• 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

The ADC Astrion: The unveiling.

DaveyW said:
True!

Currently running the Astrion stylus assy in an XLM III improved

The trawl on specs I did when I first got the stylus didn't yield too much.
I got the impression the bodies were similar in terms of measurements, only the stylus was different?
Click to expand...
The internal components in the Astrion body are different from the XLM body.
The output is lower , resistance is higher, capacitance is higher and the weight is lower in the Astrion body.
I think the most important difference is that the Astrion is tuned so that the coils, and internal electronics are matched as close as possible between the channels. The frequency response graphs between the right and left channels are almost an exact match. Another difference are the low resonance materials that are only in the Astrion body and stylus grip.
 
DaveyW said:
Do you have the figures?
Click to expand...
Output: XLM = 1.1mV; Astrion = 0.9mV
Inductance: XLM = 580mH; Astrion = 580mH
Resistance: XLM = 820ohms; Astrion = 850ohms
Capacitance: XLM = 275pF; Astrion = 300pF
Weight: XLM = 5.75g; Astrion = 5.70g

I believe the XLM II, XLM III, and ZLM all have the same measurements.
 
ear4audio said:
Output: XLM = 1.1mV; Astrion = 0.9mV
Inductance: XLM = 580mH; Astrion = 580mH
Resistance: XLM = 820ohms; Astrion = 850ohms
Capacitance: XLM = 275pF; Astrion = 300pF
Weight: XLM = 5.75g; Astrion = 5.70g

I believe the XLM II, XLM III, and ZLM all have the same measurements.
Click to expand...
No they don't, the mark III is a totally different cartridge from the XLM or XLM mark II Improved. The XLM is and I'm speaking of the non improved and mark II
Inductance is 350 Mh Resistance is 625 Ohms........
 
I'll need to keep digging

The last time I looked into this it appeared as though the Astrion body was as the XLM III Improved - but not conclusive
 
DaveyW said:
The last time I looked into this it appeared as though the Astrion body was as the XLM III Improved - but not conclusive
Click to expand...
I found the user manual for the XLM III Improved. Here are the specs for the Astrion and XLM III Improved.
ADC-Specs.jpg
Differences in weight, sensitivity (output), resistance and capacitance.
 
Great Thanks! :thumbsup:

So inductance is the same with a slight difference in resistance.

Capacitance (like resistance) is essentially a recommendation for loading, but as we know this will vary based on system matching and personal taste.
Different cantilever/stylus specs will have an influence on this too.

Weight is likely to be mostly down to the different materials and possibly potting?

Output is an interesting one.

This will be slightly influenced by the small difference in resistance, but will also be down to the stylus assembly.
The length of cantilever either side of the fulcrum has a significant impact on this, as will the size/location of the iron piece.

So agreed they are different - how much of this will influence the overall performance is the question?

I'd personally expect it to be quite subtle, but these posts have sparked continued interest to confirm first hand.

Still keeping my eyes peeled for an Astrion body to verify.
 
Excellent insight into this cartridge... You know your stuff. I remember being a young lad and my father brought this home I do remember looking at it back in the 80’s in his office and just recently found it again. What is the value of these today debating keeping but also considering parting with to have someone appreciate it more so than I keeping it on a shelf. It is New Old Stock missing but I’m sure I could find it is the extra brush kit and warranty paper.
 
Ravell said:
What is the value of these today debating keeping but also considering parting with to have someone appreciate it more so than I keeping it on a shelf. It is New Old Stock missing but I’m sure I could find it is the extra brush kit and warranty paper.
Click to expand...
I would post this question in the Audio Marketplace forum under "Dollars and Sense".
 
needlestein said:
I've got an Astrion, but I haven't opened it yet. It came from unpackaged NOS stock, so I didn't get the blue velvet bag, crystal case, printout, etc. I'll open it one of these days, though. Just not sure if my arm is really right for it. I'm sort of expecting it to be the holiest grail thing I've ever heard, so I'm actually probably kind of avoiding setting it up.
Click to expand...
I was able to acquire a nice used stylus from a member here and I wasn't blown away by it per say but I was happy with the sound I liked it better that my superXLM witha NOS stylus. But in all fairness to the Super I didn't try it at 100,000 ohms which I probably should one of these days.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom