ADC XLM mkII Cartridge. Should I bother...

ADC XLM was once a very highly regarded cartridge.  Because it was relatively inexpensive yet so widely loved, I would guess that the production run was huge, as cartridges go. Problem is it requires a very low mass tonearm, as others have mentioned, and it was therefore often abused in medium to high mass tonearms.  In keeping with J Carr's notion to replace like with like, when it comes to re-tipping, I would suggest you use a new stylus assembly that is most like the original.  Was that aluminum cantilever with an elliptical tip? I think so. (I am not saying elliptical is state of the art by any means, only that the rest of the cartridge was designed around that shape.)

Because the replacement market stylus have yet to mimic
faithfully the original ADC designs I don’t recommend them.

If you happen to find an NAD 9300 original buy it they are out there
for little money until an advanced aftermarket profile is produced, they are in the works.

FYI the 9300 was made for NAD OEM by ADC.

@totem395 

Well, as much as I like to go with original replacement parts, I just need a cartridge to bridge the gap until I'm in a position to upgrade cart/phono stage. Hence my desire for an inexpensive solution.

If looking for a cartridge that rivals your last HQ MM, consider the Teo.

Your money back if you don't agree.

Dear @perkri :  That cartridge has a very good cartridge motor and as lewm said was and for me is a well regarded quality performer. It's very competitive with today cartridges as your 2M Black and your tonearm mates very well to the cartridge. I still own it.

You can try the Jico stylus replacement or buy an ADC new replacement that are higher in price.

Here a source for ADC original replacements:

https://www.adelcom.net/ADC%20Stylus.htm


Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.