Audio Technica AT33 SA MC Cartridge

Audio-Technica AT33SA – Moving-coil cartridge with Shibata stylus

The Audio-Technica AT33SA is a moving-coil cartridge designed for precise groove tracking and controlled, high-resolution signal conversion. As Audio-Technica's first MC cartridge with a Shibata stylus, it combines very fine treble resolution with a full-bodied, stable reproduction of the midrange and bass. Its design focuses less on spectacular effects and more on consistent, coherent reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.

Shibata cut for extended groove detection

The AT33SA's Shibata diamond stylus is designed to utilize large contact areas in the record groove. This ensures exceptionally clean reproduction of high-frequency information while simultaneously producing smooth, consistent tracking. Compared to conventional line-contact styli, this results in superior stability in the fundamental frequency range and a more detailed rendering of low frequencies.

Boron needle carrier and reduced moving mass

The stylus is mounted on a conical boron cantilever. Boron combines high rigidity with very low weight, thus reducing inertia in the tracking system. Additionally, the coil winding has been optimized to further reduce the moving mass. This design supports fast transient response and precise reproduction of dynamic impulses.

A double damping structure mechanically stabilizes the needle movement and contributes to controlled playback even with complex music signals.

Magnet and generator system

Inside, a neodymium magnet with a high energy product (BHmax 50 kJ/m³) is combined with a Permendur spring yoke. This material combination ensures a stable and concentrated magnetic field in the area of the coils and supports efficient signal conversion.

The coils are made of PCOCC copper wire. This single-crystal copper is used to minimize conduction losses and structural irregularities in the signal path and to enable the most accurate transmission possible.

Technical specifications Audio-Technica AT33SA

Frequency range: 15 – 50,000 Hz
Channel separation: 30 dB (1 kHz)
Vertical scanning angle: 23°
Recommended tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g (standard: 2.0 g)
Needle: Shibata, bare square shank