Audio Technica AT33xMONO/I MC Phono Cartridge

The Audio Technica AT33xMONO/I MC Phono Cartridge represents the latest evolution in the legendary AT33 Series, bringing new warmth, depth, and musical precision to monaural playback. This redesigned cartridge introduces a die-cast zinc base that effectively suppresses unwanted resonance and enhances mid to low frequency expressiveness.

Designed to extract every nuance from your mono records, it allows you to experience the authentic energy and tonal balance intended by the original recording engineers. The AT33xMONO/I is crafted with the care and precision that have made Audio Technica a trusted name among vinyl enthusiasts for decades, making it an exceptional addition to any serious analog setup.

“True Mono” Dual Moving Coil Design

At the heart of the AT33xMONO/I is a true monaural dual moving coil structure that produces electrical signals exclusively from horizontal stylus movement. This eliminates interference caused by vertical groove noise, resulting in exceptionally clear and focused mono playback with reduced surface noise and a more substantial low end.

The dual mono coil design also makes this cartridge perfectly suited for use on stereo systems without compromising audio integrity. Its highly efficient neodymium magnet and permendur yoke work together to generate a powerful magnetic field, ensuring fast, dynamic response and exceptional resolution across the entire frequency spectrum.

Engineered for Accuracy and Musicality

Equipped with a 0.65 mil nude conical stylus, the AT33xMONO/I is purpose-built for the consistent width and depth of mono record grooves, ensuring faithful tracking and natural sound reproduction. The rigid duralumin pipe cantilever enhances stylus stability and improves transient response, while the newly developed piano wire suspension mechanism ensures precise stylus alignment and exceptional groove tracing.

Slightly lowered dynamic compliance adds weight and body to the mid and low frequencies, producing a rich, balanced tonality that captures the warmth of classic mono recordings. This combination of advanced engineering and musical refinement results in playback that feels both accurate and emotionally engaging.

Advanced Construction and Resonance Control

The AT33xMONO/I features a composite cartridge body made from die-cast zinc, aluminum, and high-rigidity polymer, strategically arranged to minimize unwanted resonance and vibration. This careful material selection provides balanced, natural sound reproduction without favoring any specific frequency range. PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) coils deliver smooth, interference-free signal transmission for enhanced clarity and separation.

Threaded mounting holes allow for easy and secure installation using only two screws, simplifying setup, especially for tonearms with integrated headshells. Each component is designed with precision to maintain channel integrity, ensure stability, and deliver uncompromised sonic performance worthy of the finest monaural recordings.

Craftsmanship and Audio Heritage

Handcrafted in Japan by skilled artisans, the Audio Technica AT33xMONO/I MC Phono Cartridge continues the brand’s longstanding tradition of combining meticulous engineering with musical artistry. The thick gold-plated terminal pins reduce contact resistance and preserve the purity of the signal path, ensuring long-lasting performance.

With a frequency response of 20 to 30,000 Hz and a tracking force range of 2.0 to 2.4 grams, it offers both versatility and precision for a range of playback systems. Audio Technica’s heritage of innovation, which began with founder Hideo Matsushita’s mission to make high-fidelity sound accessible to all, is embodied in every AT33xMONO/I cartridge, delivering timeless analog excellence to discerning listeners around the world.

Specs

- Frequency Response - 20 to 30,000 Hz
- Vertical Tracking Angle - 20°
- Tracking Force - 2.0 to 2.4 g (2.2 g standard)
- Recommended Load Impedance - ≥ 100 ohms (when head amplifier connected)
- Coil Impedance - 10 ohms (1 kHz)
- DC Resistance - 10 ohms
- Coil Inductance - 27 μH (1 kHz)
- Output Voltage - 0.42 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec., horizontal signal)
- Output Balance - 1.0 dB (1 kHz)
- Horizontal/Vertical Output Ratio - 25 dB (1 kHz)
- Stylus Shape - Nude conical
- Cantilever - Duralumin pipe
- Static Compliance - 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 × 2, 10.0 mm × 2, 13.0 mm × 2); Protector
- Threaded Hole - M2.6 × 2
- Stylus Curvature Radius - 0.65 mil
- Type - MC
- Weight - 10.1 g (0.36 oz)