{"product_id":"hana-sl-mk-ii-phono-cartridge","title":"HANA SL MK II Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe HANA SL MK II is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge that pairs a nude Shibata stylus with a tapered aluminum cantilever and an 8-ohm Alnico-magnet generator carried over from the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-blue-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eUmami Blue\u003c\/a\u003e and ML. Master designer Masao Okada-san built it as the second-generation S Series for buyers who want flagship coil-and-magnet engineering at $850. Output sits at 0.4mV with a recommended load above 80 ohms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of HANA SL MK II Phono Cartridge\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNude Shibata stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e a hyperelliptical line-contact diamond that tracks the high-frequency information most stereo cartridges round off, particularly inner-groove violin overtones and cymbal decay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTapered aluminum cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e stiffer than the straight aluminum tube on the original SL, with reduced effective tip mass for cleaner transient transfer from groove to coil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlnico magnet, cross-coil generator:\u003c\/strong\u003e the same generator architecture used in the Umami Blue and HANA ML, wound with 30-micron high-purity copper at 8-ohm coil impedance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCryogenically treated yoke, pole pieces, and gold terminal pins:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hana cools the critical magnetic and signal-path metal parts to below minus 300F to refine grain structure and lower noise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-resonant body with brass mounting cap:\u003c\/strong\u003e elastomeric resin body shape modeled on the M Series, with threaded brass top so the headshell screws bite into metal, not plastic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.4mV output, 8-ohm impedance, 8.6g weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e compatible with most quality MC phono stages and step-up transformers, and heavy enough to load mid-mass tonearms in the 9 to 13 gram effective-mass range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoft Feel matte black finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e elastomeric resin paint on the body damps body resonance and gives the cartridge a fingerprint-resistant matte surface during installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eTapered Aluminum Cantilever and the Shibata Stylus\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/hana-sl-mk-ii-gallery-three-quarter.jpg?v=1777949126\" alt=\"HANA SL MK II tapered aluminum cantilever and Shibata stylus\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biggest mechanical change from the original SL is the cantilever profile. The straight aluminum tube on the SL has been replaced by a tapered aluminum cantilever that is thicker at the coil end and thinner at the stylus tip. The result is a cantilever with higher rigidity along its length and lower moving mass at the point where the diamond contacts the groove. Lower tip mass lets the stylus accelerate more quickly when the groove modulation changes direction, which is most of what high-frequency tracing comes down to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stylus is a nude Shibata, the same line-contact profile Hana uses on its more expensive S Series. A nude Shibata is a single-piece diamond mounted directly to the cantilever (rather than a tipped diamond bonded to a metal shank), which keeps tip mass low and contact geometry consistent. The Shibata profile sits deeper in the groove than a conical or elliptical, with a longer vertical contact patch that reads more of the recorded modulation per pass and reduces stylus wear at the contact point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAlnico Generator and Cross-Coil Windings\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SL MK II generator is the same one Hana uses in the Umami Blue and the HANA ML. It is built around an Alnico magnet (an aluminum-nickel-cobalt alloy that holds a stable, predictable field over decades) and a cross-coil armature wound with 30-micron-diameter high-purity copper wire. Coil impedance is 8 ohms, output is 0.4mV at 1kHz, and channel separation measures 28dB. The 8-ohm coil impedance is roughly a quarter of the original SL's, which makes the cartridge easier to load (Hana recommends greater than 80 ohms) and broadens compatibility with more phono preamps and step-up transformers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eCryogenic Treatment of Critical Parts\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe yoke, pole pieces, and gold-plated terminal pins are cryogenically treated. Cryogenic treatment is a slow controlled cool-down to roughly minus 300F followed by a slow return to room temperature. The process refines grain boundaries in the metal, reduces internal stresses left over from machining, and (in audio applications) is associated with lower noise floor and better signal coherence. Hana applies it to the parts of the SL MK II that carry magnetic flux and the signal itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eNon-Resonant Body and Brass Mounting Cap\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/hana-sl-mk-ii-side-profile.jpg?v=1777949142\" alt=\"HANA SL MK II side profile showing brass mounting cap and elastomeric body\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SL MK II body is a redesigned shape based on the M Series, finished in a matte \"Soft Feel\" elastomeric resin paint. The elastomer damps body-borne resonance, and the new shape is heavier than the original SL at 8.6 grams (up from 5 grams). Heavier cartridges couple more positively to mid-mass tonearms and tend to give more bass authority and dynamic snap. The top plate is a brass cap with built-in threaded mounting holes, so the headshell bolts thread into metal rather than into plastic body inserts. Installation is faster and the mechanical coupling between cartridge and headshell is more consistent over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eTonearm and Phono Stage Matching\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEffective compliance is 10 x 10-6 cm\/dyne at 100Hz, recommended tracking force is 2.0 grams, and cartridge weight is 8.6 grams. That puts the SL MK II in mid-mass tonearm territory. We pair it most often with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rega-rb330-tonearm\"\u003eRega RB330\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rega-rb880-tonearm\"\u003eRega RB880\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/michell-t8-tonearm\"\u003eMichell T8\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oracle-audio-paris-tonearm\"\u003eOracle Paris\u003c\/a\u003e. Buyers stepping up usually move to the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rega-rb3000-tonearm\"\u003eRega RB3000\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/michell-tecnoarm-2-tonearm\"\u003eMichell TecnoArm 2\u003c\/a\u003e. On the phono-stage side, the 0.4mV output and 8-ohm coil impedance want a moving-coil input with at least 60dB of gain or an MM stage paired with a step-up transformer (1:10 to 1:20 turns ratio). At this cartridge price, our most common pairings are the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cambridge-audio-alva-duo-mm-mc-phono-preamp\"\u003eCambridge Audio Alva Duo\u003c\/a\u003e at $399, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/primare-r15-mm-mc-phono-preamplifier\"\u003ePrimare R15 MM\/MC\u003c\/a\u003e at $1,399, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-huei\"\u003eChord Electronics Huei\u003c\/a\u003e at $1,810. Recommended load on the cartridge side is greater than 80 ohms; 100 ohms and 470 ohms are both common starting points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the HANA Cartridge Lineup\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompanions in the S Series MK II line, the E series tier below, and the next step up:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-el-mk-ii-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eHANA EL MK II\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: the E series tier below, coming soon. Synthetic elliptical stylus instead of the nude Shibata, on the same 0.4mV 8-ohm low-output generator, so it takes the same MC phono stage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-sh-mk-ii-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eHANA SH MK II\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: high-output (2.0mV) version of the same cartridge for MM phono inputs and step-up transformers you would rather skip.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-sl-mono-mk-ii-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eHANA SL Mono MK II\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: dedicated mono cartridge for original mono pressings, with a single coil and no vertical compliance noise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-ml-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eHANA ML\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: the one-step upgrade, with a Microline stylus and Delrin body for tighter resonance damping and longer stylus life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eHANA SL MK II Phono Cartridge Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eType\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eMoving Coil (Low Output)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStylus\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eNude Shibata\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCantilever\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eTapered Aluminum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMagnet\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eAlnico\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoil Wire\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eHigh Purity Copper (30 micron)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Level\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e0.4mV \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Balance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e\u0026lt; 1.5dB \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVertical Tracking Force\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrackability\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e70 µm \/ 2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDynamic Compliance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e10 x 10-6 cm\/dyne\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e28dB \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e15 - 32,000Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eImpedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e8Ω \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSuggested Load Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e\u0026gt; 80Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCartridge Weight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e8.6g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBody Color\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eBlack (Soft Feel Elastomeric Paint)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWarranty\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e2 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"HANA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67848687092081,"sku":"HANASLMKII","price":518.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0923\/5215\/1921\/files\/HanaSLMKIImain.jpg?v=1792518993","url":"https:\/\/sliyden.store\/products\/hana-sl-mk-ii-phono-cartridge","provider":"sliyden.store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}