Audio-Technica - AT33xMLD - Dual Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

Classic analogue warmth with fine detail. The Audio-Technica AT33xMLD is a dual moving coil stereo cartridge pairing a nude Microlinear stylus with a duralumin tapered pipe cantilever, independent PCOCC coils, a neodymium magnet with permendur yoke, and a three-material composite body with a die-cast zinc base to disperse resonance. A particularly good match for rock and jazz records, especially those from the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Made in Japan.

The Latest Update to a Venerable Series

The AT33x Series is the first extensive overhaul of the AT33 line in years, bringing new warmth and fullness to your favourite music. Through technological and material improvements, including Audio-Technica's first use of die-cast zinc at the base of the cartridge, it suppresses unwanted resonance and improves expressiveness in the mid to low frequencies, while letting you hear the finest details across the audio spectrum.

The redesigned series delivers a classic analogue sound, rich in detail across the spectrum with lifelike expressiveness in the mid to low frequencies. The AT33xMLD is an excellent choice for rock and jazz records, particularly those recorded in the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

Microlinear Nude Stylus on a Duralumin Cantilever

The AT33xMLD pairs a nude Microlinear stylus (2.2 × 0.12 mil) with a high-hardness duralumin tapered pipe cantilever. The Microlinear profile tracks the record groove with great accuracy, for more nuanced sound reproduction than elliptical and conical styli, and the cantilever enhances high-frequency control. The result is a warm yet detailed sound.

A Suspension Built on Piano Wire

A newly developed suspension mechanism uses piano wire for even better tracking accuracy, lowering the dynamic compliance slightly for more substantial audio, particularly in the mid-low range. Together with the rubber damper design, it gives the AT33xMLD a lower dynamic compliance than other Audio-Technica cartridges, which lets the cartridge work with a variety of tonearms.

Dual Moving Coil — Independent PCOCC Coils

The dual moving coil design uses independent left- and right-channel coils made from PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting), providing outstanding channel separation and smooth signal transmission. A neodymium magnet and permendur yoke create a strong magnetic field that maximises generating efficiency, for responsive, high-resolution analogue playback.

A Three-Material Body That Disperses Resonance

Every AT33x Series cartridge body is built from three distinct materials, die-cast zinc, aluminium and high-rigidity polymer, arranged to reduce and disperse resonance across the whole body so that no frequency predominates during playback. Dense, rigid die-cast zinc at the base suppresses unwanted vibration and improves the expressiveness of the mid-to-low frequency range.

Easy to Mount

Threaded mounting holes (M2.6) mean only two screws are needed to mount the cartridge, which is especially useful with an integrated tonearm. A non-magnetic screwdriver, brush, washers, mounting screws in three lengths and a protector are all included.

Please Note

The AT33xMLD's stylus assembly is not field-replaceable. Audio-Technica offers a fee-based Moving Coil Exchange Program to properly service your moving coil cartridge. It is a low-output moving coil cartridge (0.4mV), so it needs a phono stage with an MC input, or a step-up device.

Feature Cards

🎵 Warm, Detailed — Great with Rock and Jazz

Classic analogue sound with lifelike mid-to-low frequency expressiveness, suited to rock and jazz recorded in the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

💎 Nude Microlinear Stylus (2.2 × 0.12 mil)

Tracks the groove accurately for more nuanced reproduction than elliptical and conical profiles, on a duralumin tapered pipe cantilever.

🧲 Dual Moving Coil — Independent PCOCC Coils

Independent left and right coils for outstanding channel separation. Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke for responsive, high-resolution playback.

🛡️ Tri-Material Body with Die-Cast Zinc Base

Die-cast zinc, aluminium and high-rigidity polymer disperse resonance for a balanced, natural sound. Threaded mounting holes for easy installation. Made in Japan.

Editorial Blockquote

"The AT33xMLD is an excellent choice for playing rock and jazz records." — Audio-Technica

At-a-Glance Bullets

• AT33x Series dual moving coil (MC) stereo cartridge
• Stylus: nude Microlinear — curvature radius 2.2 × 0.12 mil
• Cantilever: duralumin tapered pipe
• Piano wire suspension and rubber damper design
• Independent PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) coils
• Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke
• Composite body: die-cast zinc, aluminium and high-rigidity polymer
• Threaded mounting holes (M2.6)
• Output voltage: 0.4mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec)
• Frequency response: 20–42,000Hz
• Channel separation: 27dB (1kHz)
• Tracking force: 1.8–2.2g (2.0g standard)
• Recommended load impedance: ≥ 100Ω (when head amplifier connected)
• Stylus assembly not field-replaceable — fee-based Moving Coil Exchange Program
• Made in Japan

Specifications

Closing Quote

"Warm, detailed and made for classic records. The Audio-Technica AT33xMLD — a Microlinear moving coil cartridge with a lifelike mid-to-low presence."