ADC Integra ST XLM II ()
Plug it in, tweak the angle, and the records stop sounding like they're fighting through a fog. This is one of those rare cartridges that lets you forget the gear and hear the music.
Overview
The ADC Integra ST XLM II is a complete unit. It joins a straight headshell to the ADC XLM II cartridge in one carbon fiber body. It was designed for lightweight, straight tonearms, which is what the "ST" in the name points to. Most cartridges are separate from their headshells, which leaves alignment to chance and feel. ADC rethought how the cartridge connects to the tonearm, aiming to eliminate one of vinyl's oldest enemies: tracking angle distortion.
When set up correctly, adjusted at two groove radii across the record's playing surface, owners report that angular error stays under 1° anywhere on the disc. That means lower distortion and a cleaner reproduction of the groove. An offset error of just 2° can more than double distortion, so the sub-degree tolerance is not marketing fluff.
ADC has always flown under the radar, but collectors who dig into the golden era of moving magnet cartridges know the name. The XLM series stands out for its innovative design and its performance-per-dollar ratio, which still holds up today. The Integra ST XLM II is part of that line, a purpose-built solution for turntables that demand accuracy. It rewards careful setup.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | ADC |
| Product type | phono cartridge, integrated unit composed of a straight headshell and the ADC XLM II phono cartridge |
| Output voltage @ 1kHz, 5cm/sec. | 5.6mV |
| Output balance | 1.5dB |
| Channel separation @ 1kHz | 26dB |
| Frequency response | 1Hz-24kHz +/-2dB |
| Stylus type | 0.03 x 0.07 mil nude elliptical |
| Stylus tip shape | highly polished special elliptical diamond |
| Tracking force recommended | 1.2 g +/- 0.3 g (12 mN) |
| Recommended load resistance | 47k ohms |
| Color | Silver/Black |
| Weight | 9 g |
Key Features
Integrated Carbon Fiber Design
The entire unit, headshell and cartridge, is carbon fiber. That damps unwanted resonance and adds rigidity where it matters most. Aftermarket cartridges get bolted onto generic headshells. The Integra ST XLM II is a single engineered system, so there are fewer variables in alignment, less potential for micro-vibrations, and a more stable signal path from stylus to preamp.
Patented Induced Magnet & Omni-Pivot System
ADC's patented Induced Magnet design is central to its performance, offering high output, which is harder to pull off than it sounds. Paired with the Omni-Pivot System, the cartridge moves freely enough to track complex passages without strain. These are mechanical solutions to real-world tracking problems, especially on worn or eccentric records.
Precision Adjustability
This is not a plug-and-play cartridge. The overhang is adjustable: loosen the knurled silver nuts on the sides and slide the front section forward or back. You can also tilt the assembly to fine-tune the vertical tracking angle. That level of control is rare in an integrated unit and sets the Integra ST XLM II apart from fixed-body cartridges. It is made for users who own an alignment protractor, a digital scale, and the patience to get it right.
Stylus Performance
The nude elliptical stylus is tipped with a highly polished special elliptical diamond. At 0.03 x 0.07 mil, it is fine enough to trace deep into the groove without excessive wear. Replacement styli are still available from specialists like LP Gear and LP Tunes, with the LP Gear version priced at $69.35. One forum user noted finding an original stylus for $40, so while the full cartridge is scarce, the stylus hasn't vanished.
Collectibility & Value
As of the latest data, the ADC Integra ST XLM II is listed as "currently unavailable," with no indication of when or if it will return to stock. A used example once appeared as part of a Technics SL-1301 turntable package listed for $200 in March 2010.
Collectors are advised to handle the stylus assembly with care. The VTA Brand Index notes that the original XLM cartridges, including this variant, have fragile stylus assemblies. There's no data on common failures or long-term maintenance issues, but given the adjustability and fine tolerances, improper handling or misalignment could easily throw off performance.
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog (1989) — archive.org