Hana SL Mk II Cartridge at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY USA

The Hana SL Mk II is a low-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, this globally best-selling S Series upgrade features a nude Shibata diamond stylus on a new tapered aluminum cantilever, an Alnico magnet generator shared with the Umami Blue and ML, and high-purity 30-micron copper wire wound to 8 ohms, producing a 0.4 mV low output with a frequency response of 15–32,000 Hz. The Absolute Sound awarded the Hana SL its Editors' Choice Award for 2024, and The Absolute Sound Golden Ear Award in 2025; Hi-Fi Pig awarded the SL Mk II its top Five Hearts rating.

The Mk II Tapered Cantilever and Upgraded Generator

The defining Mk II upgrade to the S Series is a new tapered aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity and reduced effective mass at the stylus tip. This tapered geometry improves the mechanical transfer of groove modulation from vinyl to generator with greater clarity and precision than the original untapered cantilever. The SL Mk II generator adopts the Alnico magnet and cross-coil design found in Hana's higher-tier Umami Blue and ML cartridges, replacing the generator of the original SL. High-purity 30-micron copper wire is wound to 8 ohms, improving signal-to-noise ratio, reducing moving mass, and optimizing compatibility with a broader range of phono stages. Critical components including the yoke, pole pieces, and gold terminal pins receive cryogenic treatment for a more natural, open sound.

Non-Resonant Body, Brass Cap, and M Series-Inspired Design

The SL Mk II body is modeled after the Hana M Series, injection-molded from a non-resonant polymer and finished in a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin paint that damps surface resonances. An integral machined brass cap provides constrained-mode layer damping, and the cartridge's increased weight relative to the original SL improves mechanical coupling to the tonearm headshell for better bass performance and dynamics. Metal threaded mounting fittings built into the body ensure reliable and repeatable installation.

Key Features

• Nude Shibata Diamond Stylus: High-geometry stylus profile for superior groove tracing accuracy, extended high-frequency response, and low distortion across the full audio band.
• New Tapered Aluminum Cantilever: Higher rigidity and reduced effective mass at the stylus tip for improved groove modulation transfer and enhanced clarity versus the original SL.
• Alnico Magnet Generator (Umami Blue / ML Shared Design): Upgraded cross-coil generator using the same Alnico magnet as Hana's higher-tier models for improved signal-to-noise, resolution, and tonal naturalness.
• High-Purity 30-Micron Copper Coils: 8-ohm coil wound with very fine, high-purity copper wire for reduced moving mass and optimized phono stage compatibility.
• Cryogenic Treatment: Yoke, pole pieces, and gold terminal pins cold-annealed for a more controlled, natural magnetic field and superior sonic character.
• Non-Resonant M Series-Inspired Body: Matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin-damped body with brass cap, threaded fittings, and improved mass for better tonearm coupling.
• 2-Year Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty included.

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• The Absolute Sound, Editors' Choice Award, 2024 (Hana SL)
• The Absolute Sound, Golden Ear Award, 2025 (Hana SL Mk II)
• Hi-Fi Pig, Five Hearts (Top Rating), 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hana SL Mk II?

The Hana SL Mk II is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge made in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation, featuring a nude Shibata diamond stylus, tapered aluminum cantilever, and an Alnico cross-coil generator shared with the Umami Blue and ML. It outputs 0.4 mV with a frequency response of 15 to 32,000 Hz and requires a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer.

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

The Mk II introduces three key upgrades over the original SL: a tapered aluminum cantilever with higher rigidity and lower effective mass at the stylus tip; an upgraded Alnico cross-coil generator shared with the Umami Blue and ML; and a heavier, M Series-inspired non-resonant body with brass cap and threaded fittings. These changes collectively improve clarity, tonearm coupling, signal-to-noise ratio, and phono stage compatibility.

How does the Hana SL Mk II compare to the Sumiko Starling?

The Sumiko Starling is a respected low-output MC using a line-contact stylus on a boron cantilever at a similar price tier. The Hana SL Mk II responds with a Shibata stylus — a more sophisticated profile than a standard line-contact — and a tapered aluminum cantilever. The Shibata's taller and narrower contact patch retrieves finer groove detail and distortion-related harmonics with greater accuracy, particularly on inner groove tracks. The SL Mk II's Alnico generator also shares design DNA with the higher-tier Umami Blue, giving it a performance pedigree above its price point.

What is a Shibata stylus and why is it preferred for vinyl playback?

The Shibata stylus is a specialized diamond profile developed for ultra-high-frequency groove tracing. Its narrow, tall contact patch engages a greater length of the groove wall than an elliptical or standard line-contact, enabling retrieval of high-frequency modulations with lower distortion. Originally developed for quadraphonic LP playback in the 1970s, it is now recognized as one of the finest stylus profiles for audiophile-grade stereo LP playback, providing superior inner-groove tracking and detail at the frequency extremes.

What phono stage load does the Hana SL Mk II need?

The Hana SL Mk II has a coil impedance of 8 ohms and a suggested load impedance of over 80 ohms. This relatively permissive minimum load means it is compatible with a wide range of MC-capable phono stages, including those with fixed 100-ohm or 200-ohm loading. For optimal results, a phono stage with adjustable loading between 100 and 500 ohms is recommended.

Can I upgrade from the original Hana SL to the Mk II?

Yes. The Hana SL Mk II is a drop-in upgrade for any tonearm and phono stage setup previously used with the original Hana SL. The same 2g VTF, medium-mass tonearm compatibility, and low-output MC phono stage requirement apply. The Mk II simply delivers a materially improved performance through its upgraded cantilever, generator, and body design.

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

The Hana SL Mk II is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorised Hana dealer offering expert phono stage pairing advice and tonearm setup guidance. Shop in store or at vinylsound.com.