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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
SONY XL-15 S
The SONY XL-15 S is a mass market entry level MM cartridge with a conical stylus. Its 4 mV output feeds any standard MM phono input. Rated tracking force runs from 1.2 to 2.5 g with 1.7 g nominal. The replaceable stylus is the ND-15G, and Phono Culture lists 8 compatible replacement styli.
- Class:
Entry-Level
- Mounting
- Integrated headshell
- Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D)
- 5.2 g
- Output Voltage
- 4 mV
- Frequency Response
- 10–30 000 Hz
- Channel Separation
- 25 dB
- Recommended Load
- 50 kΩ
- Tracking Force
- 1.2–2.5 g (nominal 1.7 g)
- Compliance Value
- 15 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
- Cantilever
- thermosetting treated aluminum pipe
Additional Info
The Sony XL-15 S is a forgiving, easygoing MM with a smooth, relaxed midrange rather than sharp analytical detail. Designed by Grace with a one-piece headshell body of carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, it pairs a cross magnetic circuit with a heat-treated aluminum cantilever and conical tip. Bass stays gentle and transients soft rather than punchy, pleasant for jazz, vocals and casual listening on modest systems. The stylus is replaceable, so upkeep never bites.
Replacement styluses for SONY XL-15 S
| JICO | ND-15G | Conical |
| Tonar | 731-DS | Conical |
| LP Gear | SNY031 | Conical |
| JICO | ND-15G | Super Analogue Stylus |
| JICO | ND-15G | Nude Elliptical |
| Sony | ND-25E | Nude Elliptical |
| Sony | ND-15 Jazz | Conical |
| Sony | ND-15 Classic | Nude Elliptical |
Sound × Setup
Detail
42%IGD Control
38%Noise Suppression
44%Dynamics—Attack
48%Soundstage/Imaging
45%Bass Density
46%Vocals/Midrange
52%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 XL-15 S (MM) — medium tonearm mass optimal. Requires 39–42 dB gain (standard MM preamp). Low capacitance design suits high-impedance systems. Excellent match for mid-mass arms. Verify preamp gain before installation.
Collectors
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add 01/19/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026