Audio Dynamics ADC 220XE vs the ADC QLM

[Kico]

Audio Dynamics ADC 220XE vs the ADC QLM series

How does the sound quality compare to the QLM series of carts (I know the QLM is greatly dependent on the stylus used) I have an ADC-220XE, but it needs a stylus and thought I'd seek some opinion/advice before ordering one...maybe the cart is not worth the the time or $.

Maybe Walt, our resident ADC expert will chime in too.

Thanks everyone and "HAPPY NEW YEAR" to all!

 

[wualta]

I've often said that in my opinion the best strategy when buying old stuff is to get the top-of-the-line old stuff. Get the best they could make, because that's the stuff that will best survive the perilous trip into the future. It won't find itself instantly obsolete and outclassed when it arrives in your collection.

The lower-level ivory/beige "Basic Bricks" were great for their time-- they were the QLMs of 1969/1970-- but they can't handle the most strenuous discs from the late '70s and '80s. The futureproof Bricks were the higher-inductance 10E Mk IV and the even-higher-inductance Model 25/26 twins. The older 10E Mk II is surprisingly good too. But the 220XE's upgrade path is short; you'll find it much easier to get high-performance styli for the QLM.

But don't let that discourage you from trying a Basic Brick stylus (Pfanstiehl 104-DE). It's a great design, pioneering some of the features (like electrodynamic cantilever damping) that were promoted more loudly on the XLM, which came just after the 10E Mk IV. It will sound very nice on older discs and many, maybe most, of your newer ones.

You'll also notice similarities between the 220XE and the current line of Nagaokas. Also interesting to compare them to the Azden-made ADC PSX series of p-mounts.