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ADC 250XE

The ADC 250XE sits in the mid range of the American lineup and uses an IM generator. Its 6 mV output feeds any standard MM phono input. The elliptical stylus rides the groove at a light 1.0 to 1.5 g with 1.2 g nominal. The replaceable stylus is the R-20XE, and Phono Culture lists one compatible replacement.

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Stylus: R-20XE
Type: IM
Stylus Shape: Elliptical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.3 × 0.7 mil (≈7 × 18 µm) ]
Price: 59.95 USD (1972)
Class: Mid-Range

Output Voltage: 6 mV
Frequency Response: 10–18 000 Hz
Recommended Load: 47 kΩ
Tracking Force: 1.0–1.5 g (nominal 1.2 g)
Compliance Value: 20 cu

Additional Info

The ADC 250XE, the vintage beige brick with a green-mark XE elliptical tip, carries a warm, forgiving character with a natural, relaxed midrange. Vocals sit forward and smooth rather than analytical, bass keeps decent body without punch, and the gentle top end eases sibilance and surface noise instead of digging out micro-detail. Jazz, vocal records and older brighter systems suit this low-fatigue listen. The stylus is replaceable, so a fresh insert restores it.

Replacement styluses for ADC 250XE

Tonar

564 DE

Elliptical

Sound × Setup

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Collectors

add 01/29/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026