Hana SL or ML?

The NZ forum I subscribe to have been comparing the SL and ML, the ML wins in terms of sonics apparently. I haven’t experienced the ML in my own system though. I have an SL here and it definitely likes cartridge loading above 2k ohms to open out the soundstage. It needs quite a few hours to run in. It’s a lovely warm sounding cartridge, and VTA is critical with the shibata stylus. However in my system (Garrard 401, The Wand tonearm) the Dynavector XX2 Mk2 is quite a bit more musical and transparent. My friend prefers the ML over the SL as it takes better to lower loading impedances such as found with typical MC stepup transformers.

Thank you all!! Much appreciated sharing your thoughts!

@ndevamp  Surprised about this comment:

I have an SL here and it definitely likes cartridge loading above 2k ohms to open out the soundstage.

I run my SL smack on the recommended 400 ohm and that sounds perfectly dialed in to me.  2K would sound incredibly shrill and overly zippy in my setup.  I suspect your finding is an outlier but I'd be curious if others find loadings as high as yours work best.  What gain are you using?  61dB for me.

It’s most likely system dependent, so I’m not totally surprised you like yours set at 400 ohms. On my system 390 ohms made it sound a little clamped down, probably with better focus and more neutral overall, but I couldn’t go back from 2.2k on my SS system. It just sounds more relaxed and open. 5.6k was a little too slow for my liking though.
I’ll give 390 ohms and 1k another go and see if I still prefer 2.2k. Also my SL is still running in so my preferences might change with time!
Overall preamp gain 57db.

I agree with Three Easy Payments.  I have had both the Hana SL and the ML for about 6 months.  I've had two SL's for a good 18 months or more, and the ML for 6 months.  
I don't find that the additional $450 cost of the ML over the SL provides a notable improvement in the audio over the SL.  In a blind test comparing the two on the same turntable and system, I hear little difference, certainly not a $450 difference.  My system has 2 belt drive Rega turntables, 2 Direct Drive turntables, 4 Emotiva phono preamps, 2 restored 6L6G mono tube amps, and a pair of Frazier theater speakers.  Volume is controlled with a high quality, simple stepped control pot, home built.  I moved to the SL from a Denon 301 MKII.  This was a worthwhile move up the ladder, but moving from the SL to the ML has not provided better audio commensurate with it's added cost.  The ML is still a good sounding cartridge for the money, but I think the SL provides quality audio well above it's price point, making it the better value.