AUDIO TECHNICA AT33XMLB

The AT33xMLB cartridge represents the latest and most significant update to the historic AT33 series, a thorough revision that introduces an even warmer and fuller sound character, capable of bringing out every detail in the music. This model incorporates advanced technological solutions and materials, including, for the first time, a die-cast zinc base designed to suppress unwanted resonance and enhance expressiveness in the mid-to-low frequency range, delivering a richer and more engaging listening experience across the entire audio spectrum.

The cartridge body features a composite structure combining die-cast zinc, aluminum, and a high-rigidity polymer, strategically arranged to reduce and disperse resonance throughout. This construction provides a balanced and natural sound reproduction, free from emphasis on specific frequencies, resulting in a harmonious and coherent sonic experience.

The dual moving coil design ensures excellent channel separation, with independent left and right coils made from PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) for smooth and pure signal transmission. The magnetic system, composed of a neodymium magnet and a permendur yoke, generates a strong and stable magnetic field, maximizing signal generation efficiency and delivering high-resolution, dynamic, and responsive analog playback.

The nude microlinear stylus enables extremely precise tracking of the record groove, surpassing the accuracy of traditional elliptical and conical styli, and revealing subtle nuances and micro-details etched into the vinyl. This high-resolution tracking capability is particularly noticeable with orchestral recordings, allowing each instrument to be heard clearly, and with records produced from the late 1970s onward, which benefit from high-fidelity recording and manufacturing techniques.

The solid boron cantilever, tapered toward the stylus tip, transmits vibrations with speed and precision, ensuring an accurate and responsive performance even during complex and dynamic musical passages. The dual-stage armature structure further increases overall rigidity, providing superior resonance control.

The newly developed suspension, using piano wire and a dedicated rubber damper, slightly reduces dynamic compliance compared to other models, producing a more solid and consistent sound, especially in the mid-to-low frequency range. This configuration also offers broad compatibility with various tonearms, providing installation flexibility without compromising performance.

Integrated threaded holes simplify mounting, requiring only two screws, and are particularly convenient when used with tonearms featuring an integrated headshell. Thick gold-plated terminal pins reduce contact resistance and preserve signal integrity, further enhancing overall sound quality.

Each cartridge is crafted and hand-finished in Japan, reflecting a tradition of artisanal precision and meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a cartridge that reproduces music with delicacy, definition, and an exceptional tonal balance.

Technical specifications:

• Type: MC (Moving Coil)
• Frequency response: 20 – 45,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 27 dB at 1 kHz
• Vertical tracking angle: 19°
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g; standard 2.0 g
• Recommended load impedance: ≥ 100 ohms with MC head amplifier
• Coil impedance: 12 ohms at 1 kHz; DC resistance 12 ohms
• Coil inductance: 26 μH at 1 kHz
• Output voltage: 0.42 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.
• Output balance: 1.0 dB at 1 kHz
• Stylus: Nude Microlinear; curvature radius 2.2 × 0.12 mil
• Cantilever: Solid tapered boron
• Static compliance: 19 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne; dynamic compliance: 6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz
• Threaded holes: M2.6 × 2
• Accessories included: Non-magnetic screwdriver; brush; washers × 2; cartridge mounting screws M2.6 (8.0 mm × 2, 10.0 mm × 2, 13.0 mm × 2); stylus protector
• Weight: 10.1 g
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 16.0 × 16.6 × 26.1 mm