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.
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.