(Heads up) ADC RZL stylus. Ebay on the cheap .

[Garretts91]

Came across this listing on ebay, figured I'd share it with the other ADC fans here. Seller "rivertone.stylus" has listed a few 491LM (RZL) stylus for sale.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-ADC-491LM-Nude-Diamond-Needle-Rare-New-Condition-never-used/293991997732?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I asked about the model number an apparently they are a private label (adc made) RZL stylus. This is the response I got.

"ADC made some private labeling just as Empire, and other manufacturers did. This is actually an RZL with the tapered cantilever and Shibata nude diamond. Green bushing, and the large magnet that ADC used. All original with no rust or corrosion. Comes with a corrosion inhibitor cushion. (for long storage)"

Steve said from time to time he lists them at a low price.

Seems like a very reputable seller and the price is right, figured I'd let the group know. Unbelievable deal for an ADC Shibata, I ordered two.

It'd be fun to get a discussion going of members that bought one.

 

[Gretsch6120]

Do we know for a fact that these are Shibatas?? Another AK member, who seems very knowledgable, told me the 491LM has a 0.3 x 0.7 mil nude elliptical stone. If this is correct then that, along with the tapered cantilever, would make it the equivalent of the VLM Mk. III.

 

[Garretts91]

Do we know for a fact that these are Shibatas?? Another AK member, who seems very knowledgable, told me the 491LM has a 0.3 x 0.7 mil nude elliptical stone. This, along with the tapered cantilever would make it the equivalent of the VLM Mk. III.

Other than the fact that he told me so, no. Even if it is a NOS "RSX" type elliptical, isn't it worth the price? At the very least, its a nude mount. Hopefully Wualta or Wolfie62 can chime in. They're always helpful.

 

[Gretsch6120]

I was told that the only two that had the tapered cantilever AND nude stones were the RZL for the Super XLM-II (Shibata) and the later version of the RVL for the VLM Mk III (elliptical). Even if it is the RVL-III it's a pretty good deal. Of course, if it is a Shibata then it is a killer deal.

 

[Garretts91]

Funny you mention the Super XLM-II. That was my guess as to what the 491lm is equivalent to. I may be wrong. Seems only a few styli bodies used the green suspension, The later "improved" included. So it could be a later VLM. None of that really gets us anywhere though. There is almost nothing about this specific stylus to read about that I can find.

When mine come in I'll be sure to snap some pictures.

 

[Garretts91]

They came today and look pretty sweet. I've yet to play one yet, just took pictures as close as I could. Honestly, I don't have enough experience looking at styli to decide whether the diamond tip is an elliptical or shibata. The tip does have a bit of a different shape than any elliptical I've ever seen. They are definitely nude. Take a look, let me know.

Thanks!

 

[totem]

Don't rule out as a possibility a Diasa eliptical stylus and green suspension.

 

[Garretts91]

Don't rule out as a possibility a Diasa eliptical stylus and green suspension.

I wish I could get better pictures. I use a magnifying glass in front of my phone camera, ha.

I'm not sure I fully understand the "diasa" mount. Correct me if I'm wrong, the stylus wouldn't be "bonded" like other ADC stylus I have which have a distinct metal base under the diamond. A diasa diamond would be fused to sapphire? Wouldn't it be very difficult to tell?

I mounted one, listening to some Blind Faith. Sound is much better than the QLM36 stylus I was using on my XLM Mk3.

I can try to get better pictures if anyone is interested but I've already maxed out my phone zoom so unfortunately, don't expect much better.