ADC QLM30mkII ()

Name: ADC QLM30mkII
Brand: ADC

That scratchy thump when your dad cleaned the record? This little guy probably heard it first.

Overview

The ADC QLM30 MkII isn’t a headliner at a hi-fi show or a showstopper on a spec sheet. It’s the kind of phono cartridge that spent decades tucked under a tonearm, doing its job quietly—until the sound cracked, sputtered, or vanished entirely. Then, someone dug out the manual, squinted at the model number, and started hunting for a replacement stylus. That’s where the QLM30 MkII lives: in the service manuals, the cross-reference charts, and the “works fine but needs a needle” eBay listings.

Officially, the ADC QLM30 MkII is a phono cartridge, but in practice, it’s best understood as a replacement stylus for the ADC QLM 30, II, and III cartridge series. It’s the part that actually rides the groove—the business end of the system. If you own one of these cartridges and the sound has gone dull or one channel dropped out, you’re likely looking at a QLM30 MkII stylus swap, not a full cartridge overhaul. And good news: you’re not alone. This model was used widely enough that replacement parts still circulate, and compatibility stretches beyond just ADC-branded gear.

It shows up under other names too—FIDELITY QLM 30MKII, SCHNEIDER QLM30 III, ZENITH 942-100, RADIOSHACK REALISTIC QLM 30 MK III, and SIEMENS QLM 30 MK III—proof that ADC supplied OEM cartridges to a range of consumer electronics brands during the stereo era. That means a QLM30 MkII might be the original needle in a or a German-market Schneider changer. If you’re restoring one of those, tracking down the right stylus isn’t just about fidelity—it’s about staying period-correct.

Still, these units aren’t bulletproof. There’s at least one documented case of a JVC record changer using the same cartridge as the ADC QLM 30 MK III that developed a dead left channel—a reminder that . Whether that’s due to worn coils, loose wiring, or stylus misalignment isn’t specified, but it’s a known risk. If you’re buying one today, especially a complete cartridge, you’ll want to test both channels before committing.

Specifications

Manufacturer	ADC
Product type	Phono cartridge
Stylus type (replacement)	highly polished special elliptical diamond
Stylus type (original for QLM30 MKIII)	0.7mil conical
Country of manufacture	MADE IN USA

Collectibility & Value

The ADC QLM30 MkII isn’t collected for its rarity or prestige—it’s collected out of necessity. As long as people keep vintage turntables spinning, there will be demand for replacement styli like this one. Recent market activity shows styli and cartridges in the QLM30 series selling between approximately €15 and €100, with complete cartridges commanding the higher end of that range. A new original stylus for the QLM30 MKIII recently listed for €53 on Hifishark (May 14, 2024), while a replacement stylus from LP Gear (RSQ30 for ADC QLM30 MKIII) is priced at $32.94. These aren’t collector premiums—they’re practical parts prices.

Because the QLM30 MkII was used in OEM turntables from Radioshack, Zenith, and others, complete units often surface in estate sales or bulk audio lots. When they do, they’re usually sold “as-is” or “tested,” with little fanfare. The real value is in the stylus compatibility: if you’re maintaining a vintage changer, having a known-good replacement on hand is worth the price of admission. Just be aware of the potential for channel failure—especially if the cartridge has been sitting unused for years. A quick continuity test or channel balance check can save you a frustrating setup session.

There’s no data on original pricing or production years, so we can’t say whether this was a budget or mid-tier offering at launch. But given its widespread rebranding and use in consumer-grade changers, it’s safe to assume it was never positioned as a high-end product. Today, that works in its favor: it’s affordable, replaceable, and functional. For vintage audio tinkerers, that’s often more valuable than pedigree.