Hana SL MK II Phono Cartridge Review: Enhanced Clarity and Dynamic Sound

Experience remarkable musical clarity and dynamic sound with the Hana SL MK II phono cartridge, a refined upgrade at an affordable price.

Introduction to the Hana SL MK II

The original Hana SL moving-coil phono cartridge has been a trusted companion for audiophiles, delivering a polished and consistent sound that lets music flow effortlessly. It’s been a staple in many high-end audio setups, praised for its smoothness and lack of unwanted distortions. However, for those considering an upgrade, the benchmark is high: any successor should enhance all the virtues of the original without sacrificing its strengths.

Excel Sound’s chief cartridge designer, Masao Okada-san, known for his premium Hana Umami Red and Blue cartridges, took on this challenge. Instead of making a more expensive option, he aimed to refine the Hana SL at nearly the same price point, which is no small feat given the original SL’s excellent performance.

Design Innovations and Technical Upgrades

Priced at $850, just $100 above the original SL, the Hana SL MK II boasts several thoughtful improvements:

• Retains the Alnico magnet structure from the SL for its classic magnetic properties.
• Introduces cryogenic treatment to the cartridge yoke, pole pieces, and terminal pins, which enhances durability and sound purity.
• Features a brand-new tapered aluminum cantilever that increases rigidity and reduces mass at the stylus tip, improving clarity.
• Keeps the reliable Shibata nude diamond stylus from the original SL.
• The cartridge body is redesigned with a non-resonant shape coated in a “soft-feel-black” elastomeric resin paint for damping, topped with a brass damping plate that includes threaded mounting holes.
• Heavier cartridge weight at 8.6 grams (vs. 5 grams) to improve coupling with a wider range of tonearms and enhance bass and dynamics.
• Uses a new signal generator with a cross coil of high-purity 30-micron copper wire, lowering the internal impedance to 8 ohms for better compatibility with more phono stages.
• Output level slightly reduced to 0.4mV at 1kHz, improving signal purity.

These upgrades collectively contribute to enhanced sound clarity, improved bass response, and dynamic musical expression.

Setup and Performance Testing

The Hana SL MK II was tested on a Graham Phantom III tonearm paired with the TW Acoustic Raven Two turntable. It was also evaluated on the Thiele TT01 turntable with the TA01 linear-tracking tonearm. Both setups underwent precise alignment and thorough setup to optimize performance.

Channel balance and crosstalk were excellent, with measurements showing –32.2dB and –32.5dB and only a 0.1dB difference in channel balance, which is outstanding for any cartridge.

Initial listening revealed a phono cartridge that delivers harmonic richness and transparency, with an impressively deep and well-defined soundstage when the recording provided such detail.

Sound Quality and Musicality

Compared to the original Hana SL, the MK II version offers:

• Increased musical clarity and precision.
• More realistic reproduction of transients, pacing, and tempo.
• A bass that is more agile and extends deeper.
• A more neutral sound profile, stepping away from the warmer tone of its predecessor.

Highlighted Listening Experience

Frankie Beverly and Maze’s classic track “While I’m Alone” from their 1977 debut album perfectly showcases the SL MK II’s capabilities. Percussion timing was precise, Beverly’s vocals were clear and smooth, and the soundstage displayed excellent transparency with precise instrument placement.

The SL MK II kept the pacing...with incisive rhythmic timing of the percussion instruments.

– Audio Review

The cartridge beautifully handled various genres, from classical violin performances by Nathan Milstein to the trumpet and strings of Henry Purcell’s sonata, showing flawless tracking and dynamic range without distortion.

Switching between diverse artists including John Williams, Pink Floyd, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald, the SL MK II adapted effortlessly, preserving the essence and emotional depth of each recording.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Moving-coil cartridge
• Output Level (1kHz): 0.4mV
• Channel Balance (1kHz): <1.5dB
• Channel Separation (1kHz): 28dB
• Frequency Response: 15Hz–32kHz
• Tracking Ability (2 grams): 70µm
• Dynamic Compliance (100Hz): 10 x 10-6 cm/dyne
• Stylus: Shibata nude diamond
• Cantilever: Tapered aluminum
• Magnet: Alnico
• Yoke & Polepiece: Pure iron/cryogenic treatment
• Coil Wire: High-purity copper
• Armature: Permalloy/cross-coil
• Recommended Tracking Force: 2.0 grams
• Internal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Recommended Load Impedance: >80 ohms
• Cartridge Body: Elastomeric-coated ABS with threaded brass top
• Color: Black
• Weight: 8.6 grams
• Price: $850

Reference System Used in Evaluation

The cartridge was evaluated using a high-end analog and digital audio system, including:

• Turntables: TW Acoustic Raven Two, Thiele TT-01
• Tonearms: Graham Phantom III, Thiele TA-01
• Phonostages: Custom Raptor, Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+, Soulution 350
• Amplification and Speakers: Soulution 312, Vandersteen Model 3a Signature
• Cables and Accessories: AudioQuest, Shunyata, Tara Labs, and more

This setup ensured precise and revealing playback, validating the cartridge’s performance in demanding scenarios.

Conclusion

The Hana SL MK II is a superb phono cartridge that elevates the already impressive original SL with refined clarity, improved bass depth, and neutral tonal balance. It delivers a consistently enjoyable listening experience across various genres, making it a standout choice for audiophiles seeking high performance without breaking the bank.

Are you ready to upgrade your vinyl sound with the Hana SL MK II? How do you think these improvements would impact your favorite records?

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the Hana SL MK II compare in price to the original Hana SL?
  The SL MK II is priced at $850, just $100 more than the original SL, offering significant upgrades for a modest increase.
• What stylus type does the Hana SL MK II use?
  It uses a Shibata nude diamond stylus, known for excellent tracking and sound reproduction.
• Is the Hana SL MK II compatible with most tonearms?
  Yes, its heavier weight (8.6 grams) allows better coupling and compatibility with a wider range of tonearms compared to the original SL.
• What kind of sound improvements can I expect from the SL MK II?
  Expect enhanced clarity, deeper and more agile bass, improved musical pace, and a more neutral tonal balance.
• Does the cartridge require special equipment for optimal performance?
  The SL MK II’s lower impedance (8 ohms) makes it compatible with a broad range of phono stages without needing special preamps.

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