Garth Leerer-san at Musical Surroundings / HANA USA distributor has forwarded us this excellent first review article on HANA-SL MKII by Ken Redmond-san in “Tracking Angle” Internet magazine ( Sep.26. 2024) in USA, for your further ongoing powerful reference.

→https://trackingangle.com/equipment/hana-sl-mk-ii-cartridge

Following is its Conclusion part copy.

Conclusion

Designer Masao Okada-san and the Excel design team's efforts have paid off, with a significantly improved cartridge in the SL MK II. The $100.00 increase is a bargain compared to the magnitude of the improvement in sound.

When it is time to replace their cartridges, current SL owners will enjoy a significant upgrade in sound, and first-time buyers will be treated to exceptional musical value in the new SL MK II.

In a time when "shrinkflation" has become common and customers are conditioned to get less and pay more, the Hana SL Mk II moves the needle (no pun intended) in the other direction by dialing up a considerable performance increase for a modest price increase.

While the original Hana SL was an adequate music purveyor, by comparison, the new Hana SL MK II is a quantum leap in performance in every aspect of sound.

This is a no-brainer recommendation for your consideration in this price range.

Hana SL MK II $850.00