ADC QLM 30 Mk. II (Unknown)

Name: ADC 30 Mk. II
Brand: ADC

That satisfying click when the stylus settles into the groove—this little magnet-moving workhorse was made for it, even if nobody’s sure exactly when.

Overview

The ADC QLM 30 Mk. II is a moving magnet phono cartridge, built for the ritual of dropping the needle and letting analog warmth fill the room. Manufactured by Audio Dynamics Corporation (ADC), it’s a modest but functional transducer designed to track vinyl with reliability rather than flash. While it lacks the high-end pedigree of some contemporaries, it served as a solid choice for mid-tier turntables during an era when cartridge specs started mattering more to audiophiles. It’s the kind of component you’d find in a well-kept 1970s or 1980s setup—not the star of the system, but the quiet worker making sure the music gets played right.

Despite the confusion in naming and specs across sources, the QLM 30 Mk. II appears to be part of ADC’s broader QLM series, which includes several Mk. III variants like the QLM 32, 34, and 36. It uses a spherical stylus tip—measured precisely at 0.018 mm (or 0.7 mil)—a shape that’s forgiving on records but not known for extracting fine detail. At 5.75 grams, it’s lightweight enough to work with a range of tonearms, though owners should pay attention to compatibility, especially given ADC also made dedicated arms like the LMF 1 and LMF 2. Whether it was bundled with those or sold separately isn’t documented, but the match was likely intended.

There’s a notable discrepancy in tracking force claims: one source states 1.0–2.0 grams, while a Vinyl Engine forum user suggests 3–5 grams applies to both the Mk. II and Mk. III models. Given the lack of manufacturer documentation to resolve this, owners are left to tread carefully—tracking too light risks mistracking, while too heavy can wear down both stylus and grooves. The same uncertainty shadows the output voltage, which one source lists as 4.3 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/sec, a healthy level for MM inputs, but without confirmation from multiple authoritative sources, it’s best treated as provisional.

Specifications

Manufacturer	ADC (Audio Dynamics Corporation)
Product type	Phono Cartridge
Principle	Moving Magnet
Weight	5,75 g
Frequency response	10Hz - 20kHz
Stylus type	spherical (0,018 mm)
Recommended tracking force	1,0 - 2,0 g
Load Impedance	47k Ω
Output Voltage	4,3mV bei 1kHz, 5cm/sec

Collectibility & Value

There are no verified current market prices for the ADC QLM 30 Mk. II cartridge itself. However, replacement styli compatible with the QLM mkIII series—including the QLM 30—are available from retailers like DaCapo Audio, with prices ranging from €21.90 to €80.92 depending on stylus type and construction. Aftermarket options include spherical, elliptical, and nude synthetic diamond variants, with the latter commanding higher prices—up to $56.61 for a nude spherical synthetic diamond (AE10311).

One known failure mode, reported by a forum user, is physical damage to the cartridge capsule: the pins can be ripped from the body, likely due to mishandling during installation or shipping. This fragility suggests care is needed when mounting or transporting the unit. Additionally, buyers of used or NOS (New Old Stock) styli have expressed concern about the longevity of 30-year-old rubber needle mounts, which may have degraded over time, affecting performance even if the diamond tip appears intact.