Audio-Technica New AT33x Cartridge Range
All Image Credit: Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica have just released the ATX33x series of moving coil phono cartridges, their first since 2014. It features five new models, the; AT33xEN, AT33xMLD, AT33xMLB stereo cartridges, and the AT33xMONO/I and AT33xMONO/II monaural cartridges.
The new cartridge bodies combine three materials: die-cast zinc(Zn), aluminium(Al), and a high-rigidity polymer(P) that according to Audio-Technica are arranged to disperse resonance across the entire cartridge body without emphasising specific frequencies. The AT33x series also benefits from a newly developed suspension mechanism, designed with slightly lower dynamic compliance than conventional cartridges, that is said to expand setup flexibility and tonearm compatibility.
Motor, Cantilever and Coil Assemblies – EN, MLD, MLB, MONO/I and MONO/II
According to Audio-Technica, the new coils are formed from Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting (PCOCC) windings, manufactured without crystal grain boundaries and thus reducing signal disturbances, while the gold-plated terminal pins feature thicker gold plating than conventional products minimising contact resistance. All cartridges are hand crafted and finished in Japan, and features threaded cartridge mounting holes for easier direct mounting into integrated tonearms and most standard headshells.
Stereo Models
The AT33X stereo cartridges feature dual moving coils, that should provide; excellent channel separation and wide frequency response, providing precise sound localization with low distortion. They are positioned within a Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke that generates a strong magnetic field within the coil’s magnetic gap, maximising output performance.
Stereo stylus configurations:
- AT33xEN: An elliptical nude stylus mounted on a tapered duralumin pipe cantilever
- AT33xMLD: A microlinear stylus mounted on a tapered duralumin pipe cantilever
- AT33xMLB: The Flagship microlinear model is enhanced by the use of a solid boron-tapered cantilever and lightweight vibration system
Mono Models
The AT33X mono cartridges benefit from a special generator coil designed for monaural vinyl grooves, which only moves horizontally. This design is said to minimise the impact of vertical noise components. Both feature the stylus mounted on a tapered duralumin pipe cantilever
Mono stylus configurations:
- AT33xMONO/I: A high-performance model with Duralumin pipe and nude conical stylus
- AT33xMONO/II: Duralumin pipe and nude conical stylus, and the only model in the AT33x Series to use a samarium cobalt magnet and pure iron yoke
Specifications:
- Frequency Response:
- AT33xEN: 20 to 40,000 Hz
- AT33xMLD: 20 to 42,000 Hz
- AT33xMLB: 20 to 45,000 Hz
- AT33xMONO/I: 20 to 30,000 Hz
- AT33xMONO/II: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Channel Separation: 27 dB (1 kHz)
- Vertical Tracking Angle:
- Stereo: 19°
- Mono: 20°
- Tracking Force:
- All stereo: 1.8 to 2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
- AT33xMONO/I: 2.0 to 2.4 g (2.2 g standard)
- AT33xMONO/II: 2.3 to 2.7 g (2.5 g standard)
- Recommended Load Impedance: ≥ 100 ohms (when head amplifier connected)
- Coil Impedance:
- Stereo: 12 ohms (1 kHz)
- Mono: 10 ohms (1 kHz)
- DC Resistance:
- Stereo: 12 ohms
- Mono: 10 ohms
- Coil Inductance:
- Stereo: 26 μH (1 kHz)
- Mono: 27 μH (1 kHz)
- Output Voltage:
- All stereo: 0.4 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.)
- AT33xMONO/I: 0.42 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.)
- AT33xMONO/II: 0.37 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.)
- Stereo Output Balance: 1.0 dB (1 kHz)
- Mono Horizontal/Vertical Output Ratio: 25 dB (1 kHz)
- Stylus Shape:
- AT33xEN: Nude Elliptical
- AT33xMLD and MLB: Nude Microlinear
- AT33xMONO/I and /II: Nude Conical
- Cantilever design:
- AT33xEN and MLD: Duralumin tapered pipe
- AT33xMLB: Nude tapered boron
- AT33xMONO/I and /II: Duralumin pipe
- Static Compliance:
- AT33xEN and MLD: 21 × 10-6 cm/dyne
- AT33xMLB: 19 × 10-6 cm/dyne
- AT33xMONO/I and /II: 14 × 10-6 cm/dyne
- Dynamic Compliance: 6 × 10-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz)
- Dimensions: 16.1 mm (0.63”) × 16.6 mm (0.65”) × 26.1 mm (1.0”) (H × W × D)
- Accessories Included: Non-magnetic screwdriver; Brush; Washer* × 2; Cartridge installation screws* (M2.6) (8.0 mm (0.31”) × 2, 10.0 mm (0.39”) × 2, 13.0 mm (0.51”) × 2); Protector
- Threaded Hole: M2.6 × 2
- Weight: 10.1 g (0.36 oz)
MSRP:
The AT-33x Series are available now with stereo cartridges starting at £519/$699/€599, and the mono models starting at £349/$499/€399.
For more information visit the Audio-Technica website.
Related posts:
