to the cartridge generator. The SL MK II features higher-grade components, advanced materials, and unique technical processes from Hana's elite cartridge models, furthering the signature Hana "brilliant and gorgeous" sound.
Key Features
- Low-Output Moving Coil Design - 0.5mV output for exceptional detail and dynamics
- Tapered Aluminum Cantilever - MK II upgrade with increased rigidity for superior tracking
- Nude Shibata Stylus - Advanced profile for maximum groove contact and detail retrieval
- High-Purity Copper Coils - Optimized winding for exceptional signal clarity
- Samarium Cobalt Magnets - Powerful rare-earth magnets for dynamic response
- Duralumin Body - Precision-machined for optimal resonance control
- Extended Frequency Response - 10Hz to 50,000Hz for full-spectrum reproduction
- Hand-Assembled in Japan - Crafted by Excel Sound's master technicians
Technical Specifications
| Cartridge Type | Low-Output Moving Coil (MC) |
| Stylus Type | Nude Shibata (Precision-Cut Diamond) |
| Cantilever Material | Tapered Aluminum (MK II Upgrade) |
| Magnet Type | Samarium Cobalt (Rare-Earth) |
| Coil Wire | High-Purity Copper |
| Output Voltage | 0.5 mV @ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec |
| Channel Balance | ≤ 1.0 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Channel Separation | ≥ 27 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz - 50,000 Hz |
| Tracking Force | 2.0 grams (1.8 - 2.2 g range) |
| Compliance | 12 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne @ 100 Hz |
| Internal Impedance | 30 Ω @ 1 kHz |
| Recommended Load | ≥ 400 Ω / 100 pF or more |
| Cartridge Weight | 5.0 grams |
| Body Material | Duralumin (Precision-Machined) |
| Manufacturing | Hand-Assembled in Japan by Excel Sound |
| Manufacturer | HANA (Excel Sound Corporation) |
MK II Improvements
The MK II upgrade brings significant enhancements over the original SL model. The new tapered aluminum cantilever offers increased rigidity and improved energy transfer, resulting in better transient response, enhanced detail retrieval, and more accurate tracking. Higher-grade internal components and advanced manufacturing techniques borrowed from Hana's flagship models ensure the SL MK II delivers exceptional performance at its price point.
System Requirements
- High-quality MC phono preamplifier or step-up transformer required (0.5mV output)
- Precision tonearm with adjustable VTF and azimuth
- Load impedance: ≥400Ω (typically 400-47kΩ)
- Compatible with medium-mass tonearms
Caring for your Speakers and Amplifiers
To Keep your equipment safe these are some best practices to note. Please be advised that this is only to reduce the risk of misuse and is not an exhaustive list.
Speakers
- Speaker terminals are marked red and black, ensure your amplifier to the speakers are wired on the same colours
- Ensure no loose speaker wire from the red touches a loose wire from the black as this will lead to a short circuit and damage either the speaker, the amplifier or both.
- Not all speakers are designed to play at max volume, kindly consider the pairing of your amplifier and speakers
- Speaker cabinets cannot be replaced please handle with care.
AV & Stereo Amplifiers
- If your amplifier has HDMI ports, ensure all devices are off before plugging in the HDMI cable
- Turn off the amplifier before swoping out or adding speaker cable
- Amplifiers generate heat, place them in a well ventilated space. if possible avoid having anything on top of the unit.
- adding a surge protector can assist with power dips which are likely to damage your devices. Isotek and Furman are industry standard.
- Dusty environments can sometimes lead to accumulation of dust in the electronic components that might affect heat regulation
Shipping & Returns
- Free shipping on orders over R500 within the country.
- Standard delivery within 2–5 business days. Delays will be communicated. This might vary slightly depending on your location.
- Return items in original condition for a full refund. (unopened state)
- Returns that are open/unboxed will be subject to a handling fee. Refunds will only be processed after testing the unit.