• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

ADC XLM Cartridge

Bhudda

Bhudda

New Member
Hi AK.

Wondering if I can get some help and advice.

I have a Gold ADC XLM IMPROVED cartridge. I need a new stylus. I bought an QLM 32 IMPROVED, which seems to work ok.

Questions:

Is the QLM 32 ok to use?

Is there a better aftermarket option?

What's the difference between QLM 30 AND 32

What other stylus options do I have. (I'd like to afford an original, or top elliptical.....but haven't got the spare cash) Any suggestions?

Thanks for any advice in advance.
 
Register to hide this ad
If we confine the discussion to styli actually made by ADC, I've never seen evidence of a QLM 32 Improved. Is yours an aftermarket/generic? I'm going to assume your cartridge body has a sticker on top that includes the word IMPROVED. That's fortunate, because finding styli for earlier XLM bodies has proven difficult at best. As it is, you have several options which range from good aftermarket styli that are downright cheap to good originals that may not be getting cheaper but are at least still available and affordable.

To answer your question, an ADC-made QLM 30 or 32 stylus (basically the same, but the 30 had a conical diamond and the 32 was ADC's cheapest elliptical) was designed to work best in a body that's different electrically from your Improved XLM body. The 32's high treble rolls off, though the output level increases, when put in your cartridge. Now, if you like the sound you're getting, I say go with it. Tracking ability on tough '80s rock LPs won't be the greatest, but the overall sound will be pleasant.

If you want more refinement, lower tracking forces (assuming your tonearm is up to tracking at around a gram) and a more balanced response from bass to treble, you might want to try the $17 (shipped) 4108-DET [UPDATE: no longer made in Japan] from Gary at thevoiceofmusic.com ("tVOM"). At least a few of us have this stylus, have compared it to the original ADC-made styli we own, and find it surprisingly good for the money. A step up for not much more $ is the 4111-DEM [UPDATE: out of stock]

The least expensive originals I'm aware of which will deliver the sound they were designed for in your cartridge will cost in the $40 to $50 range. Let us know what your budget is. That will keep us from suggesting you seek out an original ZLM Improved, which will work perfectly in your cartridge but won't be anything resembling "available and affordable".
 
Last edited:
Thank you. This is the information I was after. Appreciate you taking the time to answer. Cheers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom