HANA SH MK II Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

The Hana SH MK II represents the pinnacle of high-output moving coil performance, offering the "brilliant and gorgeous" sound of a premium MC cartridge with the convenience of Moving Magnet (MM) compatibility. Upgraded by master designer Masao Okada-san, the MK II evolution integrates advanced technologies from Hana’s elite Umami and M Series into a globally acclaimed design. By combining a new tapered aluminum cantilever with a cryogenically treated Alnico generator, the SH MK II delivers exceptional detail, dynamic range, and musical fluidity. It is the perfect choice for audiophiles who demand the speed and resolution of a moving coil cartridge but prefer to use their existing high-quality MM phono stage.

Key Features:

• High Output (2.0mV): Designed to connect directly to standard Moving Magnet (MM) phono stages, eliminating the need for a step-up transformer or MC preamplifier.
• Tapered Aluminum Cantilever: A new, rigid tapered cantilever reduces moving mass at the stylus tip for sharper transients and improved groove tracing.
• Nude Shibata Stylus: Features the renowned Shibata profile for exquisite high-frequency detail, extended frequency response, and superior tracking.
• Alnico Magnet Generator: Utilizes a trickle-down generator from the Umami Blue, featuring an Alnico magnet and high-purity 30-micron copper cross-coil.
• Cryogenic Treatment: Critical components, including the yoke, pole pieces, and gold terminal pins, are cryogenically treated for enhanced signal flow and natural sound.
• Non-Resonant Body: The M-Series style body is coated in matte "Soft Feel" elastomeric paint and features a brass cap with threaded mounting fittings for easy installation.

Moving Coil Sound, Moving Magnet Simplicity

The "H" in SH MK II stands for High Output. With a 2.0mV output voltage, this cartridge is engineered to drive the standard 47kΩ Moving Magnet input found on most integrated amplifiers and phono stages. This allows listeners to experience the airy highs, fast transients, and three-dimensional imaging characteristic of moving coils without the expense or complexity of additional MC gain stages or step-up transformers. It is the ultimate plug-and-play upgrade for MM-based systems.

Enhanced Rigidity and Resolution

A significant upgrade over its predecessor, the SH MK II features a tapered aluminum cantilever. This structural refinement increases rigidity while reducing the effective mass at the stylus tip. When paired with the Nude Shibata stylus—a shape originally designed for quadraphonic playback and prized for its ability to trace the finest groove modulations—the result is a dramatic increase in clarity, capturing subtle acoustic cues and micro-dynamics that lesser cartridges miss.

Elite Generator Technology

At the heart of the SH MK II lies a generator system inherited from Hana's higher-tier models. It employs an Alnico magnet, known for its saturation-free linearity and musical warmth, alongside a cross-coil armature wound with high-purity 30-micron copper wire. To further refine performance, the entire magnetic circuit, including the yoke and pole pieces, undergoes a deep cryogenic treatment. This cold annealing process realigns the metallic crystal structure, reducing distortion and resulting in a more natural, cohesive, and effortless musical presentation.

Precision Mounting and Damping

The physical architecture of the cartridge has been overhauled for better performance and usability. The SH MK II adopts the heavier, non-resonant body shape of the M Series, finished in a vibration-damping "Soft Feel" black elastomeric paint. Crucially, it now features a brass top cap with built-in threaded mounting holes. This not only adds necessary mass for better tonearm coupling but also eliminates the need for fiddly nuts during installation, ensuring a secure and rigid connection to your headshell.

The Listening Room Difference

We’re a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. 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.

Specifications