2. analog
  3. 195419-87151

ADC moving-iron cartridge has "low" output

I have two identical ADC gold-body XLM-III carts from the late 70s. I purch'd them used, as part of two turntables that were each purchased from different parts of the US. Each cart has a different model of stylus (XLM-III and QLN-2) , and styluses can be interchanged. 

The MI series from ADC should output 5.5mV, which I have not measured. However, BOTH these carts are challenged wrt output volume. Not only do I have to crank up the vol. more than 1/3 above other carts, but  the sonics are a bit "small" and not "full bodied". It might be due to weakening permanent magnetism -- these are both getting close to 50 yrs old .

The perm. magnet in ADC moving iron series is mounted in the removable stylus, just above the stylus/cantilever assemble. 

Not sure what else the low volume may be due to??? These are my my only MI carts in my collection. Anyone know more?

hollowman

Showing 1 response by secretguy

secretguy
1,863 posts
 

One of my all time favorites. I've had several over the years. Output should be adequate.

Interestingly, the "updated" models, while still excellent, were not as good as the original. ADC kept reducing compliance because few tonearms had low enough mass and ended up ruining the cartridges.

I still have one.

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