ADC MK X
A phantom in the discography — a model named in passing, but lost to the grooves of time
Overview
The ADC MK X shows up in the archive as a name and not much more. It turns up in catalogs and part listings, a cartridge listed among ADC's lineage, a slot in a product hierarchy with no specs to fill it. ADC itself is remembered for clever, accessible moving magnet designs that delivered more performance than their modest pricing suggested, particularly the XLM series. The MK X, whatever its role, belongs to that family. Its own technical identity is unknown.
Specifications
Historical Context
ADC built its reputation on cartridges that punched above their weight, with solid engineering and none of the premium price tags of high-end rivals. Budget-conscious audiophiles and technicians liked them for the replaceable styli and serviceable construction. The MK X appears in the brand's archival footprint, but there are no dates, design notes or market positioning, so its place in that history is undefined. It was part of a broader family of cartridges aimed at making quality phono reproduction attainable.
Collectibility & Value
Collectors of ADC gear often hunt for the original XLM models and treat the brand as a source of undervalued components. A replacement stylus for the ADC MK-X is reportedly available through niche parts vendors, listed at $36.95 (original) and $11.09 (current) according to one supplier. That suggests the model saw enough production to warrant aftermarket support, even if full units are now rare. ADC cartridges of this era are known for fragile stylus assemblies, and replacements may be increasingly scarce. Any surviving example needs careful handling.
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