The Hana EH MK II is a high-output moving coil phono cartridge featuring a synthetic elliptical stylus, aluminum cantilever, and classic Alnico magnet for detailed, musical vinyl playback. Its redesigned 8.6g body adds a brass cap, threaded mounting points, elastomeric resonance control, and cryogenically treated critical components for improved performance and easier installation. With 2mV output and a recommended load greater than 47kΩ, the EH MK II provides an approachable upgrade for listeners seeking Hana moving coil performance.
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Hana EH MK II High-Output Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

Product Description

Bring greater detail, musicality, and refinement to your vinyl collection with the Hana EH MK II high-output moving coil phono cartridge. Building on the acclaimed Hana E Series, the EH MK II combines a synthetic elliptical diamond stylus, aluminum cantilever, and classic Alnico magnet with technology inspired by Hana’s higher-end M Series and flagship Umami cartridges. Its 2mV high-output design provides the performance characteristics of a moving coil cartridge while offering an easy interface with phono stages designed around a standard 47kΩ load.

The redesigned MK II cartridge body incorporates a brass cap for additional mass and improved vibration control, helping create a more stable mechanical connection between the cartridge and tonearm. Threaded mounting points also simplify cartridge installation by eliminating the need to manage loose mounting nuts during setup. An elastomeric body coating provides additional resonance control while maintaining the distinctive moss-green appearance associated with Hana’s E Series.

Hana also applies cryogenic treatment to critical generator components and output pins to enhance conductivity and preserve signal purity. Combined with a 25dB channel separation specification, 15Hz–25kHz frequency response, and precise 2-gram tracking force, the EH MK II is engineered to deliver balanced stereo imaging, clean tracking, satisfying dynamics, and the rich musical presentation for which Hana cartridges are known. Each cartridge is handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan by Excel Sound, a specialist phono cartridge manufacturer founded in 1970.

Specifications

• Cartridge Type: High-output moving coil phono cartridge
• Stylus: Synthetic Elliptical
• Cantilever: Aluminum
• Magnet: Alnico
• Output Level: 2mV at 1kHz
• Output Balance: Less than 1.5dB at 1kHz
• Vertical Tracking Force: 2g
• Trackability: 70 µm at 2g
• Channel Separation: 25dB at 1kHz
• Frequency Response: 15Hz–25,000Hz
• Impedance: 130Ω
• Suggested Load Impedance: Greater than 47kΩ
• Cartridge Weight: 8.6g
• Body Design: Updated body with brass cap for increased mass and vibration control
• Mounting: Threaded mounting points for easier tonearm installation
• Body Treatment: Elastomeric coating for enhanced resonance control
• Cryogenic Treatment: Critical generator components and output pins
• Body Color: Moss Green
• Manufacturing: Handcrafted in Yokohama, Japan by Excel Sound
• Warranty: 2 years
• US Retail Price: $550

What It's Great At

• High-Output Moving Coil Performance: The 2mV output makes it easier to integrate the EH MK II into systems using standard high-gain phono inputs while retaining the musical characteristics associated with moving coil cartridge designs.
• Detailed Elliptical Tracking: Its synthetic elliptical stylus follows record grooves accurately to uncover musical detail while maintaining smooth, engaging playback.
• Improved Resonance Control: A heavier 8.6g body, brass cap, and elastomeric coating help control unwanted vibration for cleaner and more focused reproduction.
• Simplified Cartridge Installation: Integrated threaded mounting points make attaching and aligning the cartridge to a compatible headshell or tonearm easier.
• Clean Signal Transfer: Cryogenically treated generator components and output pins are designed to improve conductivity and maintain signal purity.
• Balanced, Musical Vinyl Playback: The Alnico magnet, aluminum cantilever, and refined generator design deliver the rich tonal character, dynamics, and natural presentation associated with Hana cartridges.

FAQ Section

Q: What type of phono cartridge is the Hana EH MK II?
A: The Hana EH MK II is a high-output moving coil phono cartridge featuring a synthetic elliptical stylus, aluminum cantilever, and Alnico magnet.

Q: What is the output level of the Hana EH MK II?
A: The EH MK II produces 2mV at 1kHz, giving it substantially higher output than a typical low-output moving coil cartridge and making system matching more convenient.

Q: What phono stage loading does the Hana EH MK II require?
A: Hana specifies a suggested load impedance greater than 47kΩ. Always confirm that your phono stage provides appropriate gain and loading for your system.

Q: What stylus does the Hana EH MK II use?
A: It uses a synthetic elliptical diamond stylus mounted to an aluminum cantilever, providing accurate groove tracking and detailed, musical playback.

Q: What improvements does the MK II version offer?
A: The EH MK II introduces a redesigned 8.6g body with a brass cap for improved vibration control, threaded mounting for easier installation, an elastomeric coating for resonance management, and cryogenically treated critical generator components and output pins.

Q: What tracking force should I use with the Hana EH MK II?
A: Hana specifies a vertical tracking force of 2 grams. Proper cartridge alignment and tracking-force setup are important for optimal performance and record care.

Q: What is the frequency response of the Hana EH MK II?
A: The cartridge is rated from 15Hz to 25,000Hz, giving it the bandwidth needed to reproduce deep bass, detailed midrange information, and extended high frequencies from vinyl records.

Q: Where is the Hana EH MK II manufactured?
A: Hana cartridges are handcrafted by Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan, combining traditional Japanese cartridge craftsmanship with modern materials and engineering.