Hana SL Mk II Mono Moving Coil Cartridge

Bring great quality to mono recordings with this low-output mono phono cartridge

Important: If you play a mono record with a stereo cartridge, imperfections due to the difference between the left/right channel will result in an unstable and partially fuzzy image.

A mono switch can improve this to some extent, however, a dedicated mono cartridge is the only way to get the best sound from a mono record. The SL Mono Mk II with its two-coil design and Shibata diamond needle will ensure you get the best possible detail and accuracy from your mono records.

Like all Hana phono cartridges, the SL Mono uses high-rigidity aluminum cantilevers, Alnico magnets, and cross-shaped armatures, to provide you with gorgeous sound.

New for the Mk II

Master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san implements a new tapered aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity and lower effective mass at the stylus tip, resulting in a remarkable improvement in transferring groove modulation from the vinyl record to the cartridge generator. In addition, the S Series Mk II cartridges feature higher specified parts, advanced materials, and unique technical processes from Hana’s higher-priced elite cartridge models, furthering the Hana “brilliant and gorgeous” sound.

Critical parts, including the yoke, pole-pieces, and gold terminal pins, have been cryogenically treated for a more natural sound. The improved, non-resonant body shape, modeled after the Hana M Series, is damped with a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin paint and features a brass cap with threaded cartridge mounting fittings. The heavier Mk II cartridges offer better coupling and expanded compatibility with a wider range of tonearms, improving bass and dynamics.

Why use a mono-specific cartridge?

If you play a mono record with a stereo cartridge you will not achieve the same signal in the two channels due to imperfections such as crosstalk, noise, phase errors, tracking error, antiskating, and distortion. This difference between the channels will result in an unstable and partially fuzzy image. A mono switch, to some extent, can improve this.

Playing the same record with a mono cartridge will have none of these problems, as the cartridge produces only one signal, which is directed to both channels in the system. This will provide a much more forceful and stable image with a fuller sound.

Another significant advantage of using a mono cartridge to play mono records is the absence of response to vertical movement. This means that a mono cartridge is essentially impervious to the pinching effect when the stylus is pushed vertically upward in very narrow grooves. In addition, the response to dust, dirt, and wear will be reduced substantially as the vertical component will not be heard. The final result will be a much cleaner and noiseless reproduction of the mono record. These effects cannot be achieved merely by the use of a mono switch.

The Hana SL Mk II Mono comes with a two-year warranty.

Specifications

Stylus: 0.27 x 1.57 mm nude diamond Shibata, tapered aluminum cantilever

Output level: 0.4 mv / 1 kHz

Vertical tracking force: 2 g

Trackability: 70 µm/2 g 

Frequency response: 15-32,000 Hz

Impedance (1 kHz): 23 Ω

Suggested load: >230 Ω

Cartridge weight: 8.6 g