ADC RQLM-32 ()
A replacement stylus tip for a classic ADC cartridge, when you can find one
Overview
The ADC RQLM-32 is a replacement stylus made for the QLM-32/Ⅱ cartridge. It's a small part, but a turntable with a worn stylus doesn't play much of anything. If you own a vintage ADC cartridge and still spin records, this is the needle to track down when the old one wears thin. There's no datasheet full of specs for it and it won't show up in glossy brochures.
The tip is labeled "ダエン針," which translates to "Duen needle." The term appears in Japanese audio circles but isn't widely documented in Western literature. Whether it refers to a proprietary tip profile, a stylus material, or a manufacturing method isn't clear from available data. It's likely a shorthand used internally or regionally. The knob on the stylus assembly is coded "DK.GRY," or Dark Gray, which helps when matching parts across wear or replacements. It fits only the QLM-32/Ⅱ cartridge, which suggests a tightly controlled design. No universal fit here.
Tracking force runs from 1.0 to 2.0 grams. That's light by modern standards, and even lighter by vintage moving magnet expectations. It implies the cartridge was engineered for low wear and high compliance. There are no published specs on compliance, output, or frequency response, so that's inference from what's here. The "IM" designation under cartridge type might hint at an "inductive magnet" or similar system, but the fact sheet doesn't elaborate.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | ADC |
| Tip | ダエン針 (Duen needle) |
| Knob color | DK.GRY (Dark Gray) |
| Cartridge type | IM |
| Tracking force range | 1.0-2.0g |
| Compatible cartridge | QLM-32/Ⅱ |
Similar items on eBay
No exact ADC RQLM-32 listings are live right now — these searches show current ADC and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.