ADC and Littmann both make well-built acoustic stethoscopes, and we stock and engrave both. The main differences are the chestpiece and the warranty: Littmann's Classic III and Cardiology IV have tunable diaphragms on both sides, while ADC's Adscope range pairs its AFD adjustable-frequency diaphragm with a separate bell. Several ADC models carry a lifetime warranty on all parts, and each ADC model usually costs less than the Littmann it competes with.
The short answer
- Neither is the wrong choice: they differ in design rather than quality.
- Littmann Classic III and Cardiology IV: tunable diaphragms on both sides, including a small paediatric side that converts to an open bell.
- ADC Adscope: AFD diaphragm plus a bell, convertible options, and a lifetime parts warranty on models such as the 603 and 608.
- At each tier, the ADC model usually sits at a lower price point.
How the two brands approach the chestpiece
Littmann: tunable diaphragms
On the Littmann Classic III and Cardiology IV, both sides of the chestpiece have a tunable diaphragm. Light pressure brings out low-frequency sounds and firmer pressure brings out high-frequency sounds, without turning the chestpiece over. The smaller paediatric side converts to a traditional open bell when you want one. The Lightweight II S.E. has a tunable diaphragm on one side and an open bell on the other.
ADC: AFD diaphragm plus a bell
ADC's AFD (adjustable frequency) diaphragm works on the same principle: light pressure for low, bell-type sounds, firm pressure for high, diaphragm-type sounds. On the everyday Adscope 603, the chestpiece is a combination head with the AFD diaphragm on one side and a 3.5 cm bell on the other. The convertible 608 and 601 let you swap between an adult diaphragm and bell, or adult and paediatric diaphragms.
In practice, both let you hear low and high frequencies from the diaphragm. The difference is mainly whether you want a paediatric diaphragm built in (Littmann Classic III and Cardiology IV) or a dedicated bell and the option to convert (ADC).
ADC vs Littmann: model by model
A note on lengths: Littmann quotes tube length, while ADC quotes tubing length and overall length from eartip to chestpiece, so the numbers are not directly comparable. The 603, for example, has 56 cm of tubing and measures 76 cm overall.
| Use | ADC | Littmann |
|---|---|---|
| Light, entry-level | Adscope Lite 619: aluminium dual-head, 105 g, AFD diaphragm and bell | Lightweight II S.E.: teardrop dual-sided chestpiece, 118 g, 2-year warranty |
| Everyday student and ward | Adscope 603: stainless steel dual-head, 164 g, lifetime warranty on all parts | Classic III: tunable adult and paediatric diaphragms, 69 cm single-lumen tube, 5-year warranty |
| Adults and children | Adscope 608: convertible, adult and paediatric AFD diaphragms or a bell, 164 g | Classic III: paediatric tunable diaphragm built in, converts to open bell |
| Cardiology, one-sided | Adscope 600 Platinum: one-sided AFD chestpiece, dual-lumen tubing, 203 g | Master Cardiology: single-sided tunable diaphragm, dual-lumen, 7-year warranty |
| Cardiology, two-sided | Adscope 601: convertible, adult and paediatric AFD diaphragms or a bell, dual-lumen | Cardiology IV: dual-sided tunable, 40% larger chestpiece, 7-year warranty |
| Paediatric | Adimals 618: 3.8 cm AFD chestpiece, seven snap-on animal faces, 85 g, lifetime warranty | Classic II Paediatric: 3.3 cm diaphragm and open bell, 3-year warranty |
Entry level: Adscope Lite 619 vs Lightweight II S.E.
These are the two lightest options. The Adscope Lite 619 has an aluminium chestpiece and weighs 105 g, and its tubing is made without natural rubber latex or phthalates. The Littmann Lightweight II S.E. weighs 118 g and has a teardrop chestpiece shaped to slide under a blood pressure cuff. Both suit nursing students, paramedics and anyone who mainly takes blood pressures and routine observations. The 619 sits at a lower price point.
The lightweights
 Lightest Adscope Lite 619R999 |  R1 299 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chestpiece | Aluminium dual-head | Teardrop, dual-sided |
| Diaphragm | AFD diaphragm and bell | Tunable diaphragm and open bell |
| Weight | 105 g | 118 g |
| Length | 76 cm overall | 71 cm tube |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing | 2 years |
| Engraving | Yes (on the earpieces for rose gold) | Yes |
Our verdict
Both do blood pressures and routine checks well. The 619 is lighter and costs less; the Lightweight II S.E. has the teardrop chestpiece and a stated 2-year warranty.
Everyday: Adscope 603 vs Classic III
This is the comparison most students are really asking about. The Adscope 603 has a surgical stainless steel chestpiece, comes with an ID tag and two spare pairs of eartips, and has a lifetime warranty covering all parts. It costs noticeably less than a Classic III.
The Littmann Classic III gives you tunable diaphragms on both sides, so the small paediatric side is always there for children, thin patients and carotids. It has a 5-year Littmann warranty and is our top-selling stethoscope. If you want a paediatric side on an ADC, look at the convertible Adscope 608.
The everyday stethoscopes
 Value pick Adscope 603R1 499 |  Convertible Adscope 608From R1 749 |  Top seller Classic IIIR2 299 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chestpiece | Stainless steel dual-head | Stainless steel, convertible | Stainless steel, dual-sided |
| Diaphragms | AFD diaphragm and 3.5 cm bell | Adult and paediatric AFD diaphragms or a bell | Tunable adult and paediatric diaphragms; paediatric side converts to open bell |
| Weight | 164 g | 164 g | Not stated |
| Length | 76 cm overall | Not stated | 69 cm tube |
| Warranty | Lifetime, all parts | Lifetime, all parts | 5 years |
| Price tier | Lower | Lower | Mid-range |
Our verdict
The 603 is the value buy with a lifetime parts warranty. The Classic III is the one to choose if you want a tunable paediatric side always on hand.
Cardiology: Adscope 600 and 601 vs Master Cardiology and Cardiology IV
Both brands make dual-lumen cardiology stethoscopes. The Adscope 600 Platinum is a one-sided AFD design, comparable in concept to the Littmann Master Cardiology. The Adscope 601 is a convertible cardiology stethoscope with adult and paediatric diaphragms or an extra-deep bell.
Cardiology models
 R3 499 |  R2 999 |  R4 749 |  R4 749 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chestpiece | One-sided AFD | Convertible: adult and paediatric AFD or extra-deep bell | Single-sided tunable diaphragm | Dual-sided tunable, paediatric side converts to bell |
| Tubing | Dual-lumen | Dual-lumen | Dual-lumen, 69 cm | Dual-lumen, 69 cm |
| Weight | 203 g | 215 to 243 g | Not stated | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing | Not stated on the listing | 7 years | 7 years |
Our verdict
The ADC cardiology models sit at a lower price point; the Littmann pair carry a stated 7-year warranty, and the Cardiology IV adds a paediatric side and open bell.
The Cardiology IV has a chestpiece 40% larger than the Classic III and is built for hard-to-hear sounds in emergency, ICU and cardiology settings.
Extras worth knowing about in each range
- ADC teaching stethoscope. The Adscope 613 has two headsets on one 603 chestpiece, so a tutor and a student can listen at the same time.
- ADC Adimals. Snap-on animal faces on a small paediatric chestpiece, for putting young children at ease.
- ADC Adscope 615. The 615 Platinum clinician stethoscope has an oversized one-sided AFD chestpiece and weighs 152 g.
- Littmann Satin Finish tubing. A micro-textured tube that resists cling, stains and scratches, with the same acoustics as the standard tube.
- Littmann spare parts kits. Diaphragm and eartip kits for each model, so a worn part does not mean a new stethoscope.
Teaching, tubing and spares
Littmann Classic III Stethoscopes
Littmann Classic III Satin Finish - Black - Stainless Steel Chestpiece Stethoscope (5620C)
Littmann Spare Parts/Accessories
Littmann Stethoscope Spare Parts Kit - Classic III/Cardiology IV - Black
5.0 (1)
Who each brand suits
Choose ADC if you want…
Why you’d buy it
- A solid stainless steel stethoscope at a lower price.
- A lifetime parts warranty, on models such as the 603 and 608.
- A convertible chestpiece, or a tactical or iridescent finish.
- A first stethoscope, or a second one for the car or the clinic.
Think twice if
- No tunable paediatric side on the standard 603: you need the convertible 608 for that.
Choose Littmann if you want…
Why you’d buy it
- Tunable diaphragms on both sides of the chestpiece.
- The widest choice of colours and finishes.
- A clear path from Classic III to Cardiology IV as your career develops.
Think twice if
- Each model usually costs more than its ADC equivalent.
Still deciding between Littmann models? Our Classic III vs Cardiology IV guide goes deeper. For students on a budget, see the best stethoscope for medical students in South Africa, and for price bands across every brand, our stethoscope price guide.
Both are genuine, and both can be engraved
We are an authorised Littmann distributor, so our Littmann stock carries the full Littmann warranty. ADC lists its Adscope models as inspected in the USA. We laser-engrave names on Littmann and ADC stethoscopes, usually on the same day. On the rose-gold Lite 619, the engraving goes on the earpieces rather than the chestpiece. See examples in our engraving guide.
Questions people ask
Is ADC as good as Littmann?
Both are well-built acoustic stethoscopes and both are genuine stock at WiZmed. They differ in design rather than quality: Littmann's Classic III and Cardiology IV have tunable diaphragms on both sides, while ADC pairs its AFD diaphragm with a bell and offers convertible chestpieces and lifetime parts warranties on models such as the 603.
What is the ADC equivalent of the Littmann Classic III?
The Adscope 603 is ADC's everyday stainless steel dual-head stethoscope. If you want a paediatric diaphragm like the Classic III's, the convertible Adscope 608 has adult and paediatric AFD diaphragms or a bell.
What does AFD mean on an ADC stethoscope?
Adjustable frequency diaphragm. Light pressure brings out low, bell-type sounds and firm pressure brings out high, diaphragm-type sounds, similar in principle to Littmann's tunable diaphragm.
Which has the longer warranty?
ADC lists a lifetime warranty on all parts for models such as the Adscope 603 and 608, and a lifetime warranty on the Adimals. Littmann warranties are 2 years (Lightweight II S.E.), 5 years (Classic III) and 7 years (Cardiology IV and Master Cardiology).
Can you engrave ADC and Littmann stethoscopes?
Yes. We laser-engrave both, usually on the same day. On the rose-gold Adscope Lite 619 the engraving goes on the earpieces rather than the chestpiece.
Written by
Ashraf Moosa
