Audio-Technica - AT33XMLD MC Phono Cartridge

MicroLinear detail from Audio-Technica's overhauled AT33x series, on a quick, tuneful duralumin cantilever.

The AT33xMLD is part of the first extensive overhaul of the venerable AT33 Series in years, incorporating die-cast zinc at the cartridge base to ward off unwanted resonance — within a composite body of die-cast zinc, aluminum and high-rigidity polymer — plus a newly developed suspension mechanism with piano wire for improved tracking accuracy. Its dual moving coil structure uses independent left and right channel coils of PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) wire with a neodymium magnet and permendur yoke.

Where the flagship AT33xMLB mounts its MicroLinear diamond on solid boron, the MLD carries the same nude MicroLinear stylus (2.2 x 0.12 mil) on a duralumin tapered pipe cantilever — delivering the profile's precise groove tracing and long stylus life with response out to 42,000 Hz.

Features

• Nude MicroLinear stylus (2.2 x 0.12 mil)
• Duralumin tapered pipe cantilever
• Dual moving coil design with independent left/right coils
• PCOCC coil wire and gold-plated cartridge pins
• Neodymium magnet with permendur yoke
• Composite body of die-cast zinc, aluminum and high-rigidity polymer
• New piano-wire suspension mechanism for improved tracking accuracy
• Threaded mounting holes for easier installation

Specifications

• Type: Dual moving coil
• Stylus: Nude MicroLinear, 2.2 x 0.12 mil
• Cantilever: Duralumin tapered pipe
• Coil Wire: PCOCC
• Magnet and Yoke: Neodymium magnet with permendur yoke
• Body: Composite of die-cast zinc, aluminum and high-rigidity polymer
• Output Voltage: 0.4 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Frequency Response: 20-42,000 Hz
• Channel Separation: 27 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel Balance: 1.0 dB (1 kHz)
• Tracking Force: 1.8-2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
• Recommended Load Impedance: Min. 100 ohms
• Coil Impedance: 12 ohms (1 kHz)
• DC Resistance: 12 ohms
• Coil Inductance: 26 µH (1 kHz)
• Static Compliance: 21 x 10^-6 cm/dyne
• Dynamic Compliance: 6 x 10^-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz)
• Vertical Tracking Angle: 19 degrees
• Mount: Threaded M2.6 x 2 — two screws, no nuts required
• Weight: 10.1 g