The AT33Sa is the first Audio-Technica MC cartridge model to feature a Shibata stylus. In addition to its superior high-range performance as a line-contact stylus, the Shibata stylus produces mid and bass sound that is strong and rich. The Shibata stylus is mounted on a boron cantilever with a double damper to greatly improve sound quality.
Features
- Advanced Tapered Boron Cantilever & Reduced Weight
- Neodymium Magnet with Dramatically Enhanced Magnetic Energy
- High-Separation, Wide Response Dual Moving Coil
- VC Mold Limits Unnecessary Vibration
- A Tough Body Designed to Be Rigid
Advanced Tapered Boron Cantilever & Reduced Weight
The AT33Sa uses a tapered boron cantilever. Tapering the cantilever and revising the number of coil rotations reduce the weight, giving the cartridge better high range performance and wide range reproduction.
Neodymium Magnet & Permendur Yoke
The model uses a neodymium magnet with maximum energy product BHmax of 50 [kJ/m3] and a permendur yoke with high saturation flux density and outstanding magnetic properties, which further enhances the concentrated magnetic field of the coil gap.
Neodymium Magnet
The neodymium magnet provides maximum energy (BHmax of 50[kJ/m3]), while the pure iron yoke provides excellent magnetic properties. Together, they further boast the magnetic field concentrated in the coil gap area.
PCOCC Coil
The PCOCC coil enables purer transmission because it is not subject to grain boundaries in the direction of transmission. *PCOCC = Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process (Monocrystalline high-purity oxygen- free copper).
High-Separation, Wide Response Dual Moving Coil
The basic structure is an original MC type, with separate cylindrical coils to the left and right channels. Since power is generated independently in each of the left and right channels, this structure offers truly superior separation. If the signal from the opposite channel escapes, this can cause intermodulation distortion and have a decisive impact on audio quality and how the stereo sound spreads. The structure of this product ensures a clear and smooth sound. Additionally, the two coils have a reverse-V shape which reduces effective moving mass as seen from the stylus tip, limiting unnecessary movement of the coil and further eliminating distortion.
VC Mold Limits Unnecessary Vibration
The VC mold that affixes the coils is made with hard synthetic resin containing potassium titanate to make it highly strong and rigid. This improvement results in a lighter product, which reduces unnecessary vibration.
A Tough Body Designed to Be Rigid
The products housing is made of precision-cast hard aluminum alloy. Hard synthetic resin sandwiching in the structure on the top and bottom suppresses parasitic resonance. This minimizes unnecessary noise while enhancing rigidity and the signal-to-ratio.
