High-Resolution Moving Coil Cartridge with Shibata Line-Contact Stylus
The Audio-Technica AT33Sa Dual Moving Coil Cartridge combines a nude Shibata line-contact stylus with a tapered solid-boron cantilever and Audio-Technica’s dual moving-coil generator for detailed, extended analog reproduction. Its Shibata profile is designed to maintain substantial contact with the groove wall, helping retrieve fine high-frequency information while preserving strong midrange and bass performance.
The AT33Sa uses lightweight moving coils secured in a rigid VC mold to reduce unwanted vibration, while PCOCC copper conductors help preserve the delicate low-output signal. A neodymium magnet and permendur yoke enhance magnetic energy, and the precision-cast aluminum and synthetic-resin body provides a rigid mechanical foundation. With a 0.4 mV output, the cartridge is designed for compatible moving-coil phono stages or step-up equipment.
Highlights & Benefits
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Nude Shibata Line-Contact Stylus — Provides extended groove-wall contact for precise high-frequency tracing, detailed retrieval and excellent performance across the record surface.
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Tapered Solid-Boron Cantilever — Boron combines high rigidity with low mass, allowing the stylus to respond quickly to subtle groove modulation.
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Dual Moving-Coil Generator — Separate moving coils provide strong channel separation and wide frequency response for precise stereo imaging.
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PCOCC Coil Conductors — Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting wiring helps preserve the integrity of the cartridge’s extremely low-level signal.
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Rigid Aluminum-Alloy Body — Precision-cast aluminum and synthetic-resin construction helps control unwanted resonance and improves mechanical stability.
Technology & Design
Shibata Groove Geometry — The Shibata profile uses an elongated contact area along the groove wall to trace complex high-frequency information while maintaining stable groove contact.
Double-Damper Suspension — Audio-Technica pairs the tapered boron cantilever with a double-damper system designed to control stylus movement and improve tracking behavior.
Neodymium Magnet & Permendur Yoke — The magnetic circuit uses a powerful neodymium magnet and permendur yoke to increase magnetic energy around the moving coils.
VC Mold Coil Structure — The dual coils are fixed inside a strong but lightweight VC mold, reducing unnecessary vibration while maintaining accurate generator geometry.
FAQ — Audio-Technica AT33Sa
What type of phono preamp does the AT33Sa require?
The AT33Sa is a low-output moving-coil cartridge with a specified output of 0.4 mV. It requires a compatible MC phono preamplifier, head amplifier or step-up transformer. Audio-Technica recommends a load impedance of at least 100 ohms when used with a head amplifier or MC phono stage.
What tracking force should I use with the AT33Sa?
Audio-Technica specifies a tracking-force range of 1.8 to 2.2 grams, with 2.0 grams as the standard recommended setting.
Can the stylus on the AT33Sa be replaced?
No. The stylus assembly on a moving-coil cartridge such as the AT33Sa is not designed for field replacement. If the stylus becomes worn or damaged, the cartridge typically requires manufacturer service or replacement.
What is the advantage of the Shibata stylus?
The Shibata line-contact profile maintains a longer contact area with the groove wall than conventional conical or elliptical designs, supporting improved high-frequency tracking and retrieval of fine groove information.
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