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Project one DR-IIA stylus

S

SkoolieSix

New Member
Hey guys I have a question for you turntable experts. I am currently running an ADC QLM MARK III stylus and was wondering if it’s of any quality? The turntable is a Project one DR-IIA or in other words I believe a Sanyo TP-625. It sounds good to me but was wondering if I can upgrade the stylus/cartridge for any sound improvement without breaking the bank account.
 
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I haven't experienced the ADC QLM III myself but looking at the specs (and price) on the Thakker site, it looks a very modest cartridge with a fat bonded elliptical stylus.

https://www.thakker.eu/en/pickup/adc-qlm-32-mkiii-cartridge/a-4896/

The quoted compliance is very high, which makes me think it's not well-suited to the (probably) medium-to-heavy arm of your turntable, which needs a stylus of lower compliance.

I would move on from it, if I were you. You don't give a budget but I suggest you look at the Audio Technica AT-VM95 range, but at no less than the AT-VM95E - this another cartridge with bonded elliptical stylus but there are more exotic styli higher up the range (and you can upgrade the cartridge by replacing the stylus at a later date).
 
Crab33 said:
I haven't experienced the ADC QLM III myself but looking at the specs (and price) on the Thakker site, it looks a very modest cartridge with a fat bonded elliptical stylus.

https://www.thakker.eu/en/pickup/adc-qlm-32-mkiii-cartridge/a-4896/

The quoted compliance is very high, which makes me think it's not well-suited to the (probably) medium-to-heavy arm of your turntable, which needs a stylus of lower compliance.

I would move on from it, if I were you. You don't give a budget but I suggest you look at the Audio Technica AT-VM95 range, but at no less than the AT-VM95E - this another cartridge with bonded elliptical stylus but there are more exotic styli higher up the range (and you can upgrade the cartridge by replacing the stylus at a later date).
Click to expand...
I appreciate your input and thank you. Can I ask what compliance means? And how much improvement in sound quality do you think I’ll hear?
 
SkoolieSix said:
I appreciate your input and thank you. Can I ask what compliance means? And how much improvement in sound quality do you think I’ll hear?
Click to expand...
Compliance is a measure of how soft the stylus suspension is. A soft suspension (high compliance) should be used with a light/low-mass arm and a stiff suspension (low compliance) should be used with a heavy/high-mass arm. And there is medium-compliance in-between.

It's difficult to say how much of an improvement in sound quality to you will hear. Like speakers, cartridges have their own character and are a personal choice. The AT-VM95E is a very well-liked budget cartridge and a fairly safe first move. As you move up the stylus ladder to more exotic types, the sound should become more detailed, cleaner and more refined.
 
Crab33 said:
Compliance is a measure of how soft the stylus suspension is. A soft suspension (high compliance) should be used with a light/low-mass arm and a stiff suspension (low compliance) should be used with a heavy/high-mass arm. And there is medium-compliance in-between.

It's difficult to say how much of an improvement in sound quality to you will hear. Like speakers, cartridges have their own character and are a personal choice. The AT-VM95E is a very well-liked budget cartridge and a fairly safe first move. As you move up the stylus ladder to more exotic types, the sound should become more detailed, cleaner and more refined.
Click to expand...
Just ordered up an Audio Technica AM-95EN. When I receive it and mount it properly I’ll let you know. Thanks again.
 
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