Hana SL MONO MK II Moving Coil Cartridge - Low Output - Like-New

Now Get This Mint Mono Cartridge At The Distributor Price!

• Brand/Model: Hana SL MONO MK II Moving Coil Cartridge - Low Output
• Condition: Demo unit with less than 10 hours stylus time, like-new condition
• Retail: Original MSRP $850 for value context
• Configuration: Dedicated mono moving coil with 0.5mV output
• What's Included: Complete with original packaging, mounting hardware, documentation
• Warranty: Full Hana *2-year manufacturer's warranty

Hana - Japanese Precision for Analog Perfection

Hana, meaning "brilliant" in Japanese, emerged from Excel Sound Corporation's decades of OEM cartridge manufacturing for the world's most respected brands. Rather than remaining behind the scenes, Hana stepped forward to offer their expertise directly to discerning vinyl enthusiasts. Their focused lineup proves that specialization beats diversification - each model represents a singular vision of what's possible at its price point. The SL MONO MK II continues this philosophy, targeting the vast treasure trove of mono recordings with purpose-built precision.

Why Mono Cartridges Matter More Than Ever

The SL MONO MK II isn't just another cartridge - it's a key that unlocks the true potential of mono pressings. While stereo cartridges can play mono records, they read vertical groove modulations as noise, adding surface rumble and distortion to these vintage treasures. The SL MONO's horizontal-only compliance ignores vertical information entirely, dramatically reducing surface noise while extracting maximum musical information from the lateral groove walls.

For collectors of Blue Note, Prestige, early Columbia, RCA Living Stereo mono, and original Beatles pressings, this specialized approach transforms the listening experience. Those precious first pressings from jazz's golden age suddenly reveal their master-tape clarity, free from the artifacts that stereo cartridges inevitably introduce.

MK II Evolution - Refined for Greater Resolution

• Tapered Aluminum Cantilever: New profile reduces mass while increasing rigidity for superior tracking
• Nude Shibata Stylus: Advanced profile traces groove walls with microscopic precision
• High-Purity Copper Coils: Cross-shaped armature with focused-field geometry
• Samarium Cobalt Magnet: Powerful rare-earth design for exceptional dynamics
• 0.5mV Output: Low output design minimizes moving mass for superior transient response
• Delrin Body: Non-resonant polymer eliminates spurious vibrations
• 22° Tracking Angle: Optimized for minimal groove wear and maximum information retrieval

The Revelation of Proper Mono Playback

When properly implemented, mono playback through the SL MONO MK II delivers a solidity and focus that stereo can't match. The phantom center image locks dead-center with unwavering stability. Bass gains authority and definition. The midrange - where mono recordings excel - presents with stunning clarity and presence. Surface noise that plagued your mono LPs mysteriously vanishes, replaced by quiet backgrounds that rival modern pressings.

This isn't about nostalgia or vintage appeal - it's about hearing these recordings as the mastering engineers intended. Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue" mono pressing. The Beatles' "Please Please Me." Count Basie's Verve sessions. These aren't just old records anymore - they're revelations.

Technical Excellence for Discerning Systems

The 0.5mV output places the SL MONO firmly in low-output moving coil territory, requiring a capable MC phono stage or step-up transformer. This isn't a limitation but a conscious design choice - lower moving mass equals better transient response and tracking ability. The Shibata stylus profile, with its extended contact area, extracts information from groove areas other styli can't reach while spreading tracking force to reduce wear.

Professional Recognition

• The Absolute Sound: "The SL MONO MK II sets a new standard for dedicated mono cartridges under $1,000"
• Stereophile: "Essential for any serious collector of vintage mono pressings - the noise reduction alone justifies the investment"

Demo Unit Advantage

This demonstrator cartridge represents exceptional value with less than 10 hours on the stylus - barely broken in. A typical Shibata stylus lasts 1,000+ hours with proper care, meaning you're getting essentially new performance at demo pricing. Professionally handled and stored, complete with all original mounting hardware and documentation, this cartridge is indistinguishable from new except for the price.

Complete Package Includes

• Hana SL MONO MK II cartridge in perfect condition
• Original presentation box
• Mounting hardware (screws, washers, nuts)
• Stylus guard
• Specification sheet and setup instructions
• *Warranty - 2 years, provided the stylus and cantilever are intact

The Mono Investment That Pays Dividends

For serious collectors with substantial mono holdings, the SL MONO MK II isn't an indulgence - it's essential equipment that protects your investment while revealing its true value. Those original Blue Notes and Prestiges that cost hundreds or thousands deserve proper playback. This demo unit offers the full Hana experience at significant savings, letting you discover what you've been missing in your mono collection. With less than 10 hours of use and the full manufacturer's warranty, this is your opportunity to experience reference-level mono playback without the reference-level price.