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SONY VL 5

The SONY VL 5 works as an entry level MM cartridge fitted with a conical stylus profile. Its output of 3.5 mV suits any standard MM phono input without extra gain stages. Tracking force follows the spec range of 1.5 to 2.5 g with a nominal setting of 2.0 g. The replaceable stylus carries the designation ND-5G, and Phono Culture lists one compatible replacement stylus for this model.

Home Brand

Stylus: ND-5G
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Conical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.6 mil (≈15.2 µm) ]
Class: Entry-Level

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D): 5 g
Output Voltage: 3.5 mV
Frequency Response: 10–20 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 20 dB
Recommended Load: 47–100 kΩ
Tracking Force: 1.5–2.5 g (nominal 2.0 g)

Additional Info

The SONY VL 5 leans forgiving and easygoing rather than analytical. Mids come through with a natural, unstrained vocal presence, while treble and bass stay modest and rounded, smoothing over rough recordings and worn vinyl. Stereo imaging keeps gentle rather than pinpoint, which fits relaxed long sessions on modest systems. The stylus is replaceable, so wear never becomes a problem.

Replacement styluses for SONY VL 5

Sony

ND-7E

Elliptical

Sound × Setup

Detail

42%

IGD Control

38%

Noise Suppression

44%

Dynamics—Attack

48%

Soundstage/Imaging

45%

Bass Density

46%

Vocals/Midrange

50%

Forgiving Character

72%

Tonearm mass medium 46%

light 31%·heavy 23%

Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%

100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%

Phono gain 39–42 dB 60%

35–38 dB 20%·43–46 dB 20%

SONY VL5 (ММ, вес 5 г, выход 3.5 мВ) хорошо сочетается со среднемассными тонармами — резонанс в паре 8–18 г остаётся в норме (8.6–11.4 Гц). Фонокорректор нужен с усилением 39–42 дБ и низкой ёмкостью кабеля, нагрузка 47–100 кОм. Податливость не указана — расчёт по типовому значению 15 µm/mN для ММ, точность оценки средняя.

Collectors

add 01/08/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026