Hana E Series MKII Moving Coil Cartridge

Hana EL MK II Is the Low-Output E Series Moving Coil

The Hana EL MK II is the low-output model in Hana's E Series MK II. Hana cartridges are made by Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan, where skilled artisans handcraft every model.

It keeps the classic Alnico magnet that Hana says gives its cartridges their rich musicality. A synthetic elliptical stylus sits on an aluminum cantilever, and output is 0.4mV.

A Brass Cap and Threaded Mounting from the M Series

The updated body comes from Hana's M Series. Its brass cap adds mass, which Hana says improves vibration control. Threaded mounting makes tonearm installation easier.

An 8-Ohm Coil Made for MC Phono Stages

The EL MK II uses an updated coil winding with 8-ohm impedance. Hana says this creates a more ideal interface with moving coil phono stages.

Cryogenic Treatment and an Elastomeric Finish

Critical generator parts and the output pins are cryogenically treated, as across the whole Hana range. Hana says this enhances conductivity and signal purity. The body is finished with an elastomeric coating for better resonance control.

What It Needs in Your System

The EL MK II is a low-output moving coil cartridge. It needs a phono stage with a moving coil (MC) input, or a step-up transformer ahead of a moving magnet input. Hana suggests a load impedance above 80 ohms.

It is not a match for a phono stage with only a moving magnet input and no step-up. For that, Hana makes the high-output EH MK II. The EL MK II weighs 8.6g and tracks at 2g, so check that your tonearm can balance it.

Who Is This Phono Cartridge Best For?

• You want a handmade Japanese moving coil — Hana's artisans in Yokohama handcraft every model
• Your phono stage has an MC input — Hana designed the 8-ohm coil for a better match with MC stages
• You want a rich, musical sound — Hana credits its classic Alnico magnet for its musicality
• You want simpler setup — threaded mounting makes fitting it to your tonearm easier
• Your phono stage only has an MM input — choose a high-output cartridge, such as Hana's EH MK II, unless you add a step-up transformer

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Mount the cartridge to your tonearm's headshell. Connect the four tonearm leads to the matching pins, following your tonearm's markings. Set the tracking force to 2g, then align the cartridge.

Plug the tonearm cable into your phono stage's MC input. Set the load above 80 ohms, as Hana suggests. Then play a record you know well.

This listing is the low-output EL MK II.

Pairs Well With

A cartridge starts your vinyl chain. These are the categories it works with.

• Phono Preamplifiers — look for one with a moving coil input
• Turntables — the deck and tonearm the cartridge mounts to
• Turntable Accessories — tools for setting tracking force and alignment
• Integrated Amplifiers — some include a phono stage; check for an MC input

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EL MK II low or high output?

Low output. Hana rates it at 0.4mV. The EH MK II is the high-output model in the same series, at 2mV.

What tracking force and load should I use?

Hana specifies a 2g tracking force and a load impedance above 80 ohms.

Should I use a cartridge demagnetizer?

No. Musical Surroundings, Hana's US distributor, does not recommend using a cartridge demagnetizer with Hana moving coil cartridges.

What warranty does Hana give?

Hana lists a 2-year warranty for the EL MK II. Warranty requests go through the authorized dealer who sold you the cartridge.

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