ADC 670 Proscope Dual Head Stethoscope

Name: ADC 670
Brand: ADC

At 3 ounces, it sits on the shoulder without much notice. Light enough for a full round.

Overview

The ADC 670 Proscope Dual Head Stethoscope is a general-exam scope made for institutional use. Reliability, comfort and low cost came first. American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) built it plain: lightweight aluminum construction, a dual-head chestpiece for different patient types, and materials chosen to meet modern clinical standards. It is the scope you find clipped to the pocket of a nursing student, an EMT, or a clinic physician who wants dependable performance without a premium price. Communications-Technology (April 1988, p.85) noted early interest in durable, lightweight medical tools designed for practical field use, a trend the 670 fits.

The chestpiece is a combination type. One side is a diaphragm, the other a bell. The clinician switches between high- and low-frequency listening by changing pressure. It works on adult, pediatric and infant patients. At 3 ounces (85.6g) it is far lighter than many all-metal scopes, which eases neck strain on long shifts. The whole unit is aluminum alloy, which keeps the weight down and keeps it stiff. It lacks the heft and acoustic complexity of high-end models. What it offers is consistent, no-surprise performance in high-use settings.

ADC sells the 670 as part of its Proscope line, in the entry-to-mid tier. The 660 series is diaphragm-only. The 670 series adds the dual head, so it is a step up in clinical use. It is not a collector's item. There are no limited runs, and it is a current-production tool. Its price has moved around, though. It was originally $7.99 and now lists at $50.01 for new units (CME Corp). Past retail prices ran around $20.95, and sale prices dropped as low as $8.95 (Medex Supply). That is a messy pricing history, possibly tied to branding, packaging or market segmentation.

Key Features

Combination Diaphragm and Bell Chestpiece

The dual-head design uses a combination chestpiece with both a diaphragm and a bell. The diaphragm is meant for higher-frequency sounds like breath and heart murmurs. The bell does better on lower frequencies such as heart gallops or vascular bruits. That makes the 670 suitable for general exams from infants to adults. The chestpiece is lightweight aluminum, which keeps weight down without costing rigidity. A gasket-sealed design keeps the acoustic pathway airtight, so less sound leaks and what reaches the PVC tubing stays focused and clear.

Proprietary Diaphragm with 50% Enhanced Acoustic Response

ADC claims the 670's proprietary diaphragm improves acoustic response by 50% over traditional designs. That is a bold claim for an entry-level model. The available documentation gives no lab data or frequency response curves. The diaphragm is flexible PVC, as are the eartips, and both are labeled free from natural rubber latex and phthalates. That makes the 670 suitable for latex-sensitive environments, which covers many hospitals and clinics today. The non-chill rims on the bell and diaphragm reduce thermal shock on patient contact, a comfort feature with pediatric or anxious patients.

Ultra-Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Construction

The chestpiece, stem and adjustable binaurals are all aluminum alloy, for a total weight of 3 ounces (85.6g). CME Corp confirms the binaurals are aluminum. They adjust to fit a range of head sizes, but they have no chrome plating or high-end finish. The build favors durability and weight savings over looks. The 32.25-inch (81cm) flexible PVC tubing finishes it, a standard length, and it is free of phthalates. According to emsstuff.com, the unit is manufactured in China but inspected and packaged in the USA, a detail that may matter for institutional procurement policies.

Design for Institutional and Student Use

The 670 is built around affordability, function and compliance. bestvaluemedical.com categorizes it as a student supply, which points to learners and training programs as the target market. It is a single-patient instrument (per tigermedical.com), which fits infection control protocols and reduces cross-contamination risk. A one-year warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Spare black mushroom-style eartips are included, since tips degrade. User ratings average 4.54 out of 5 on emsstuff.com, CME Corp, and Walmart. The source material cites no firsthand owner reports or detailed reviews. One third-party seller describes it as “crafted with premium materials” and “a wise investment,” but those claims lack independent verification.

Historical Context

The ADC 670 has no documented production years or historical milestones. It is not a vintage artifact. It is a current-production medical device in ADC's Proscope line, aimed at budget-conscious buyers. It reflects a broader shift in medical equipment toward affordable, disposable-grade tools that meet safety standards without premium pricing. It sits between the simpler 660 series (diaphragm-only) and more advanced models, and offers dual-head functionality at an accessible price.

Collectibility & Value

The ADC 670 is not a collectible in the traditional sense. It has no aftermarket following, no restoration community, and no documented scarcity. New units list at $50.01 (CME Corp), though eBay listings show examples selling for $10.00 (listing from bia-1993), a wide variance in market pricing. There is no data on common failures, repair procedures, or spare parts beyond the included eartips. Given the PVC tubing and eartips, aging units may stiffen or crack over time, particularly in dry or UV-exposed environments - a common issue with plasticized materials. There is no information on replacement diaphragms, bells, or tubing, so full refurbishment is uncertain. For buyers, the 670 makes sense as a functional, short-to-mid-term tool for students, EMTs, or clinics needing reliable, compliant scopes without long-term investment.