HANA SH MKII

The Hana SH MKII is a high-output moving coil (MC) cartridge, designed to be fitted to a turntable tonearm. Its high output level allows it to work with a conventional MM phono preamplifier, without requiring a dedicated MC stage or an additional step-up transformer.

The cartridge is fitted with a full Nude Shibata diamond mounted at the tip of an aluminium conical cantilever, a configuration intended to ensure precise groove tracking. The output level reaches 2mV / 1kHz for a coil impedance of 130 Ohms / 1kHz, with a recommended load of 47k ohms. Frequency response extends from 15 Hz to 32,000 Hz, and channel separation is stated at 28dB / 1kHz. Compliance at 100 Hz is 10 x 10(-6) cm/dyne, and trackability is specified at 70µm under a tracking force of 2g.

This model is intended for users of turntables fitted with a tonearm compatible with an 8.6g cartridge, seeking a high-output MC cartridge capable of working with an MM preamplifier rather than a dedicated MC phono stage.

When purchasing used, the condition of the diamond and cantilever deserves particular attention: these are the elements most exposed to wear and impact, and their degradation directly affects groove tracking and playback quality. It is also advisable to check the condition of the connectors at the rear of the cartridge and the secure fastening of the mounting base to the headshell, as these elements form part of the mechanical interface with the tonearm.

• Diamond: full Nude Shibata
• Cantilever: aluminium conical
• Output level: 2mV / 1kHz
• Coil impedance: 130 Ohms / 1kHz
• Frequency response: 15 – 32,000 Hz

A low-output version of this cartridge is also available under the reference Hana SL, with an output level of 0.4mV / 1kHz.