Hana EH MKII MC cartridge

Behind its apparent simplicity, the new Hana E MK II Series benefits from several improvements derived from the development of the M, S and Umami series by the Japanese manufacturer Excel Sound Corporation, such as the Hana SH MK II.

In Yokohama, HANA cartridges have been hand-assembled since 1970 by craftsmen whose expertise is built on several decades of experience.

The Hana EH MK II is the "high output" version of the Hana EL MK II, listed among the low output MC cartridges.

Hana EH MK II: Body

The body features a new design incorporating a brass top plate. This addition increases the mass of the cartridge and improves its mechanical interface with the tonearm, while helping to control resonances.

The body also receives an elastomer coating (dyed green throughout), intended to better control unwanted vibrations.

Finally, the mounting includes a thread built into the cartridge body, which makes fitting to the headshell easier and further improves the mechanical link between the cartridge and the tonearm.

Hana EH MK II: Generator

The E MK II Series retains the synthetic elliptical stylus combined with an aluminium cantilever, a pairing that has largely contributed to the success of the E range. The stylus is precisely polished and individually sorted so as to comply with the manufacturer's specifications.

The Hana EH MK II also retains its Alnico magnets, recognised for their contribution to a natural and dynamic musical signature. However, in this so-called "high output" version, the coils receive more turns in order to deliver a higher output level and a high impedance.

The critical components of the generator and the output pins also benefit from cryogenic treatment, a technology already used on the high-end HANA models.

Hana EH MK II: Features

This Hana EH MK II, as the "H" indicates, is a high output version (High).

Its output level nevertheless remains low for a so-called "standard" MM stage. Its 2 mV output makes it suitable for MM phono preamplifiers with an adjustable gain of at least 48 dB and a minimum impedance of 47,000 ohms.

Its higher mass compared with the previous version (8.6 g) makes it compatible with more tonearms, and therefore with more entry-level turntables.

Hana EH MK II: Listening test

Note that its compliance is around 18 at 10 Hz, which gives it great versatility in terms of matching with light or medium mass tonearms.

We set the phono preamplifier to 47 kohms, the value offered by a standard MM phono stage, but with a gain of 46 dB, which appears to be a minimum.

The Hana EH MK II also favours timbre and nuance without ever sacrificing dynamics. The playback is detailed, well defined and above all very natural... The bass is articulate, nuanced and very legible. Voices are very present and no harshness is to be noted. The level of detail is excellent without ever falling into surgical analysis. It is however noticeably less nuanced and subtle than the low output EL MK II model, even though it does better than the previous version.

If you do not have an MC phono preamplifier with enough gain for the Hana EL MK II, this high output version is an excellent alternative. It belongs to our high output MC cartridges range.

Also available with a low output level: HANA EL MK II MC CARTRIDGE.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Hana EH MK II MC cartridge

Which phono preamplifier does the Hana EH MK II require?

Its output level remains low for a so-called "standard" MM stage. Its 2 mV output makes it suitable for MM phono preamplifiers with an adjustable gain of at least 48 dB and a minimum impedance of 47,000 ohms. During our listening session, the phono stage was set to 47 kohms, the value offered by a standard MM phono preamplifier.

What sets it apart from the low output version?

In this so-called "high output" version, the coils receive more turns in order to deliver a higher output level and a high impedance. On listening, it is less nuanced and subtle than the EL MK II model, available in our low output MC cartridges section, even though it does better than the previous version. If you do not have an MC phono preamplifier with enough gain for the Hana EL MK II, this high output version is an excellent alternative.

What technical improvements does the E MK II Series bring?

The body incorporates a brass top plate that increases the mass of the cartridge, improves the mechanical interface with the tonearm and helps control resonances. It also receives an elastomer coating dyed green throughout, a thread built into the body that makes fitting to the headshell easier, and cryogenic treatment of the critical generator components and output pins.

Is it compatible with an entry-level turntable?

Its higher mass compared with the previous version (8.6 g) makes it compatible with more tonearms, and therefore with more entry-level turntables. Its compliance, around 18 at 10 Hz, gives it great versatility in terms of matching with light or medium mass tonearms. Our page on why invest in an MC cartridge goes further into these matching questions.