Audiophile friends and vinyl enthusiasts, get ready for a new sound experience! The Japanese brand Hana has just unveiled new phono cartridges that are worth the detour. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of these little technological gems that promise to transform your listening.
Hana: Japanese excellence at the service of your turntable
Before we look at these new wonders, let’s talk a little about Hana. This Japanese brand has built a solid reputation in the world of high-end audio. Known for her craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of sonic perfection, Hana has captured the hearts of audiophiles around the world. Hana cartridges are manufactured with meticulous care by Excel Sound Corporation, a Japanese company renowned for its expertise in the field. Each cell is the result of precision workmanship, combining high-quality materials with innovative manufacturing techniques.
The former SL and SH: already references
The original versions of the Hana SL and SH marked their era. For seven years, they reigned supreme in the critically acclaimed phono cartridge market, and they seduced many of you:
“I’ve been using this cartridge for a few weeks now, acquired in conjunction with a Lehmann audio “black cube SE2″ preamp. Although the breaking-in of these equipment is not yet complete, the sound delivered is excellent, the timbres are very realistic, it is immediately recognizable on the voices, the soundstage is vast and precise. As for the dynamics, it’s explosive, I previously had an exact Rega which wasn’t the anemic type, but that doesn’t prevent the smoothness and smoothness on the quiet parts. I followed the manufacturer’s recommendations for the settings, I’m waiting for the end of the break-in to try to optimize them, but it’s already a real pleasure every time an album lands on my turntable. I am fully satisfied with this purchase and I thank the maplatine.com team, and especially Franck, for their wise advice.”
– Patrick A.
Their balanced sound, precision and musicality have made them a must-have for many enthusiasts. But as they say, progress never stops. And that’s where the new MK II versions come in.
Redesigned for better performance
The first thing that strikes you is their new design. The body of the MK II cells is now covered in a black elastomeric resin that is not just there to look pretty.
This resin has a crucial role: it dampens unwanted vibrations, thus allowing a more accurate reading of the groove. But the real design innovation is the new brass sole.
Not only does it give the airframe a chic edge, but it also plays a vital role in improving performance. This soleplate allows for better control of resonances and improves the mechanical interface between the cartridge and tonearm. And the icing on the cake is that it is equipped with a built-in screw thread, which makes installation much easier.
A redesigned cantilever for better sound transmission
The cantilever, the small rod that supports the diamond, has also been improved. It is now made of conical aluminum. This shape is not chosen at random: it stiffens the cantilever while reducing its weight. Result? Better transmission of information from the groove to the coils, for an even more faithful and detailed sound.
Cryogenic treatment for better linearity
Hana took the innovation even further by applying cryogenic treatment to the air gap, generator and pins.
This high-tech process improves linearity in electrical and magnetic drivetrains. Simply put, this results in a purer, more natural sound.
Optimized coils for better compatibility
The SL MK II and the SL Mono MK II models benefit from a new coil style, inspired by the top-of-the-line Hana ML and Umami Blue.
These new coils offer better compatibility with phono preamplifiers and transformers (Step-Up Transformers), making these cartridges more versatile than ever.
Why choose the new Hana MK II?
These new cartridges offer a significant improvement in all aspects of sound reproduction. The soundstage is wider, deeper, more precise. The details are more present, more palpable, without becoming tiring. The dynamics are enhanced, giving more life and emotion to your music.
Thanks to their new design and optimized features, these cells are easier to install and use with a wide variety of equipment. Whatever your listening profile, you will find what you are looking for with these Hana MK IIs.
Despite all these improvements, Hana has managed to maintain a reasonable price for these cells. They offer performance worthy of much more expensive models, making them an excellent investment for anyone who wants to significantly improve the quality of their vinyl system.
An exceptional trio
Hana SL MKII
This MC cartridge with a low output level (0.4 mV) is ideal for MC phono preamplifiers with a minimum gain of 60 dB. Its 8Ω coil impedance makes it compatible with a revisited load of approximately 90Ω. It is perfect for those who are looking for high precision and fine detail in their listening.
To get the most out of the Hana SL MKII, it could be paired white préamplificateur phono PH-5 de Gold Note. This is a wise choice because the PH-5 offers great flexibility with its multiple gain and impedance options. It offers an MC Low gain of up to 66 dB, which is ideal for the Hana SL MKII. In addition, its adjustable load allows the impedance to be precisely adjusted to achieve the best performance from the cartridge
Hana SL MONO MKII
This monophonic version of the SL MKII, specially designed for playing mono discs. It shares the same low output level characteristics (0.4 mV) as the SL MKII, but with a coil impedance of 23Ω. This cartridge is the perfect tool for collectors of vintage mono vinyl.
To complement this cartridge, the Lehmann BlackCube preamplifier would be a great choice for its versatility and sound quality. It offers impedance and gain adjustment options that would be a perfect fit for the Hana SL MONO MKII.
Hana SH MKII
The SH MKII is an MC cell with a high output level (2 mV). It is designed for use with standard phono preamplifiers or built-in phono inputs. Its 130Ω coil impedance and recommended load of 47kΩ make it compatible with a wide range of equipment. This cell is ideal for those looking for versatility and ease of use.
To fully exploit the capabilities of the Hana SH MKII, it could be paired with the Graham Slee Jazz Club phono preamplifier, available on maplatine.com. This preamp is known for its musicality and ability to extract maximum detail, which perfectly complements the qualities of the SH MKII.
The new Hana SL MKII, SL MONO MKII and SH MKII cells are not a simple update. They represent a real leap forward in the world of phono cartridges. With their innovative design, enhanced performance, and great sound, they’re ready to conquer a new generation of audiophiles.
Whether you’re looking for your first high-end cartridge or want to upgrade your current system, these Hana MK IIs are definitely worth your attention. They have the potential to transform your listening experience, to make you rediscover your vinyl collection in a new light.
So, are you ready to embark on this new sound adventure? Your turntable is waiting for it, and your ears will thank you. Do not hesitate to come and listen to them with us, in maplatine.com. Who knows, you might just fall in love with these little Japanese wonders!