How do I select a professional stethoscope?

First and foremost, choose the scope that works best for YOU. Check the fit and comfort; you could be wearing your scope for extended periods of time. Eartips are critical as they are the interface between you and the instrument. Make sure they’re both comfortable and provide a proper seal to optimize sound transmission. ADSOFT eartips, found exclusively in our ADSCOPES provide the ultimate in wearing comfort and acoustic seal. Next, choose a scope that has the features you need within your budget. ADSCOPES are available with MSRP’s from under $20 to about $300 so there’s sure to be a model that’s right for you. Finally, make sure your scope is covered by a comprehensive warranty program and backed by a company with a reputation for customer service. Acoustic ADSCOPES are covered from 5 years to life, depending upon the model. With over 30 industry awards – most of them for service - ADC is one of the most honored names in core diagnostic instruments. It’s a name you can TRUST.

If you need versatility, you may want to select a convertible model - a scope with interchangeable chestpiece fittings such as our ADSCOPE 641 (Sprague series), or ADSCOPE 601 (Convertible Cardiology). Stainless steel is generally the preferred metal; its extra mass tends to help eliminate extraneous acoustic artifacts. So, for best acoustic performance and maximum durability, choose one of our all stainless models - 600, 601, 603, 604, or 605 series. However, there is a weight/performance trade-off and you might prefer a lighter weight model such as the Ultra lightweight Cardiology 606 or the Clinician-lite 609 series. These scopes weigh as little as ½ the weight of their stainless counterparts. Better models tend to have a double tube configuration which provides enhanced stereo separation. Our ADSCOPE 641 has two tubes. Our ADSCOPE Cardiology models - the 600, 601 and 606 series have a single tube with bi-lumen (two tubes in one) design. If you prefer a single sided, sculpted chestpiece choose from any one of our Platinum series ADSCOPEs - the 600, 612, 614, 615 series. These models feature a single sided chestpiece with our Adjustable Frequency Diaphragm(AFD)/Technology. AFD allows you to choose bell or diaphragm performance from a diaphragm only scope. If you prefer AFD Technology in a traditional 2 sided chestpiece, look no further than our Convertible Cardiology 601.

For blood pressure measurement, the ADSCOPE 609 series provides many of the design features of our more expensive models in a lightweight, affordable stethoscope. Institutional buyers generally choose from our PROSCOPE series (660, 662, 665, and 670 series) which provide excellent performance at market sensitive pricing. Because stethoscope selection is really a matter of personal choice, we recommend that you try a few models to determine the one that works best for you.