EMT TSD 15 SFL

Second-hand. In excellent conditions. No visible signs of wear. Comes with original packaging.

The EMT TSD 15 SFL cartridge is one of the most well-known variants produced by the historic German company EMT (Elektro-Mess-Technik). This phono cartridge was originally designed for professional use, particularly with EMT turntables equipped with quick-connect tonearms, which were common in European broadcast environments during the 1960s and 1970s. Its compact and solid body integrates directly with the EMT headshell system, allowing for a stable fit and direct connection without the need for screws or additional mounting hardware.

The acronym SFL refers to a specific stylus type: Super Fine Line. This stylus shape enables highly accurate groove tracking, minimizing wear and improving performance, especially toward the inner grooves of a record, where tracking becomes more demanding. This stylus design was developed to provide a faithful sound reproduction and consistent tonal balance across the entire surface of the vinyl.

Electrically, the TSD 15 SFL is a low-output moving coil (MC) cartridge. As such, it requires a suitable phono preamplifier or step-up transformer, but offers a clean signal and good dynamic range in return.

Overall, the TSD 15 SFL is a well-balanced combination of technical precision, structural integrity, and consistent sonic performance.

Technical specifications:

• Stylus type: SFL (Super Fine Line)
• Cantilever: Aluminum
• Transducer type: Stereo moving coil (MC)
• Connection: EMT standard
• Vertical tracking angle: 23°
• Weight: 17.5 grams
• Recommended tracking force: 2.5 grams
• Output level: 0.21 mV per cm/s
• Compliance: 12 µm/mN
• Frequency response: 20 to 25,000 Hz
• Internal impedance: 2 x 24 ohms