Audio-Technica AT33x Cartridge Range Boasts New Materials & Design

Building on decades of expertise in cartridge engineering, Audio-Technica's new Moving Coil series features five models: AT33xMLB, AT33xMLD, and AT33xEN stereo cartridges, and AT33xMONO/I and AT33xMONO/II monaural cartridges.

We're told that this launch represents a significant step forward through the introduction of carefully refined materials, including the brand's first use of die-cast zinc, chosen for its exceptional density and rigidity. Furthermore, the manufacturer states the die-cast zinc construction helps minimise unwanted vibrations and delivers a richer, more articulate performance, particularly across the mid- and low-frequency ranges. 

The coil conductor is formed from PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) windings, manufactured without crystal grain boundaries, thus reducing signal disturbance and enabling smoother, purer transmission. Meanwhile, the gold-plated terminal pins feature thicker gold plating than conventional products to minimise contact resistance and further improve sound quality, says Audio-Technica.

The AT33x Series also benefits from a newly developed suspension mechanism, designed with slightly lower dynamic compliance than conventional cartridges. This innovation expands setup flexibility and tonearm compatibility. 

The cartridge body combines three materials: die-cast zinc, aluminium, and a high-rigidity polymer. These, says the brand, are strategically arranged to disperse resonance across the entire cartridge body, ensuring balanced, natural sound without emphasising specific frequencies.

Each AT33x Series cartridge is crafted in Japan, hand-finished, and features threaded cartridge mounting holes for easier direct mounting onto integrated tonearms and most standard headshells, simplifying installation across a wide range of global hi-fi audio systems.

AT33x Stereo Cartridges

The stereo offerings sport dual moving coils, promising excellent channel separation and wide frequency response, providing precise sound localisation with minimal distortion.

Additionally, their Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke generate a strong magnetic field within the coil's magnetic gap, maximising power generation efficiency and enabling highly detailed, responsive playback.

• AT33xEN: A solid elliptical nude stylus model that combines a rich sound field with stable control and allows for highly accurate playback over a wide bandwidth.
• AT33xMLD: A microlinear stylus model which blends refined expressiveness and power.
• AT33xMLB: The Flagship microlinear model boasts nimble response and exceptional wide bandwidth control. Delivering delicate and rich expressions through the enhancement of a solid boron-tapered cantilever and lightweight vibration system.

AT33x Mono Cartridges

The mono options benefit from a special generator coil designed for monaural vinyl grooves, which move only horizontally. We're informed that this design minimises the impact of vertical noise components, delivering exceptionally pure sound.

• AT33xMONO/I: A high-performance model that conveys the full appeal of monaural vinyl.
• AT33xMONO/II: A monaural model that delivers the immersive warm sound. The only model in the AT33x Series to use a samarium cobalt magnet and pure iron yoke. This provides supple, stable, and richly textured playback.

Furthermore, the AT33x MONO/I, AT33x MONO/II, AT33xMLD, and AT33xEN models have a pipe canteilever formed of duralumin, a material more rigid than standard aluminium, and machined into a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip. This design enhances high-frequency control while preserving the distinctive tonal qualities of duralumin.

The Audio-Technica AT-33x Series is available now with stereo cartridges starting at a retail price of €599 | £519 | A$1,099. The MONO models start at a retail price of €399 | £349 | A$699.
 

For more information visit Audio-Technica