Advice on ADC ZLM Cartridge

Onegizmobob · Nov 26, 2014

Thanks again for your help and suggestions. For me it has been a great re-learning experience as I had not used a moving magnet (or induced magnet) cartridge in years. It has also been great fun re-discovering both my Empire 2000Z cartridge and how good (and not fussy) the Infinity Black Widow arm really is.

wualta · Nov 26, 2014

And with that BW arm, you need not fear the 25 or original XLM should they ever poke their heads above the weeds.

wgallupe · Nov 28, 2014

Onegizmobob said:
After a week or so of listening and adjusting I can say without reservation that the ZLM cartridge is one nice sounding cartridge. It seems to track everything like a champ. Its tonal balance is spot on and its imaging is outstanding. The delicate airy highs are outstanding and I take back what I said about the lack of bass dynamic punch. It is definitely there but with better definition. I have settled on about 1.125gm tracking force and was wondering what other users have used. Thanks again for the help that I have received.

As I type this I'm listening to an ADC ZLM mounted to an SME 309. I have the VTF set at 1.3 grams.

This has always been one of my favorite sounding carts so I have 'protected' my future by buying 3 replacement styli. Should keep me going for a few years

Onegizmobob · Nov 29, 2014

I've discovered the ZLM is on my short list of great sounding cartridges. I am amazed by the level of detail it provides and it's unflappable tracking ability. This is quite a compliment as I have been using various low output moving coil (Monster Alpha 1 and Genesis 1000) cartridges for the last 25 years or so. Now I will also have to find a reasonably priced source for a backup stylus (or two).

wgallupe · Nov 29, 2014

Onegizmobob said:
I've discovered the ZLM is on my short list of great sounding cartridges. I am amazed by the level of detail it provides and it's unflappable tracking ability. This is quite a compliment as I have been using various low output moving coil (Monster Alpha 1 and Genesis 1000) cartridges for the last 25 years or so. Now I will also have to find a reasonably priced source for a backup stylus (or two).

Yes, on my short list too. And, like you I have also been through a number of carts including MC (Ortofon, Dynavector, Benz) and MM (Shure, Grace, ADC XLM).

A recent upgrade in preamp (no MC stage) forced me from LOMC back to MM which is why I ended up digging into my stash and mounting the ZLM. What a nice surprise! I really feel like I'm done with LOMC carts for a while.

BTW, you can find NOS stylus here: http://www.turntableneedles.com/ADC-RSZ-Stylus-for-ADC-ZLM-Cartridge--our-Needle-108-DEQ_p_845.html

Advice on ADC ZLM Cartridge

Onegizmobob

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wualta

permanently nonplussed cat

wgallupe

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Onegizmobob

Active Member

wgallupe

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