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Overview Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box S3 Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box S3 Hana SH MKII Moving Coil Cartridge Hana SH MKII Moving Coil Cartridge Tonar 6259DS Sanyo ST-09D Stylus Tonar 6259DS Sanyo ST-09D Stylus
Summary

The output level of MC cartridges is very low, compared to a MM (Moving Magnet) one it is about 10x lower, which means, you need a special phono amplifier. A higher gain is needed to utilize the signals, which can result in a higher noise level and distortion. The MC Step-Up Box S3 is the solution.

Key Features:

  • Sound upgrade for your MC cartridge
  • Fully passive signal path without power supply
  • Superior sound quality
  • 1:16 transformer ratio
  • Transformer with mu metal shielding
  • Input impedance matching 10 or 100 Ohms
  • Dual mono design principle
  • Highest channel separation
  • Gold-plated RCA terminals
  • Solid aluminium casing protects against interference
  • Available in silver or black

The heavier S Series Mk II offers better tone-arm coupling, with expanded compatibility to a wider range of tone-arms.

The high output SH MK II MC cartridge has upgrades to enhance both the musical performance, and also to offer greater value at the S Series price point. Featuring a new tapered aluminium cantilever with increased rigidity, it significantly improves the transfer of groove modulation from vinyl to the cartridge generator. The S Series Mk II is equipped with higher-quality components, advanced materials, and innovative technical processes drawn from Hana's more premium elite cartridge models, enhancing the brand's signature "brilliant and gorgeous" sound.

Key Features - New MKII: 

  • A new tapered aluminium cantilever with increased rigidity and effective mass reduction at the nude diamond Shibata stylus tip. 
  • Non-resonant body shape, modelled after the Hana M series.
  • Damped with a matte soft feel black elastomeric resin paint.
  • Brass top to body for resonance reduction.
  • Internally threaded cartridge mounting. 

Key components like the yoke, pole pieces, and gold terminal pins undergo cryogenic treatment to achieve a more natural audio experience. The redesigned non-resonant body, inspired by the Hana M Series, is coated with a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin and equipped with a brass top cap and integrated threaded cartridge mounting. The heavier Mk II offers better coupling, leading to improved bass and overall dynamics, along with expanded compatibility with a wider variety of tonearms.

The SL MK II generator, found in the Umami Blue and ML models, incorporates an Alnico magnet and cross-coil design. It utilises high-purity 30-micron copper wire with an 8Ω impedance, resulting in enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and reduced moving mass. These refined design elements provide greater resolution and precision, optimising performance across a broader range of phono stages.

Tonar 6259DS replacement stylus for Sanyo MG 09.

This is a Sanyo ST-09D stylus copy.

ReferencePJAASTEPUPBOXS3HANA-SH-MKII6259-DS
Specifications
Phono Preamplifier Specifications:
Audio Inputs1x pair RCA phono sockets
Audio Outputs1x pair RCA phono sockets
GainAt 10-40 Ohm: 21dB at 1kHz
at 40-150 Ohm: 24dB at 1kHz
Frequency range10Hz - 55kHz: +/- 1dB
Recommended Load47 kOhm / 100pF
Weight940g
Dimensions (HxWxD)65 x 206 x 153mm (164mm with sockets)
Price
£399.00
£699.00
£20.00
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Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box S3 Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box S3 Summary

The output level of MC cartridges is very low, compared to a MM (Moving Magnet) one it is about 10x lower, which means, you need a special phono amplifier. A higher gain is needed to utilize the signals, which can result in a higher noise level and distortion. The MC Step-Up Box S3 is the solution.

Key Features:

  • Sound upgrade for your MC cartridge
  • Fully passive signal path without power supply
  • Superior sound quality
  • 1:16 transformer ratio
  • Transformer with mu metal shielding
  • Input impedance matching 10 or 100 Ohms
  • Dual mono design principle
  • Highest channel separation
  • Gold-plated RCA terminals
  • Solid aluminium casing protects against interference
  • Available in silver or black
PJAASTEPUPBOXS3 Specifications
Phono Preamplifier Specifications:
Audio Inputs1x pair RCA phono sockets
Audio Outputs1x pair RCA phono sockets
GainAt 10-40 Ohm: 21dB at 1kHz
at 40-150 Ohm: 24dB at 1kHz
Frequency range10Hz - 55kHz: +/- 1dB
Recommended Load47 kOhm / 100pF
Weight940g
Dimensions (HxWxD)65 x 206 x 153mm (164mm with sockets)
£399.00
Hana SH MKII Moving Coil Cartridge Hana SH MKII Moving Coil Cartridge Summary

The heavier S Series Mk II offers better tone-arm coupling, with expanded compatibility to a wider range of tone-arms.

The high output SH MK II MC cartridge has upgrades to enhance both the musical performance, and also to offer greater value at the S Series price point. Featuring a new tapered aluminium cantilever with increased rigidity, it significantly improves the transfer of groove modulation from vinyl to the cartridge generator. The S Series Mk II is equipped with higher-quality components, advanced materials, and innovative technical processes drawn from Hana's more premium elite cartridge models, enhancing the brand's signature "brilliant and gorgeous" sound.

Key Features - New MKII: 

  • A new tapered aluminium cantilever with increased rigidity and effective mass reduction at the nude diamond Shibata stylus tip. 
  • Non-resonant body shape, modelled after the Hana M series.
  • Damped with a matte soft feel black elastomeric resin paint.
  • Brass top to body for resonance reduction.
  • Internally threaded cartridge mounting. 

Key components like the yoke, pole pieces, and gold terminal pins undergo cryogenic treatment to achieve a more natural audio experience. The redesigned non-resonant body, inspired by the Hana M Series, is coated with a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin and equipped with a brass top cap and integrated threaded cartridge mounting. The heavier Mk II offers better coupling, leading to improved bass and overall dynamics, along with expanded compatibility with a wider variety of tonearms.

The SL MK II generator, found in the Umami Blue and ML models, incorporates an Alnico magnet and cross-coil design. It utilises high-purity 30-micron copper wire with an 8Ω impedance, resulting in enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and reduced moving mass. These refined design elements provide greater resolution and precision, optimising performance across a broader range of phono stages.

HANA-SH-MKII
£699.00
Tonar 6259DS Sanyo ST-09D Stylus Tonar 6259DS Sanyo ST-09D Stylus Summary

Tonar 6259DS replacement stylus for Sanyo MG 09.

This is a Sanyo ST-09D stylus copy.

6259-DS
£20.00