{"product_id":"hana-el-mk-ii-moving-coil-phono-cartridge","title":"HANA EL MK II Moving Coil Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe HANA EL MK II is the second-generation low-output E series cartridge, and the coil is where it changed most. Hana dropped the internal impedance from 30 ohms to 8, the same winding first developed for the ML and carried into the SL MK II, so the EL MK II now loads at 80 ohms and up instead of 300. Output sits at 0.4mV with a synthetic elliptical stylus on an aluminum cantilever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of HANA EL MK II Phono Cartridge\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e8-ohm coil winding from the ML and SL MK II:\u003c\/strong\u003e the updated winding design drops internal impedance from the original EL's 30 ohms to 8, with a suggested load above 80 ohms, for a closer match to moving coil phono stages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.4mV low output at 1kHz:\u003c\/strong\u003e needs an MC phono input or a step-up transformer, with output balance held inside 1.5dB between channels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrass cap body borrowed from the M series:\u003c\/strong\u003e the updated body adds mass for vibration control and brings threaded mounting, so the cartridge bolts to the headshell without loose nuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCryogenically treated generator components and output pins:\u003c\/strong\u003e the same treatment Hana applies across the Umami series and the rest of the range, for conductivity and signal purity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElastomeric body coating:\u003c\/strong\u003e shared with the whole Hana line, damping the body for resonance control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynthetic elliptical stylus, alnico magnet:\u003c\/strong\u003e the elliptical diamond profile the E series is named for, driven by the alnico generator Hana has kept through every generation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-built by Excel Sound in Yokohama:\u003c\/strong\u003e founded by Masao Okada-san in 1970, still handcrafting every model from the E series MK II up to the Umami Black.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2-year warranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e covered through Hana's US distributor, Musical Surroundings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe 8-Ohm Coil and What It Changes\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/hana-el-mk-ii-inline-campaign.jpg?v=1788896017\" alt=\"HANA EL MK II Moving Coil Phono Cartridge, Moss Green, cartridge body close-up\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original EL ran a 30-ohm generator and asked for a load above 300 ohms. The MK II runs 8 ohms and asks for 80 ohms and up. That winding was developed first for the ML and then went into the SL MK II, and Hana's stated reason for bringing it down to the E series is a more ideal interface with moving coil phono stages: a lower source impedance is easier for an MC input to load correctly, and it widens the range of settings that will sound right on a phono stage with switchable loading. Output drops slightly, from 0.5mV to 0.4mV, so the gain requirement is unchanged in practice. This is still a cartridge for an MC phono stage or a step-up transformer, not for an MM input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eBrass Cap Body and Threaded Mounting\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MK II body comes from the M series design, with a brass cap that adds mass. Extra mass at the top of the body is there for vibration control, and the second half of the change matters just as much on setup day: the body is threaded, so the mounting screws thread straight into the cartridge instead of needing nuts held in place above the headshell. Total cartridge weight rises to 8.6 grams from the original EL's 5 grams, which moves the EL MK II into the same mass bracket as the SL MK II and suits mid-mass tonearms more readily than the lighter first-generation body did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eCryogenic Treatment and Elastomeric Coating\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo refinements arrive from the top of the range. The critical generator components and the output pins are cryogenically treated, which Hana applies across the Umami series and the entire current line to improve conductivity and signal purity through the connections that carry the smallest voltages in the system. The body is then finished in an elastomeric coating, the same treatment used across the range for resonance control, which is also what gives the E series MK II its moss green textured surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSynthetic Elliptical Stylus on Aluminum Cantilever\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe E in E series stands for elliptical, and that is still the stylus profile here: a synthetic elliptical diamond on a straight aluminum cantilever, tracking at 2 grams with 70 microns of trackability. The elliptical sits deeper in the groove than a conical and reads more high-frequency detail per pass, while staying less sensitive to azimuth error than the line-contact profiles used on the S MK II and M series. Channel separation is rated at 25dB at 1kHz and frequency response runs 15Hz to 25,000Hz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWhat Changed From the Original EL\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour things, and they are all structural rather than cosmetic. The coil went from 30 ohms to 8 with the load recommendation moving from above 300 ohms to above 80. Output went from 0.5mV to 0.4mV. The body gained the M series brass cap and threaded mounting, taking weight from 5 grams to 8.6. And the generator components, output pins and body finish now match what Hana does on the Umami series. The stylus profile, cantilever material, alnico magnet, tracking force, trackability, channel separation and frequency response all carry over unchanged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.tlr-cmp{margin:18px 0 6px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-sub{color:#6b6b68;font-size:13.5px;margin:0 0 14px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row{border:1px solid #eee;border-radius:8px;padding:12px 14px;margin:8px 0;cursor:pointer;transition:border-color .2s ease;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover{border-color:#d9c6b3;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur{background:#f7f1ec;border:1px solid #ecdcca;border-left:3px solid #a3704d;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur:hover{border-left-color:#a3704d;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-name{font-weight:700;color:#2a2b2a;font-size:15px;}\n.tlr-cmp a{text-decoration:none!important;opacity:1!important;color:#2a2b2a;padding-bottom:2px;\n  background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#cbb9a6,#cbb9a6);\n  background-position:left 100%,left 100%;background-size:0% 2px,100% 1px;background-repeat:no-repeat;\n  transition:background-size .35s ease;}\n.tlr-cmp a:hover{opacity:1!important;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover .cmp-name a,.tlr-cmp .cmp-name a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-youre{font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9a8e74;font-weight:700;margin-left:7px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-price{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;font-size:13px;margin:2px 0 3px;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-diff{color:#555;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict{margin:16px 0 4px;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#2a2b2a;}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;\n  background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#d8c3ac,#d8c3ac);}\n.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px;}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhere the EL MK II fits in the Hana line\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tlr-cmp\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-sub\"\u003eThe low-output moving coils, priced low to high. The high-output counterpart to this cartridge is the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-eh-mk-ii-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eEH MK II\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-el-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eHANA EL\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$475\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eThe first-generation EL, while remaining stock lasts. Synthetic elliptical stylus on a 30-ohm alnico generator, 0.5mV output, load above 300 ohms, in the original 5-gram body without the brass cap.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row cmp-cur\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003eHANA EL MK II \u003cspan class=\"cmp-youre\"\u003eYou're viewing\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003ePrice TBA\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eSame synthetic elliptical stylus and alnico magnet, rewound to an 8-ohm generator at 0.4mV with a load above 80 ohms. Adds the M series brass cap body with threaded mounting, cryogenically treated generator components and output pins, and the elastomeric coating.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-sl-mk-ii\"\u003eHANA SL MK II\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$850\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eSame 0.4mV low-output format and 8-ohm generator, with a nude Shibata stylus in place of the synthetic elliptical. The line-contact profile reads more of the groove wall per pass and wears more slowly.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-verdict\"\u003eThe step from the EL MK II to the SL MK II buys the stylus profile, not a different generator. Both are low output and both need an MC phono stage or a step-up transformer. Browse the full range in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hana-e-series-cartridges\"\u003ethe Hana E series\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eHANA EL MK II Phono Cartridge Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eType\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eMoving Coil (Low Output)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStylus\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eSynthetic Elliptical\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCantilever\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eAluminum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMagnet\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eAlnico\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Level\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e0.4mV \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Balance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e\u0026lt;1.5dB \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVertical Tracking Force\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrackability\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e70 µm \/ 2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e25dB \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e15 - 25,000Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eImpedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e8Ω \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSuggested Load Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e\u0026gt;80Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCartridge Weight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e8.6g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBody Color\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eMoss Green\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWarranty\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e2 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"HANA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43140339826784,"sku":"HANAELMKII","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/hana-el-mk-ii-three-quarter-diagonal.jpg?v=1788896205","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/hana-el-mk-ii-moving-coil-phono-cartridge","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}