Hana MC SH MKII

The HANA SH MkII is a High-Output Moving Coil (HOMC) phono cartridge made in Japan by Excel Sound Corporation.

Its primary advantage is that it gives you the detailed, dynamic sonic presentation of a moving coil cartridge while outputting 2.0mV—meaning you plug it directly into a standard MM (Moving Magnet) phono input without needing an expensive Step-Up Transformer (SUT) or specialized MC preamp.

Core Upgrades in the MkII Revision

The original Hana S series was already a benchmark in mid-tier hifi, but master cartridge designer Masao Okada overhauled the MkII with tech trickle-down from their higher-tier M Series and Umami cartridges:

• New Tapered Aluminum Cantilever: Replaces the standard straight aluminum tube with a tapered version, boosting rigidity while reducing tip mass for better tracking and retrieval of high-frequency detail.
• Resonant-Damped Body & Threaded Brass Cap: The body shape is redesigned, coated in a non-resonant elastomeric matte finish, and fitted with a brass top cap. Crucially, it adds threaded mounting holes, meaning no more fiddling with tiny nuts during installation.
• Cryogenic Treatment: Critical parts—including the yoke, pole pieces, and gold-plated terminal pins—undergo cryo processing for cleaner signal transfer and a more natural soundstage.
• Heavier Weight (8.6g vs 5.0g): The additional mass improves mechanical coupling to the tonearm, delivering noticeably punchier bass response and dynamic range compared to the original.