ADC RSQ33 MKII ()
A replacement stylus that’s small but critical—get it wrong and your records pay the price.
Overview
The ADC RSQ33 MKII isn’t a cartridge you’d find boxed and shiny on a shelf today—it’s a part of one. Specifically, it's a replacement stylus designed for use with a range of ADC phono cartridges, including the RSQ33 MKII, RSQ33 MKIII, QLM33 MKII, QLM33 MKIII, and ADC-1700. While the fact sheet doesn’t confirm the RSQ33 MKII as a full cartridge outright, the context makes it clear: this stylus exists to keep older ADC cartridges tracking properly across vinyl grooves. And if you’re still spinning records with one of these ADCs, that replacement tip matters more than you might think.
Owners of compatible ADC cartridges are reminded that a worn stylus isn’t just a minor degradation in sound—it can cause irreversible damage to records. Once the tip wears flat or develops a burr, it stops riding the groove smoothly and starts grinding away at the delicate modulations that hold your music. That crackle you hear might not be surface noise; it could be your stylus eating your collection alive.
Because ADC no longer produces these styli in volume, the recommendation is practical: if you're relying on one of these cartridges, buy at least two replacement styli while you still can. They’re not infinite, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | ADC |
| Stylus type | Elliptical Diamond Stylus |
| Stylus construction | Bonded Diamond |
| Compatibility | Fits ADC RSQ33 MKII, ADC RSQ33 MKIII, ADC QLM33 MKII, ADC QLM33 MKIII, and ADC-1700 cartridges |
Collectibility & Value
The current market price for the replacement stylus (listed as ADCRSQ33-EN) is £49.99, including VAT, according to snvinyl.co.uk. This reflects the cost of a single replacement tip—not the full cartridge. No data exists on the value of the complete ADC RSQ33 MKII cartridge itself, nor on original pricing or production years. Given that replacements are still available but likely dwindling, the smart move for owners is to stock up now. There’s no indication of common failure modes for the cartridge as a whole, but the emphasis on stylus wear suggests that maintenance is the primary concern. Without manufacturer support or widespread production, longevity depends entirely on spare parts availability.
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