ADC XLM mkII Cartridge. Should I bother...

Not an easy cartridge to find any "real" info about online. 

I could always get another stylus for the 2M black, but it would also be a temporary measure until I sort out a MC cartridge. Suppose the 2M could be sold easier than the ADC. 

Thought it might be an interesting experiment also.

Have you had/heard this cartridge?

Thanks.

Thank you all for your thoughts! 

@viridian 

Can I ask which stylus you are using?

It is the non removable headshell version. However, it was been modded by original owner who upgraded the internal wires (to what, I do not know) as well as putting an ADC magnesium headshell on the arm. (Which is 1g heavier than the original...)

The cartridge was originally used in the SME 3009 II set up (along with the headshell and FD200 fluid damper - all of which I bought off Kijiji for 400 incl shipping - great deal for this I think) so I would imagine it should work well together. 

The damper does an amazing job on managing the resonance with the 2M installed on the SME. When it was used on my Clearaudio, the arm would shake like crazy around 7-8 hz. Now, there is only the slightest movement around 9hz

The arm is being used on a heavy plinth DIY Lenco L70 I built as an experiment, and it's sounding very nice indeed!

Reason for delaying getting an MC cart is I would be wanting to upgrade phono stage at the same time and seeing as a Jico stylus is a very reasonable $140, as a temporary solution, this could bridge the gap.

For those who are curious, test build on Lencoheaven:

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=36815.0

Final build:

https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=37385.0

@viridian 

Thank you for the info! I did read some were having issues with distortion with the shibata, but there are so many variables with setting up a shibata properly, I was wondering if the issue was in set up more so than stylus. 

Your explanation makes perfect sense as to why some may be having SQ issues with that particular tip.

The elliptical is almost half price to the shibata also. Which is great as I am only wanting to try this out and use as a stop gap measure.

@teo_audio   

I'll have a look. Thanks. Again, I'm just looking for a low cost bridge to get to the other side for now.

@rauliruegas 

Thanks for the link! Yeah, I've been on that site already looking at their product. They are a bit more than I want to spend for a temporary solution.

@totem395 

Well, as much as I like to go with original replacement parts, I just need a cartridge to bridge the gap until I'm in a position to upgrade cart/phono stage. Hence my desire for an inexpensive solution.

@chakster 

Thank you for the link to Garrott Bros., I was not familiar with their line of products at all.

The story of the founding brothers is tragic. And what happened after their deaths and how the company continued on is bordering on unbelievable. 

Certainly, any product produced with this level of obsessive passion should be considered. 

@teo_audio   

Went to your website, but could not find any information on the Teo cartridge?

There was some info on the CAM site, but that was all I could find.