Hana has released the MK II version of its S-Series turntable cartridges. According to the manufacturer, significant improvements have been made to enhance musical performance. The S-Series MK II cartridges feature higher-specification parts, advanced materials and unique engineering processes derived from Hana’s higher-end cartridges.
Features
Master turntable cartridge designer Maseo Okada has implemented a new tapered aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity. Together with an effective mass reduction at the stylus tip, this results in a noticeable improvement in the transfer of groove modulation from vinyl records to the cartridge generator, i.e. the coil and magnet assembly. According to the manufacturer, improved clarity is the end result.
Key parts such as the yoke, pole pieces, and gold binding posts have been cryogenically treated for a more natural sound. The improved, non-resonant body, modeled after the Hana M series, is damped with a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin paint and features a threaded brass cap for mounting the cartridge. The heavier MK II cartridges offer improved coupling and extended compatibility with a wider range of tonearms.
The SL MK II generator, as found in the Umami Blue and ML, features an Alnico magnet and cross-coil using high-purity 30-micron copper wire and an eight-ohm impedance. These engineering choices improve the S/N ratio, reduce moving mass for greater resolution and traceability, and optimize performance for a wider range of phono amplifiers.
Technical Specifications
- Stylus: Nude Diamond Shibata
- Cantilever: tapered aluminum
- Magnet: Alnico
- Yoke & Pole Piece: Pure Iron/Cryo Treatment
- Coil wire: high purity copper
- Armature: permalloy/cross-coil
- Output pins: gold plated/cryo treated
- Element housing/cap: elastomer coated ABS/screwed brass
- Weight: 8.6 grams
- Color: black
- Output level (SL MKII and SL Mono MK II): 0.4 mV/1 kHz
- Output level (SH MKII): 2 mV/1 kHz
- Coil Impedance: 8 Ohm SL MKII, 23 Ohm SL Mono MKII, 130 Ohm SH MKII
- Load impedance: ? 80 Ohm SL MKII, ? 230 Ohm SL Mono MKII, 47 kohm SH MKII
- Frequency response: 15 Hz to 32 kHz
- Channel Separation (1 kHz): 28 dB (SL MKII and SH MKII)
- Output balance: less than 1.5 dB/1 kHz (SL MKII and SH MKII)
- Recommended Needle Pressure (VTF): 2 grams
- Trackability: 70 µm/2 gr
- Dynamic compliance: 10×10-6 cm/dyne
Price
The suggested retail price of the members of the renewed Hana S Series is just under 750 euros and delivery starts on September 23, 2024.
