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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
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add 01/19/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026