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v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026
Damn it, I tried, but mistakes happen. Check if you don't want to fall into a trap!
cartz@phonoculture.com
Damn it, I tried, but mistakes happen. Check if you don't want to fall into a trap!
cartz@phonoculture.com
Hi!
Let me explain why you need notes. Just click on me
[Test Note] Check Empire 2000E/III on my setup
EMT XSD 15
The EMT XSD 15 belongs to the German marque's studio classics at the high end. Its conical stylus runs at a rated tracking force of 2.5 g. The rated output figure has not survived in open sources, so phono stage matching deserves a check against documentation. The stylus is integrated, so a worn diamond means a retip.
- Class:
High-End
- Mounting
- SME standard
- Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D)
- 21 g
- Frequency Response
- 20–25 000 Hz
- Recommended Load
- 200–300 Ω
- Tracking Force
- 2.5 g (nominal 2.5 g)
- VTA
- 23°
- Compliance Value
- 12 µm/mN
- Cantilever
- aluminum cantilever
Additional Info
The EMT XSD 15 carries the house studio signature, anchoring a stable, well-focused soundstage with dense low end and true vocal timbre. Sphere-tip tracing favors relaxed, musical playback over surgical resolution, ideal for jazz, vocals and orchestral work on warm-to-neutral systems. The line also existed in SPH and SFL variants. With an aluminum cantilever and integrated stylus, wear means retip only.
Sound × Setup
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Collectors
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add 02/08/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026