ADC XLM II Improved ()
One of the few moving magnet cartridges to use a patented low-mass induced magnet design—light on the groove, but not always easy on the wallet when the stylus needs replacing.
Overview
The ADC XLM II Improved isn’t a name that screams for attention like a Shure V15 or a Denon 103, but if you’ve spent time digging through forgotten turntable setups from the late analog era, you’ve probably stumbled across one gathering dust in a drawer. Made by Audio Dynamics Corporation (ADC), a company that never quite broke into the mainstream despite some clever engineering, this phono cartridge occupies a quiet corner of vinyl history—respected by those who’ve used it, overlooked by many who haven’t. It’s a moving magnet design, yes, but not the usual kind. Owners report it’s been a favorite for at least some listeners, with one user on Audiokarma calling it their “fave MM cart for the last year or so”—high praise in a world where cartridge loyalty runs deep and opinions are rarely neutral.
What sets the XLM II Improved apart isn’t just its sound (though we can’t verify tonal character from available data), but its construction. It’s built around a patented induced magnet system, a clever workaround to keep moving mass low without sacrificing output. That’s the kind of detail that makes cartridge nerds perk up—less mass means better transient response, less inertia dragging the stylus through tight grooves. If you’re the type who worries about vertical tracking velocity or resonance curves, this one’s worth a second look. It’s not a high-output monster, and it won’t track at feather-light pressures like some ultra-compliant designs, but it occupies a middle ground that suggests practicality over extremism.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | ADC (Audio Dynamics Corporation) |
| Product type | Phono cartridge, pickup |
| Cartridge type | Induced magnet |
| Stylus tip | .002 x .007 inch |
| Stylus tip description | Diamond tip fused to a sapphire base (Diasa tip) |
| Cantilever | Low mass hollow tube |
| Tracking force (optimum) | 1.2 grams |
Key Features
Induced Magnet Design
The heart of the XLM II Improved is its induced magnet system—a design that ADC patented to sidestep the typical trade-offs in moving magnet cartridges. Instead of attaching the magnets directly to the cantilever (which adds mass), the moving part carries soft iron pieces that modulate a fixed magnetic field. This keeps the moving assembly lighter, which in theory allows for better high-frequency tracking and reduced distortion. It’s not a new idea in the grand scheme of cartridge engineering, but ADC executed it in a way that gave their cartridges a reputation for precision without fragility. The low-mass hollow tube cantilever complements this by further reducing inertia, helping the stylus stay planted in the groove during complex passages.
Suspension Tuning
Compared to earlier ADC models, the XLM II Improved uses a less compliant suspension. That means it’s stiffer, less forgiving of warped records or misaligned tonearms, but potentially more stable in high-tracking-force situations. This isn’t a cartridge for the ultra-lightweight crowd who swear by 0.75-gram tracking—it’s tuned for around 1.2 grams, right in the middle of the typical MM range. That makes it easier to set up on a wider variety of arms, but it also means you can’t push the limits of low tracking like you might with a more compliant design. It’s a trade-off: stability over sensitivity, practicality over exotic performance.
Collectibility & Value
The ADC XLM II Improved doesn’t command the kind of prices seen with unicorn cartridges, but it’s not exactly cheap to maintain, either. A replacement OEM stylus was reportedly priced at $125 US—a steep cost for a single part, especially when the whole cartridge now sells for less in many cases. That tells you something: ADC likely built these to be serviced, not replaced, and the stylus was meant to be a long-term investment. Today, the market is all over the place. Listings range from €35 on European auction sites to ¥19,800 in Japan, with $110 appearing as a common asking price on Reverb. That variability suggests condition, included accessories (like the headshell or stylus guard), and geographical demand play a huge role. If you’re buying, check whether the stylus is original or replaced—given the cost of a new one, that could make or break the deal.
eBay Listings
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