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SONY XL-44L

The SONY XL-44L sits in the upper mid range among the brand's low output MC cartridges. Its 0.3 mV output requires a dedicated MC phono input or a step up transformer. The hyperelliptical stylus tracks from 1.2 to 1.8 g with 1.5 g nominal. The stylus is integrated, so a worn diamond goes out for retipping.

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Stylus: Integrated
Type: MC
Stylus Shape: Hyperelliptical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.3 × 0.8 mil (≈7.6 × 20.3 µm) ]
Class: Upper Mid-Range

Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D): 6.2 g
Output Voltage: 0.3 mV
Frequency Response: 10–40 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 27 dB
Channel Balance: ≤ 1 dB
Recommended Load: 100 Ω
Tracking Force: 1.2–1.8 g (nominal 1.5 g)
Compliance Value: dynamic 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
Cantilever: tapered heat-cured aluminum alloy

Additional Info

The SONY XL-44L presents a refined, resolving character where the hyperelliptical tip and treated alloy cantilever extract fine detail and natural vocal texture without turning harsh. Imaging stays precise and stable across the soundstage, bass anchors the mix without crowding it, and dynamics feel lively rather than compressed. Jazz, chamber and well-recorded rock reward it most. The stylus is integrated, and only a retip restores a worn diamond.

Sound × Setup

Detail

78%

IGD Control

72%

Noise Suppression

75%

Dynamics—Attack

74%

Soundstage/Imaging

76%

Bass Density

71%

Vocals/Midrange

77%

Forgiving Character

68%

Tonearm mass light 67%

medium 33%·heavy 0%

Impedance (load) low 60%

medium 30%·high 10%

Phono gain 61–66 dB 75%

55–60 dB 25%·67–72 dB 0%

SONY XL-44L (MC): динамическая компливанс 20×10⁻⁶ см/дин и вес 6.2 г ориентируют картридж на лёгкий тонарм — резонансная частота остаётся оптимальной (9.4–8.3 Гц) при эффективной массе 8–12 г, приемлема и при 18 г (7.2 Гц). Фонокорректор нужен MC-входа с рекомендуемой нагрузкой 100 Ω и усилением 61–66 dB, что соответствует низкому выходу 0.3 мВ алюминиевого конического кантилевера.

Collectors

add 01/08/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026