Audiophile AT33 series moving coil cartridge • First MC model featuring a Shibata stylus profile • Solid tapered boron cantilever • Dual Moving Coil (MC) structure with PCOCC wiring • Dual-layer aluminum/synthetic resin hybrid body • High-energy neodymium magnet with permendur yoke
The Audio-Technica AT33Sa Dual Moving Coil Cartridge is the first moving coil cartridge in Audio-Technica's storied lineup to feature a Shibata line-contact stylus, marrying lush midrange warmth with exceptional high-frequency extension. Fitted to a precision-tapered solid boron cantilever, its diamond profile tracks deep within the record groove to retrieve delicate micro-harmonics while keeping tracing distortion remarkably low. An advanced dual moving coil generator wound with high-purity PCOCC wire delivers broad channel separation and three-dimensional spatial depth, all encased in a sandwich-structured aluminum and hard resin body engineered to isolate mechanical resonance.
Key Features & Innovations
Nude Shibata diamond stylus — line-contact diamond cut provides a large vertical contact patch along the groove wall, delivering rich mid-range vocal texture, sweet treble response, and minimal vinyl wear.
Tapered solid boron cantilever — tapered design reduces effective moving mass toward the tip while preserving structural stiffness, ensuring rapid impulse tracking across demanding dynamic passages.
Dual Moving Coil (MC) generator layout — separate left and right coils arranged in an inverted V-shape align with stereo groove walls for broad channel separation and low crosstalk.
PCOCC coil windings — wound with Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting conductors to guarantee clean, transparent electrical conductivity straight from the generator.
Neodymium magnet & permendur yoke — high-flux magnetic assembly concentrates field strength in the gap, boosting electromagnetic conversion efficiency to generate a healthy 0.4 mV output.
Hybrid anti-resonance chassis — precision cast-aluminum top plate and durable synthetic resin lower body combine into a dual-layer structure that effectively damps unwanted micro-vibrations.
How does the AT33Sa compare to the AT33EV and AT33PTG/II?
The Audio-Technica AT33Sa is distinctive for its Shibata diamond stylus and tapered boron cantilever, giving it a rich, warm, and tonally dense character with smooth high-end air. In contrast, the AT33EV uses an elliptical diamond on a duralumin cantilever for a punchier, punch-forward sound, while the AT33PTG/II utilizes a MicroLine stylus on a straight boron cantilever for maximum neutral precision and forensic detail retrieval.
What phono stage gain and loading are recommended?
With an output voltage of 0.4 mV, the AT33Sa pairs seamlessly with dedicated Moving Coil phono stages providing between 56 dB and 64 dB of gain. The recommended load impedance is 100 ohms or higher (or approximately 20 ohms when utilizing a step-up transformer).
What is the recommended vertical tracking force (VTF)?
The recommended vertical tracking force is 2.0 grams, with an operational tracking range spanning 1.8 to 2.2 grams.
Does this cartridge have threaded mounting holes?
No. The traditional AT33 body uses open, slotted through-holes. Installation requires passing the included M2.6 screws through the headshell and securing them with the provided nuts underneath the cartridge flanges.
Why Buy From Us
Authorized Audio-Technica dealer offering 100% genuine products with full manufacturer warranty coverage
Expert technical assistance on MC phono stage gain, load impedance matching, and tonearm compliance
Dedicated concierge customer service for alignment protractor guidance and analog optimization
Fast, secure insured freight shipping with protective white-glove packaging on every order
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