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Audio-Technica AT33xMLD
Audio-Technica AT33xMLD
Audio-Technica AT33xMLD
Audio-Technica AT33xMLD
Audio-Technica AT33xMLD
Audio-Technica AT33xMLD

Description

The Audio-Technica AT33xMLD represents the most comprehensive revision of the historic AT33 series in many years, a dual moving coil stereo cartridge designed for those seeking warm, detailed analog sound that is faithful to the original recording. Handcrafted in Japan, it combines premium materials and refined engineering to reproduce every nuance of vinyl with remarkable naturalness.

The heart of the head is the bare microlinear stylus mounted on a conical cantilever in duralumin, a combination that follows the record groove with greater precision than elliptical or conical styli, recovering otherwise inaccessible musical information. The design double moving coil uses windings PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) independent for left and right channel, ensuring exceptional stereo separation and transmissionand particularly clean signal.

The composite body, made of three distinct materials— die-cast zinc , aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer—effectively disperses unwanted resonances, preventing any one frequency range from dominating the others. The zinc insert at the base of the cartridge, a new feature introduced with the AT33x series, particularly enhances the expressiveness of the mid-low range , restoring body to acoustic instruments and warmth to the human voice. The neodymium magnet paired with the permendur yoke generates a strong magnetic field that maximizes signal generation efficiency, resulting in a responsive, high-resolution dynamic response.

The new suspension mechanism, which uses a piano wire, slightly reduces dynamic compliance (6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz), making the AT33xMLD compatible with a wide range of tonearms, including those with medium to high effective mass. M2,6 threaded holes on the body simplify mounting, especially on integrated headshells. Thick gold plating on the terminal pins reduces contact resistance and contributes to a clean signal all the way to the phono stage.

What's the best MC cartridge for listening to rock and jazz on vinyl? The AT33xMLD is particularly suited to recordings from the '50s, '60s, and '70s, where it enhances the warmth of the instruments and the presence of the vocals, while maintaining excellent control over the high frequencies. For best results, we recommend pairing it with a dedicated MC phono preamp or a step-up transformer with a load impedance of 100 ohms or higher.

Note: The AT33xMLD's stylus assembly is not user-replaceable, but Audio-Technica offers an official paid re-tipping program for cartridge refurbishment.

Specifications

Typology MC (moving coil)
Output voltage 0.4mV
Stylus Naked Microlinear
Recommended reading strength 2.0 g
Phono load impedance 100 Ω
Weight 10.1 g
Frequency response 20 - 42000
Channel separation 27 dB
Channel balancing 1.0 dB
Read force range 1.8-2.2 g
cantilever Duralumin tapered tube
Internal impedance 12 Ω
Coils / windings PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting)
Compliance 21 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
Vertical reading angle (VTA) 19 °
Dimensions (WxHxD) 16.1 x 16.6 x 26.1 mm
country of origin Japan
Stylus replacement no
Trim Thick gold (pin plating)

About the brand

Audio Technica is one of the most respected names in the global high-fidelity scene, a Japanese brand founded in 1962 that has conquered the global market through technological innovation and excellent build quality. Positioned in the mid-to-high end of the hi-fi market, the Tokyo-based company stands out for its production of benchmark audio components for both the home audiophile and professional markets.

Audio Technica's corporate philosophy is based on the principle of "Moving Sound Forward," an unwavering commitment to technological progress and innovation in sound reproduction. Founded by Hideo Matsushita, the company was born from a passion for audio and the desire to create products capable of capturing the original emotion of musical recordings. This vision has guided the development of proprietary technologies that have revolutionized the industry, from the first phonograph cartridges to today's high-resolution digital systems. Research and development is the company's core, with ongoing investments in innovative materials and cutting-edge production processes. The Japanese approach to technical perfection is reflected in every single component, where pinpoint precision and rigorous quality control ensure top-notch audio performance.

Audio Technica's signature technologies include the direct-drive system for turntables, a technical solution that eliminates the problems associated with drive belts.missionand ensuring constant speed and reduction of parasitic vibrations. In the headphone sector, the company has developed proprietary drivers with neodymium magnets and ultra-light composite membranes, while for phono cartridges it uses exclusive technologies such as the Dual Magnet and precision elliptical tips. Innovation in wireless technology is embodied in the aptX HD and LDAC codecs for wireless transmission.missionand lossless audio.

The Audio Technica product range spans several high-fidelity categories, with a particular focus on turntables, the company's core business. The classification includes analog and digital sources, amplification, transducers, and technical accessories. In the turntable sector, available in the /product-category/sources/turntables/ section, the company offers solutions for every need, from the entry-level AT-LP60X models to the absolute benchmarks of the AT-LP7 series with direct drive and carbon tonearm. For digital music enthusiasts, the range's CD/SACD players can be found in /product-category/sources/cd-sacd-dvd-players/, while the entire source category is available in /product-category/sources/.

The product series are divided into specific lines for specific uses and market segments. The AT-LP series represents the home turntable range, with automatic and manual models equipped with built-in phono preamplifiers and USB connectivity for digitizing vinyl records. The AT-OC line includes reference phono cartridges, from moving magnets to high-end moving coils with pure copper coils. In the headphone sector, the ATH-M series is aimed at professional monitoring, while the ATH-AD range favors home listening with open drivers for a natural soundstage. Integrated amplifiers, available at /product-category/amplifiers/integrated-transistor-amplifiers/, complete the offering with solutions specifically dedicated to turntables.

Audio Technica has received numerous accolades from the international trade press, with several models recognized by What Hi-Fi, Stereophile, and Hi-Fi News for their excellent value. The AT-LP120XUSB turntable earned a "Best Buy" award from Gramophone Magazine, while the AT-OC9XML cartridge was named the benchmark in its price category by The Absolute Sound. The ATH-M50x professional headphones have become industry standards, used by recording studios and world-renowned artists.

The target audience includes discerning audiophiles, vinyl enthusiasts, and audio professionals seeking reliable components for high-quality stereo systems. The price range extends from affordable entry-level turntables under €200 to reference models costing over €1000, ensuring solutions for every budget without compromising on sound quality. Audio Technica's democratic approach to hi-fi makes it particularly popular with those new to the world of high fidelity.

Audio Technica's Italian distribution network is extensive and well-structured, with a network of specialized dealers nationwide. Technical assistance is provided by qualified authorized centers for warranty and post-warranty work, while the availability of original spare parts ensures product longevity and repairability. Technical support includes specific training for dealers and direct consulting for end users, confirming the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction and the promotion of high-fidelity culture in Italy.

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