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The AT33xMLB is the latest update to Audio-Technica's long-running AT33 Series — its first extensive overhaul in years — bringing added warmth and fullness to playback. Technological and material improvements, including the first use of die-cast zinc at the base of the cartridge to ward off unwanted resonance, improve expressiveness in the mid to low frequencies and help reveal fine detail 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 high-resolution tracking is particularly noticeable on orchestral recordings, where individual instruments can be more clearly discerned, and on records made since the late 1970s, which benefit from high-fidelity recording and manufacturing advances. A newly developed suspension mechanism uses piano wire for improved tracking accuracy, slightly lowering the dynamic compliance for more substantial audio, particularly in the mid-low range.

The composite body — made of die-cast zinc, aluminium and high-rigidity polymer — reduces and disperses resonance across the whole body for balanced, natural reproduction that does not favour particular frequencies. The dual moving coil design uses independent left- and right-channel PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) coils for outstanding channel separation and pure, smooth signal transmission, while a neodymium magnet and permendur yoke create a strong magnetic field for responsive, high-resolution playback. As with all AT33x Series cartridges, the body includes threaded holes for easy two-screw mounting, which is especially useful with an integrated tonearm.

Please note: the AT33xMLB's stylus assembly is not field-replaceable, but Audio-Technica offers a fee-based Moving Coil Exchange Program to service the cartridge.

Ideal For

Highly detailed, delicate playback, particularly records produced since the late 1970s and classical recordings featuring many instruments, mounted to headshells and integrated tonearms.

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 with independent left and right coils for outstanding channel separation
• PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) coils for pure, smooth signal transmission
• Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke maximise energy efficiency for high-resolution, responsive playback
• Composite cartridge body (die-cast zinc, aluminium and high-rigidity polymer) reduces resonance throughout the body for balanced, natural reproduction
• Highly rigid, dense die-cast zinc at the base of the cartridge suppresses unwanted vibrations and improves mid-to-low frequency expressiveness
• 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 high accuracy, providing more nuanced reproduction than elliptical and conical styli
• Solid boron tapered cantilever quickly transmits vibrations from the record groove for accurate reproduction of dynamic musical passages
• Newly developed suspension mechanism and rubber damper design (with lower dynamic compliance than other A-T cartridges) allow use 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

Specifications

• Type: MC (Moving Coil)
• 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
• Stylus Curvature Radius: 2.2 × 0.12 mil
• Cantilever: Nude tapered boron
• Static Compliance: 19 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Dynamic Compliance: 6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 16.0 × 16.6 × 26.1 mm
• Weight: 10.1 g
• Threaded Hole: M2.6 × 2
• Accessories Included: Non-magnetic screwdriver; brush; washer × 2; cartridge installation screws (M2.6) — 8.0 mm × 2, 10.0 mm × 2, 13.0 mm × 2; protector

Product Code: AT33xMLB