XL-55

About the XL-55

The Sony XL-55 is a moving coil cartridge featuring a newly developed non-iron core circular armature and a unique figure-8 shaped generator coil that provides high magnetic flux density. It uses a round-shaped armature with an empty core for ideal electrical and mechanical vibration. The cantilever is made of a carbon-clad material with a three-layer structure combining special light alloy for high rigidity and low Q factor. It has a tension wire and flat armature to clarify the vibration support point. The magnetic circuit uses a rare-earth magnet and ring-like air gap, resulting in a sensitivity of 0.2 mV, making it easy to handle despite the air core design. The needle is an elliptical solid diamond type with dimensions 0.3 x 0.8 mil. The cartridge has a frequency response from 10 Hz to 50 kHz, channel separation of 30 dB or more at 1 kHz, and an output voltage of 0.2 mV at 1 kHz. It requires a tracking force of 1.0 to 2.2 grams, with an optimal pressure of 1.7 grams. The cartridge weighs 10 grams and was originally