Audio-Technica AT33xMLD Dual Moving Coil Cartridge with Microlinear Stylus

Audio-Technica AT33xMLD Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

The Audio-Technica AT33xMLD dual moving coil stereo cartridge combines a nude Microlinear stylus, duralumin tapered-pipe cantilever, and independent left- and right-channel coils for detailed analog playback. Its composite zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer body controls resonance, while a redesigned suspension system supports accurate groove tracking across a wide 20 Hz to 42 kHz frequency range.

Designed for listeners building a high-performance turntable system, the AT33xMLD emphasizes natural midrange and controlled low-frequency reproduction, making it particularly suited to rock and jazz records. The Microlinear stylus follows fine groove modulations more precisely than conventional elliptical or conical profiles, while its 2.0 g standard tracking force provides a practical setup target for compatible tonearms.

Independent PCOCC copper coils help maintain left- and right-channel separation, while a neodymium magnet and permendur yoke create the magnetic field used by the moving-coil generator. A dense die-cast zinc base suppresses unwanted vibration, and threaded M2.6 mounting holes simplify installation on compatible headshells and integrated tonearms. Thick gold-plated terminal pins reduce connection resistance, and each cartridge is crafted and hand-finished in Japan.

Key Features

• Nude Microlinear Stylus: Uses a precision stylus profile designed to trace fine record-groove information for nuanced analog reproduction.
• Dual Moving Coil Design: Employs independent left- and right-channel coils to support strong stereo separation and accurate channel reproduction.
• PCOCC Coil Conductors: Uses Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting conductors for smooth signal transmission from the cartridge generator.
• Duralumin Tapered Cantilever: Combines high rigidity with controlled mass to support accurate stylus movement and high-frequency tracking.
• Composite Anti-Resonance Body: Combines die-cast zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer to disperse unwanted vibration throughout the cartridge structure.
• Redesigned Suspension: Uses piano wire and a revised rubber damper system with lower dynamic compliance for compatibility with a range of tonearms.
• Neodymium Magnetic System: Pairs a neodymium magnet with a permendur yoke to support efficient signal generation and responsive playback.
• Threaded Mounting Holes: Built-in M2.6 threaded holes allow installation using two screws without requiring separate mounting nuts.

Microlinear Stylus and Duralumin Cantilever

The nude Microlinear stylus uses a 2.2 × 0.12 mil curvature radius and is mounted to a tapered duralumin pipe cantilever. This combination is designed to maintain accurate contact with the record groove while controlling cantilever movement across the cartridge's extended frequency range.

Moving Coil Generator and Resonance Control

The AT33xMLD uses separate PCOCC coils for the left and right channels, producing a rated output of 0.4 mV. Its body combines multiple materials with different mechanical characteristics, including a dense die-cast zinc base that helps suppress unwanted vibration before it can affect the cartridge generator.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge
• Cartridge Type: MC
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 42 kHz
• Channel Separation: 27 dB at 1 kHz
• Tracking Force: 1.8 to 2.2 g, 2.0 g standard
• Recommended Load Impedance: ≥100 ohms when connected to a head amplifier
• Coil Impedance: 12 ohms at 1 kHz
• DC Resistance: 12 ohms
• Coil Inductance: 26 μH at 1 kHz
• Output Voltage: 0.4 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.
• Output Balance: 1.0 dB at 1 kHz
• Stylus Shape: Nude Microlinear
• Stylus Curvature Radius: 2.2 × 0.12 mil
• Cantilever: Duralumin tapered pipe
• Static Compliance: 21 × 10-6 cm/dyne
• Dynamic Compliance: 6 × 10-6 cm/dyne at 100 Hz
• Coil Material: PCOCC Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting
• Magnet: Neodymium
• Yoke Material: Permendur
• Body Construction: Die-cast zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer
• Terminal Pins: Thick gold plated
• Threaded Mounting Holes: M2.6 × 2
• Dimensions: 0.6" H × 0.7" W × 1" D
• Weight: 0.02 lb
• Stylus Replacement: Stylus assembly is not field-replaceable
• Manufacturing: Crafted and hand-finished in Japan

What's In the Box

• Non-magnetic screwdriver
• Brush
• 2 washers
• 2 M2.6 × 0.31" cartridge installation screws
• 2 M2.6 × 0.39" cartridge installation screws
• 2 M2.6 × 0.51" cartridge installation screws
• Protector