Editor’s Note
This article examines the updated S Series MK II from Japanese cartridge specialist Hana, detailing the incremental refinements across its three-model lineup.
The young Japanese brand Hana, specializing in phono cartridges and distributed in France since 2022, focuses on moving coil architectures, with a positioning in almost all price ranges (with an entry price of 450 euros nonetheless). Its new S Series MK II range constitutes an evolution of the first S Series, its classic “mid-range” offering. No revolution, but some more or less significant improvements.
As with the first S series, Hana presents not one but three phono cartridges, built on the same general architecture but distinguishing themselves quite clearly from each other. The SL MK II is a low-output model (0.4 mV), while the SH MK II is a cartridge with high output (2 mV). As for the SL Mono MK II, as its name indicates, it is a mono variant of the SL MK II.
The three cartridges are based on a matte black ABS chassis. They stand out through the integration of Alnico magnets, the use of 4N copper coils, a pure iron gap, and a nude diamond of the Shibata type (diamond shape).
Hana evolves this base, inherited from the first S series, on four points. Firstly, the use of an elastomer overlay on the ABS body, to best dampen vibrations. In the same vein, Hana now places a brass baseplate (dyed black) at the top of the cartridge. According to the manufacturer, this offers superior resonance control for better unity between the tonearm and the cartridge. Thanks to this addition, the weight of the S Series MK II increases to 8.6 g, compared to only 5 g previously.
Third change: the aluminum cantilever is reworked and now features a conical shape, to be more rigid and reduce weight at the diamond level. In theory, this should have an impact on playback efficiency.
Finally, and this point is by far the most debatable, the gap, the motor, as well as the connectors, are treated by cryogenics. According to some audiophiles, this process could improve electrical and magnetic transmission, although no proof has ever been provided.
The Hana SL MK II, SH MK II, and SL Mono MK II cartridges will all be sold at the same price of 760 euros. A price that is certainly high-end, but for cartridges that are no less so.
Type: Moving coil phono cartridge
ABS body coated with elastomer resin
Brass baseplate
Conical aluminum cantilever
Nude Shibata diamond
Alnico magnet
Pure iron gap
4N copper coils
Gold-plated copper terminal pins
Frequency response (no measurement precision specified): 15 Hz – 32 kHz
Channel balance <1.5 dB (measured at 1 kHz)
Channel separation (1 kHz): 28 dB
Recommended tracking force: 2 g
Cartridge weight: 8.5 g
Coil impedance: 8 ohms for SL MK II, 130 ohms for SH MK II, 23 ohms for SL Mono MK II
Output level: 0.4 mV for SL MK II, 2 mV for SH MK II, 0.4 mV for SL Mono MK II
Price: 760 euros
