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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!
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[Test Note] Check Empire 2000E/III on my setup
SONY XL-45
The SONY XL-45 sits in the upper mid range of the brand's MM lineup. Its 3 mV output suits any standard MM phono input. The Shibata stylus traces the groove at 1.0 to 2.0 g with 1.5 g nominal. The replaceable stylus is the ND-45X, and Phono Culture lists 3 compatible replacement styli.
- Class:
Upper Mid-Range
- Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D)
- 5.5 g
- Output Voltage
- 3 mV
- Frequency Response
- 10–45 000 Hz
- Channel Separation
- 30 dB
- Recommended Load
- 50–100 kΩ
- Tracking Force
- 1.0–2.0 g (nominal 1.5 g)
- Compliance Value
- 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
- Cantilever
- carbon-clad aluminum cantilever
Additional Info
The Sony XL-45 is a balanced, forgiving MM with a naturally composed presentation. Vocals sit clean and organic, detail retrieval stays confident without turning sharp on lesser pressings, and the Shibata tip keeps imaging tidy across the stereo field. The carbon-clad aluminum cantilever adds control and speed, giving rhythmic passages a stable, non-fatiguing drive. The stylus is replaceable as the ND-45X.
Replacement styluses for SONY XL-45
| JICO | ND-45X | Shibata |
| JICO | ND-45X | Super Analogue Stylus |
| Tonar | 00754SHIBA | Shibata |
Sound × Setup
Detail
72%IGD Control
65%Noise Suppression
68%Dynamics—Attack
70%Soundstage/Imaging
68%Bass Density
66%Vocals/Midrange
72%Forgiving Character
75%Tonearm mass light 57%
medium 43%·heavy 0%
Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%
100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%
Phono gain 39–42 dB 50%
35–38 dB 0%·43–46 dB 50%
SONY XL-45 (MM) compatible with light tonearms (optimal). Requires 43–46 dB gain preamp. Low capacitance design suits long cables without treble rolloff. Ideal for high-compliance systems. Verify tonearm effective mass <12g for best tracking.
Collectors
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add 01/25/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026