The new Audio Technica AT33 x MLB is the evolution of the famous AT33 EV. This new benchmark model is equipped with a new stylus and cantilever that delivers rich, precise and warm sound suitable for many styles of music.
Audio Technica AT33xMLB: Body
Each body of the AT33x series cartridges is composed of three distinct materials: die-cast zinc, aluminium and a high-rigidity polymer. These are optimally arranged to reduce and disperse resonance throughout the cartridge body. With this sandwich construction, no frequency predominates during playback, resulting in balanced and natural sound reproduction.
The screws are mounted through threaded inserts integrated into the cartridge body for easy installation. The connection pins are thickly gold-plated to reduce contact resistance and improve sound quality.
Audio Technica AT33xMLB: Generator
The AT33x MLB's rigid boron cantilever tapers towards the cone-shaped stylus. It is combined with an integral Microline diamond for improved frequency response. It is connected to a rigid suspension mechanism, which slightly reduces dynamic compliance. Two independent PCOCC copper coils are positioned at the cantilever's pivot point to ensure perfect signal transmission for each channel.
This dual moving coil design, with independent left and right channels, offers exceptional channel separation.
The PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continu Casting) coils ensure pure and smooth signal transmission.
The neodymium magnet and permadur yoke maximise energy efficiency for high-resolution, responsive playback.
Audio Technica AT33xMLB: Sound reproduction
This new-generation AT33xMLB cartridge offers a very analogue, somewhat “vintage” sound. However, it delivers rich, detailed reproduction across the entire audio spectrum, with highly realistic expressiveness. Of course, this is achieved without compromising on dynamics and transparency. Surface noise and distortion are kept to a minimum.
FranckFrequency response: 20 to 45,000 Hz
Channel separation: 27 dB (1 kHz)
Vertical tracking angle: 19°
Recommended tracking force: 2.0 g
Recommended load impedance: ≥ 100 ohms
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/s)
Output balance: 1.0 dB (1 kHz)
Stylus shape: Bare Microlinear 2.2 × 0.12 mil
Cantilever: Conical boron tube
Static compliance: 19 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
Dynamic compliance: 11 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
Dimensions: 16.1 x 16.6 x 26.1 mm
Weight: 10.1 g
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Customer reviews
La précision avant tout
J’ai bien reçu ma cellule AT33xMLB et le résultat est tout simplement irréprochable ! Le son est d’une grande douceur, plein et soyeux, avec cette belle profondeur que l’on attend d’une cellule MC, mais surtout avec une définition exceptionnelle dans les aigus. Le tout reste parfaitement maîtrisé, sans jamais devenir agressif.
J’apprécie particulièrement le fait qu’on ne tombe pas ici dans une signature sonore trop “chaleureuse” ou excessivement chargée dans le grave, comme c’est parfois le cas. Au contraire, la précision, la finesse des détails et la clarté sont pleinement au rendez-vous, tout en conservant une musicalité remarquable.
C’est exactement l’équilibre que je recherchais : de la transparence, de la définition et une écoute vivante, sans coloration artificielle.
J’ai de plus passé la cellule au crible d’un LP de test, et tout se passe comme prévu au regard des caractéristiques annoncées. À noter également un niveau de distorsion vraiment très faible sur l’ensemble du spectre, ce qui, je trouve, place cette cellule, en plus des qualités évoquées ci-dessus, dans un rapport qualité-prix plus qu’intéressant !