ADC Cartridge Info

[Geoff101]

Evening,

I've recently acquired a couple of ADC cartridges. I don't know anything about them, so can anyone enlighten me if either of the below are worth setting up for a listen.

The first one came to me with an aftermarket stylus with 'K8' on it. The pictured one is a Pfanstiel I think, bought cheaply from the states to see if the cart works (it does).

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/adc1.JPG

The second I haven't tried yet. Has a rather well used looking original stylus. Mounted on a matching ADC headshell.

http://www.g32.co.uk/images/adc2.JPG

If either are worth it, anyone know a source of a decent stylus?

Thanks

[Barry]

This might be of interest: http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=22953

Replacement stylii available from: http://www.stylusplus.co.uk/stylus-for-adc-qlm-34-cartridge-3720-p.asp.

[Geoff101]

Found a proper RS IV stylus from LP Gear in the states. Be interesting to see what it sounds like.

[Arkless Electronics]

I never liked them myself but vaguely remember the K8 being a cheapy OEM number a NAD link may be present (or not!)

[walpurgis]

I have no experience of the ADCs you have, but I do have a small collection of classic vintage ADC carts.

In my system, they sound lovely. I tried the ADC 26 again recently and was blown away with how good it sounded. Different, but not noticeably inferior to my rather pricey ZYX MC. I have the 10E Mk.II and 10E Mk.IV models as well. Two of each. They sound great too. A low mass arm is better with these and critically necessary with the 26. In my experience, they are best non MC carts this side of a Decca. Yes. I've tried ATs, Nagaokas, Goldrings, Stantons, Shures and so many more. Do have a fondness for Grados though. But there's something special about good ADCs. The XLM III is worth tracking down too. Rare with an original stylus though.

[Arkless Electronics]

After sifting the little grey cells I think the K8 was a cheap but very old model and the NAD connection ones had "NAD" where it normally says ADC.... I think I've got an unused K8 somewhere....

[Geoff101]

Thanks. Yes, read somewhere else that the K8 was the cheapy conical stylus.
I'll try the Series IV on my SME III when it arrives which should hopefully suit.

[Geoff101]

The Phase Series IV stylus arrived from LP Gear today.

Fitted and setup and I have to say I'm quite impressed. Easily a match for my V15 II (which is fitted with a cheap EVG stylus). Probably a good bit nicer in fact. A bit of running in to do now.