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SONY XL 15

The SONY XL 15 is a mid-range MM cartridge fitted with a conical stylus profile. Its 4 mV output feeds any standard MM phono input without extra gain or a step-up device. Tracking force follows the specification range of 1.2 to 2.5 g with a nominal setting of 1.7 g. The replaceable stylus carries the designation ND-15G, and Phono Culture lists two compatible replacement styli for this model.

Home Brand

Stylus: ND-15G
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Conical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.6 (≈15.2 µm) ]
Class: Mid-Range

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D): 5.2 g · 17.2 × 17.0 × 30.5 mm
Output Voltage: 4 mV
Frequency Response: 10–30 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 25 dB
Channel Balance: ≤ 1.5 dB
Recommended Load: 50–100 кΩ
Tracking Force: 1.5–2.5 g (nominal 2.0 g)
Compliance Value: dynamic 6.5 µm/mN @ 100 Hz; static 20 µm/mN
Cantilever: aluminum
Documents: instruction for Use [pdf]

Additional Info

The SONY XL 15 is a forgiving MM cartridge with a replaceable ND-15G conical stylus. Vocals come across warm and natural, backed by a fairly dense low end that gives bass lines real body. Dynamics stay lively enough for rock and pop, while instrument separation stays modest, so busy mixes can feel slightly congested. It suits relaxed, non-fatiguing listening on budget and mid-range systems.

Replacement styluses for SONY XL 15

JICO	ND-15G	Elliptical
Tonar	ND-15G	Conical

Sound × Setup

Detail

62%

IGD Control

54%

Noise Suppression

60%

Dynamics—Attack

65%

Soundstage/Imaging

58%

Bass Density

68%

Vocals/Midrange

72%

Forgiving Character

78%

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 XL 15 (ММ, выход 4 мВ, вес 5.2 г, комплаенс 15×10⁻⁶ см/дин) оптимально сочетается с тонармом среднего типа — резонансная частота остаётся в норме (8.5–11.3 Гц) на массах 8–18 г. Фонокорректор с входным сопротивлением 50–100 кΩ, низкой ёмкостью кабеля и усилением 39–42 дБ обеспечит наилучшее согласование по чувствительности и АЧХ.

Collectors

add 11/12/2025 · upd. 08/02/2026