Low-output moving coil cartridge.
The MK II upgrade to Hana's globally best-selling S series cartridges enhances their musical performance and value. Master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san introduced a new tapered aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity, achieving a significant improvement in transferring groove modulations from the vinyl record to the cartridge generator. The S Series MK II cartridges feature higher-quality components, advanced materials, and exclusive technical processes derived from Hana's high-end models, further enriching the brand's signature "brilliant and gorgeous" sound.
The S Series MK II cartridges employ a new tapered aluminum cantilever that provides greater rigidity and reduced effective mass at the stylus tip. This results in enhanced clarity and a more effective transfer of music from the vinyl record to the cartridge generator.
Critical components, such as the yoke, pole pieces, and gold terminal pins, have undergone cryogenic treatment for a more natural sound.
The improved, non-resonant body shape, inspired by Hana's M Series, is coated with matte Soft Feel black elastomeric resin paint and features a brass cap with threaded mounting fittings. The heavier MK II cartridges ensure better coupling and expanded compatibility with a wider range of tonearms, improving bass performance and dynamics.
The SL MK II generator, also found in the Umami Blue and ML models, includes an Alnico magnet and a cross-coil made with high-purity 30-micron copper wire, offering 8 Ohm impedance. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio, reduces moving mass for greater resolution and tracking ability, and optimizes performance across a broader range of phono stages.
Technical specifications:
- Stylus: Shibata
- Cantilever: Tapered aluminum
- Output Level: 0.4 mV/1 kHz
- Output Balance: <1.5 dB/1 kHz
- Vertical Tracking Force: 2 g
- Trackability: 70 µm/2 g
- Channel Separation: 28 dB/1 kHz
- Frequency Response: 15-32,000 Hz
- Impedance: 8 Ohm/1 kHz
- Recommended Load Impedance: >80 Ohm
- Cartridge Weight: 8.6 g
- Body Color: Black