AUDIO TECHNICA AT33XMONO/II

The AT33xMONO/II represents the most recent update of the historic AT33 series, the first major revision in many years, bringing a renewed sense of warmth and fullness to music reproduction. Thanks to technological advancements and the use of improved materials, including die-cast zinc at the base of the cartridge to counter unwanted resonance, this version significantly enhances mid-to-low frequency expressiveness and allows even the finest details across the entire audio spectrum to be appreciated.

The “True Mono” dual moving coil design generates the electrical signal exclusively from horizontal groove movement, remaining unaffected by vertical noise components. This approach delivers exceptionally clean monaural playback, with a more solid low end and a noticeable reduction in surface noise, making the cartridge ideal for playing mono records even on stereo systems.

To further enhance monaural performance, the AT33xMONO/II employs a 0.65 mil nude conical stylus, perfectly suited to accurately follow the constant width and depth of mono record grooves. The newly developed suspension system, using piano wire, improves tracking precision and slightly lowers dynamic compliance, resulting in a more substantial, material sound, particularly in the mid-to-low frequency range.

The composite cartridge body, made of die-cast zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer, is designed to reduce and disperse resonance throughout the structure, ensuring balanced and natural sound reproduction without artificial emphasis. PCOCC coils guarantee smooth and pure signal transmission, while the samarium cobalt magnet and pure iron yoke, specifically shaped for monaural reproduction, provide high power-generation efficiency and a warm, richly textured sound that is especially well suited to mid-20th-century mono jazz recordings.

The extremely rigid duralumin pipe cantilever tapers toward the conical stylus tip to improve dynamic response and is paired with a firm suspension that contributes to even greater signal control. The “True Mono” coils are positioned at the cantilever fulcrum to ensure faithful transmission of horizontal signals only. The cartridge body incorporates threaded mounting holes that simplify installation, particularly when used with integrated tonearms.

Each AT33xMONO/II is handcrafted and hand-finished in Japan by skilled artisans, combining meticulous construction, premium materials, and advanced engineering to deliver an authentic analog listening experience, rich in detail and characterized by a natural tonal balance that especially enhances historic monaural recordings.

Technical specifications:

• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
• Vertical tracking angle: 20°
• Tracking force: 2.3–2.7 g (2.5 g standard)
• Recommended load impedance: ≥100 Ω (when connected to a preamplifier)
• Coil impedance: 10 Ω (1 kHz); DC resistance: 10 Ω; Coil inductance: 27 µH (1 kHz)
• Output voltage: 0.37 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec, horizontal signal); Output balance: 1.0 dB (1 kHz); Horizontal/vertical output ratio: 25 dB (1 kHz)
• Stylus shape: Conical; Stylus curvature radius: 0.65 mil
• Cantilever: Duralumin pipe
• Static compliance: 14 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne; Dynamic compliance: 6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (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); Protector
• Dimensions: 16.1 mm × 16.6 mm × 26.1 mm (H × W × D)
• Weight: 10.2 g