Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: ADC (Audio Dynamics Corp) XLM Mrk II Phono Cartridge by IBSmiester

Model:	XLM Mrk II
Category:	Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price:	$175.00
Description:	High Compliance Vintage Stereo Cartridge
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by IBSmiester ( A ) on September 20, 2003 at 11:51:09
IP Address: 142.161.180.62

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for the XLM Mrk II

This cartridge is incredible. It puts most vintage cartridges (including my Pickering) to shame. If you listen to a record with this cartridge, you may very often hear things you've never heard before. I've only had this cartridge hooked up for a couple of days, but it is truly impressive. It performs flawlessly on the Micro Acoustics TT 2002 test LP, and brings the highs out alot. My dad owned this cartridge for many years, and now I do, and love it. It makes highs and mids clear, and defined, it really makes them stand out. I did find it's a little thin in the bass, but its very tight and defined. It works well at all volumes, and has little or no distorsion. Tracking ability is excellent and transient ability is very good. This is most likely the greatest vintage cartridge, and will give most modern MM cartridges a run for their money.
IBSmiester

Product Weakness: A little thin on the bottom. Styli are no longer in production.
Product Strengths: Tracks excellent at 1 gram, brings out the highs and the mids. Near flat response at over 20khz. Very low distorsion.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	NAD 3155 Integrated
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Onkyo CP-1055F
Speakers:	Kg2
Cables/Interconnects:	Gold RCA's on the turntable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, easy listening and classic prog-rock
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	A little thin on the bottom. Styli are no longer in production.
Product Strengths:	Tracks excellent at 1 gram, brings out the highs and the mids. Near flat response at over 20khz. Very low distorsion.