The Hana EL MK II is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge featuring a synthetic elliptical stylus, aluminum cantilever, and an 8-ohm generator designed for excellent moving coil phono stage compatibility. Its redesigned 8.6g body combines a brass cap, threaded mounting, elastomeric resonance control, and cryogenically treated critical components for refined analog performance. With 0.4mV output and a recommended load greater than 80 ohms, the EL MK II delivers detailed, dynamic, and naturally musical vinyl playback.
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Hana EL MK II Low-Output Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

Product Description

Experience greater detail, clarity, and musical expression from your vinyl collection with the Hana EL MK II low-output moving coil phono cartridge. The “E” in Hana’s E Series refers to its synthetic elliptical diamond stylus, which is paired with an aluminum cantilever and classic Alnico magnet to deliver the rich, engaging musicality for which Hana cartridges are known.

The EL MK II incorporates several performance upgrades inspired by Hana’s higher-end M Series, Umami Series, and SL MK II designs. Its updated cartridge body features a brass cap that adds mass for improved vibration control, while threaded mounting makes installation on a compatible tonearm or headshell easier and more convenient. An elastomeric body coating further helps control unwanted resonance while giving the cartridge its distinctive moss-green appearance.

Inside, the Hana EL MK II features an updated 8-ohm coil winding design originally developed for the Hana ML and later incorporated into the SL MK II. This low-impedance generator is designed to create a more ideal interface with moving coil phono stages. Critical generator components and output pins also receive cryogenic treatment to enhance conductivity and preserve signal purity. With a 0.4mV output, 25dB channel separation, and 15Hz–25kHz frequency response, the EL MK II is engineered for listeners seeking refined low-output moving coil performance with precise tracking and natural musical presentation.

Specifications

• Cartridge Type: Low-output moving coil phono cartridge
• Stylus: Synthetic Elliptical
• Cantilever: Aluminum
• Magnet: Alnico
• Output Level: 0.4mV 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: 8Ω at 1kHz
• Suggested Load Impedance: Greater than 80Ω
• Cartridge Weight: 8.6g
• Coil Winding Design: Updated 8-ohm coil winding design developed for improved compatibility with moving coil phono stages
• Body Design: Updated body with brass cap to add mass and improve vibration control
• Mounting: Threaded mounting for easier tonearm installation
• Body Finish: Elastomeric coating for enhanced resonance control
• Cryogenic Treatment: Critical generator components and output pins
• Body Color: Moss Green
• Manufacturing: Handcrafted by Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan
• Warranty: 2 years
• US Retail Price: $550

What It's Great At

• Low-Output Moving Coil Performance: Its 0.4mV output and 8-ohm generator are designed to pair with moving coil phono stages for detailed, dynamic analog playback.
• Detailed Groove Tracking: The synthetic elliptical stylus and aluminum cantilever provide accurate tracking while retrieving fine musical information from record grooves.
• Improved Phono Stage Matching: The updated 8-ohm coil winding design creates a more ideal electrical interface with compatible moving coil phono preamplifiers.
• Enhanced Vibration Control: The brass-capped 8.6g body and elastomeric coating help manage unwanted vibration and resonance for cleaner reproduction.
• Easier Cartridge Installation: Threaded mounting allows cartridge screws to fasten directly into the cartridge body, simplifying installation on compatible tonearms and headshells.
• Pure Signal Transfer: Cryogenically treated generator components and output pins are designed to enhance conductivity and maintain signal integrity.

FAQ Section

Q: Is the Hana EL MK II a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge?
A: The Hana EL MK II is a low-output moving coil cartridge designed for use with a compatible moving coil phono stage or phono input.

Q: What is the output level of the Hana EL MK II?
A: The EL MK II produces 0.4mV at 1kHz, making it a low-output moving coil cartridge that requires appropriate phono stage gain.

Q: What does threaded mounting mean on the Hana EL MK II?
A: Threaded mounting means the cartridge body contains threaded mounting holes, allowing compatible mounting screws to fasten directly into the cartridge without requiring separate nuts. This can make installation and alignment easier.

Q: What load impedance is recommended for the Hana EL MK II?
A: Hana recommends a load impedance greater than 80 ohms. A compatible moving coil phono stage with appropriate gain and loading should be used for best performance.

Q: What stylus does the Hana EL MK II use?
A: It features a synthetic elliptical stylus paired with an aluminum cantilever for accurate groove tracking and detailed vinyl playback.

Q: What improvements are included in the EL MK II?
A: Upgrades include an 8-ohm coil winding design, a redesigned body with a brass cap for improved vibration control, threaded mounting, 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 EL MK II?
A: Hana specifies a vertical tracking force of 2 grams. Proper alignment, tracking force, and tonearm setup are important for achieving optimal performance.

Q: Where is the Hana EL MK II manufactured?
A: The EL MK II is handcrafted by Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan, a phono cartridge design and manufacturing company founded in 1970.