Hana SH Mk II Cartridge at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY USA

The Hana SH Mk II is a high-output moving coil phono cartridge from Hana (Excel Sound Corporation, Saitama, Japan), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Designed by master cartridge engineer Masao Okada-san, the SH Mk II features a nude Shibata diamond stylus on a new tapered aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity, and delivers a 2 mV high output compatible with any standard moving magnet phono stage — with a frequency response of 15–32,000 Hz. An upgraded evolution of Hana's globally best-selling S Series, the SH Mk II brings advanced S Series engineering to MM-stage owners without compromise.

Shibata Stylus and Mk II Tapered Cantilever

The SH Mk II's nude Shibata diamond stylus is one of the most sophisticated stylus profiles in production — a narrow-contact geometry originally developed for quadraphonic playback, now recognized as a premier choice for audiophile LP playback. Its tall, narrow contact patch engages a greater area of the groove wall than a standard elliptical or line-contact, retrieving fine high-frequency detail and inner-groove modulations with significantly lower distortion. The new tapered aluminum cantilever has higher rigidity and reduced effective mass at the stylus tip versus the original SH, improving the mechanical transfer of groove information to the generator with greater precision and transient clarity.

High Output for MM Phono Stages and Mk II Body Design

At 2 mV output and 47k-ohm suggested load, the SH Mk II plugs directly into any standard MM phono input — the built-in stage of an integrated amplifier, a standalone MM phono preamp, or any AV receiver. This eliminates the need for a step-up transformer or high-gain MC phono stage, making Shibata-stylus performance accessible to a much wider range of analog systems. The updated non-resonant body is modeled after the Hana M Series and damped with a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin, with an integral brass cap providing constrained-mode damping. Threaded metal mounting fittings built into the body ensure secure headshell attachment and improved mechanical coupling for better bass and dynamics. Critical internal components are cryogenically treated for a more natural, open sound.

Key Features

• Nude Shibata Diamond Stylus: Premium high-geometry stylus for exceptional groove tracing accuracy, extended frequency response to 32,000 Hz, and low distortion at inner-groove tracks.
• New Tapered Aluminum Cantilever: Increased rigidity and reduced effective mass at the stylus tip for improved groove modulation transfer and enhanced transient clarity.
• High-Output MC at 2 mV: True moving coil generator with MM-compatible output — works directly with any standard 47k-ohm MM phono stage.
• Cryogenic Treatment: Yoke, pole pieces, and gold terminal pins cold-annealed for a more natural, controlled magnetic field.
• Non-Resonant M Series-Inspired Body: Matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin-damped housing with brass cap and threaded mounting fittings for stable headshell coupling.
• Expanded Tonearm Compatibility: Heavier Mk II body weight for improved mechanical coupling with a broader range of tonearms.
• 2-Year Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty included.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hana SH Mk II?

The Hana SH Mk II is a high-output moving coil phono cartridge made in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation, featuring a nude Shibata diamond stylus, tapered aluminum cantilever, and a 2 mV output compatible with standard MM phono stages. It is an upgraded version of the globally best-selling Hana S Series cartridge.

How does the Hana SH Mk II compare to the Hana SL Mk II?

The SH Mk II and SL Mk II share the same Shibata stylus, tapered aluminum cantilever, and Mk II body design. The critical difference is output level and generator design: the SL Mk II produces 0.4 mV with an 8-ohm Alnico cross-coil generator (shared with the Umami Blue and ML) requiring a dedicated MC phono stage; the SH Mk II produces 2 mV with a 130-ohm generator for direct MM phono stage compatibility. Audiophiles with a high-quality MC stage will typically prefer the SL Mk II, while those using MM stages can access Shibata-stylus performance via the SH Mk II.

How does the Hana SH Mk II compare to the Ortofon 2M Black?

The Ortofon 2M Black is a moving magnet cartridge with a nude Shibata stylus, while the Hana SH Mk II is a high-output moving coil with a nude Shibata stylus — both targeting MM-stage owners who want the finest stylus profile available. The fundamental difference is generator technology: a moving coil cartridge has a lighter, faster-responding coil assembly that typically offers greater dynamic nuance and low-level detail retrieval than a moving magnet at comparable output levels. The SH Mk II's cryogenically treated generator components and M Series-derived body damping also provide a performance foundation that the 2M Black's design does not include.

What is a Shibata stylus?

The Shibata stylus is a precision-engineered diamond profile featuring a very narrow, tall contact patch that engages the groove wall more deeply than an elliptical or standard line-contact stylus. Originally designed for quadraphonic LP playback in the 1970s, it is now used in high-performance cartridges for its ability to trace fine groove modulations with extremely low distortion, particularly at high frequencies and on inner groove tracks where other stylus profiles begin to compress and distort.

Does the Hana SH Mk II require a moving coil phono stage?

No. Despite being a true moving coil cartridge, the SH Mk II's 2 mV output and 47k-ohm suggested load impedance make it directly compatible with any standard MM phono stage. No step-up transformer or high-gain MC phono stage is required, making it ideal for analog enthusiasts who want Shibata-stylus performance within an MM-compatible system.

What tonearms work well with the Hana SH Mk II?

At 8.6g and 2g VTF, the Hana SH Mk II pairs well with medium-mass tonearms typically ranging from 8 to 18 grams of effective mass. It is compatible with arms such as the Rega RB330, Pro-Ject 8.6 CC, and similar medium-mass designs, and its threaded metal mounting fittings provide a secure and repeatable headshell connection.

Where can I buy the Hana SH Mk II in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Hana SH Mk II is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorised Hana dealer with expert staff to help you match the cartridge to your turntable, tonearm, and phono stage. Shop in store or at vinylsound.com.