Audio-Technica AT33xMLB Dual MC Cartridge with Microlinear Stylus & Boron Cantilever

Description AT33xMLB The latest update to the venerable AT33 Series – the first extensive overhaul in years – brings new warmth and fullness to your favorite music. Incorporating technological and material improvements, including our first use of die-cast zinc at the base of the cartridge to ward off unwanted resonance and improve expressiveness in the mid to low frequencies, the AT33x Series cartridges let you hear the finest details across the audio spectrum. With its microlinear nude stylus and solid boron tapered cantilever, the AT33xMLB is capable of capturing the subtlest details cut into a record groove. This capacity for high-resolution tracking is particularly noticeable when listening to orchestral recordings, allowing you to discern each instrument on a piece, or when playing records made since the late 1970s, which benefit from high-fidelity recording and manufacturing advancements. Our newly developed suspension mechanism uses piano wire for even better tracking accuracy, lowering the dynamic compliance slightly for more substantial audio, particularly in the mid-low range. The cartridge’s composite body, made of die-cast zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer, reduces and disperses resonance across the entire body, resulting in balanced, natural sound reproduction that doesn’t favor particular frequencies. The AT33x dual moving coil cartridge design features independent left- and right-channel PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) coils for outstanding channel separation and pure, smooth signal transmission. A neodymium magnet and permendur yoke create a strong magnetic field that maximizes power generation efficiency, resulting in responsive, high-resolution analog playback. Like all AT33x Series cartridges, the body of the AT33xMLB includes threaded holes for easy mounting (just two screws required). These threaded holes are especially useful when mounting the cartridge to an integrated tonearm. Newly Developed Suspension System Material Difference The AT33xMLB’s solid boron cantilever, which tapers toward the microlinear stylus tip for improved response, is linked with a firm suspension mechanism, slightly lowering the dynamic compliance. Two independent PCOCC coils are positioned at the cantilever’s fulcrum to ensure pure signal transmission for each channel. Resonance Dispersion, Threaded Mounting Holes Sound Body Each AT33x Series cartridge body is constructed of three distinct materials – die-cast zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer – optimally arranged to reduce and disperse resonance across the cartridge body so that no frequency predominates during playback. Threaded holes are incorporated into the body for easy mounting. Features AT33x Series dual moving coil stereo cartridge with microlinear nude stylus Offers highly detailed and delicate sound expression; ideal for use with records produced since the late 1970s and for classical recordings that feature a host of instruments   Dual moving coil design, featuring independent left and right coils, provides outstanding channel separation PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) coils provide pure, smooth signal transmission Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke maximize energy efficiency for high-resolution, responsive playback Composite cartridge body (die-cast zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer) reduces resonance throughout the body for balanced, natural sound reproduction Highly rigid and dense die-cast zinc material is used at the base of the cartridge to suppress unwanted vibrations and improve the expressiveness of the mid-to-low frequency range Threaded mounting holes make it easier to mount the cartridge to a headshell, especially one integrated into a tonearm Microlinear nude stylus tracks the record groove with incredible accuracy, providing more nuanced sound reproduction than elliptical and conical styli Solid boron tapered cantilever quickly transmits vibrations from the record groove, ensuring accurate reproduction of dynamic musical passages Newly developed suspension mechanism and rubber damper design (with lower dynamic compliance than other A-T cartridges) enable the cartridge to be used with a variety of tonearms  Double-step armature structure increases the rigidity of the cantilever for better resonance suppression Thick gold plating on the terminal pins reduces contact resistance and enhances sound quality Crafted and hand-finished by artisans in Japan Please Note: AT33xMLB’s stylus assembly is not field-replaceable, but Audio-Technica offers a fee-based Moving Coil Exchange Program to properly service your moving coil cartridge. Specifications Cartridge & Stylus Frequency Response 20 to 45,000 Hz Channel Separation 27 dB (1 kHz) Vertical Tracking Angle 19° Tracking Force 1.8 to 2.2 g (2.0 g standard) Recommended Load Impedance ≥ 100 ohms (when head amplifier connected) Coil Impedance 12 ohms (1 kHz) DC Resistance 12 ohms Coil Inductance 26 μH (1 kHz) Output Voltage 0.42 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.) Output Balance 1.0 dB (1 kHz) Stylus Shape Nude Microlinear Cantilever Nude tapered boron Static Compliance 19 × 10-6 cm/dyne Dynamic Compliance 6 × 10-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz) Dimensions 16.0 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 Stylus Curvature Radius 2.2 × 0.12 mil Type MC Weight 10.1 g (0.36 oz) Notes * Washers × 2 and screws (8.0 mm (0.31”)) × 2 are used to secure the cartridge in the box at the time of purchase. Be sure to keep and not lose these after removing the cartridge from the box. For product improvement, the product is subject to modification without notice.