Audio-Technica AT33EV Dual Moving Coil Cartridge?

[deaner33]

Anyone have or have heard this cartridge? It looks interesting:

[Arkay]

This is the latest edition in the AT-33 series of dual moving-coil cartridges. Other models include:

AT-33
The original model, tops in its day, but much improved by technical developments in the subsequent models below.

AT-33ML/OCC
Nude square shank; ML stands for "Microline", AT's name for Shibata or Microridge; cantilever is beryllium

AT-33 PTG
PTG stands for "Prestige"; cantilever is boron.

AT-33ANV
This was their 40th Anniversary (limited edition commemorative) model.

ALL of this series have been highly praised and are considered good "audiophile" cartridges. Among the best MC carts that AT ever made.

The EV is the replacement/successor for the ANV model, which came out in 2006. The ANV was produced in limited numbers, all gone, and very hard-top-find today. The ML/OCC is out of production and likewise hard-to-find; PTG has been in production and selling continuously since it was introduced, and is much easier to find than those others. The EV being the newest and still in production, is easy to get.

ALL of these (except the original plain 33) have an official frequency response of 15-50,000 Hz, but some have tested higher than this(!).

Here are the statistics and features for the EV model. The main differences between it and the ANV are a lower impedance at 10 ohms, and a lower output.

- Resonance damping design reduces the minutest unnecessary vibration
- Hardened duralumin tapered pipe cantilever to reproduce natural sound without distortion
- High quality nude elliptical stylus that traces the grooves accurately and reproduces with opulence
- 10 ohms middle impedance specification to minimize signal loss due to the coil's electrical resistance
- PCOCC6N coil enables purer transmission because it is not subject to grain boundaries in the direction of transmission
- Neodymium magnet with dramatically enhanced and concentrated magnetic energy
- Coil stabilizing VC mould that affixes the coil minimizes unnecessary noise and parasitic resonance and thus enhances treble sound quality
- Internal housing anti-vibration damping material, Hanenite, suppresses unwanted vibration and allows outstanding performance of the dual moving coils to fully express itself
- Brass installation screw used to match the cartridge's high quality sound

Audio-Technica AT33EV Cartridge Technical Information
Type: MC type
Frequency range: 15 - 50,000Hz
Output voltage: 0.3mV (1kHz and 3.54cm/sec)
Channel separation: 30dB (1kHz)
Output balance: 0.5dB (1kHz)
Stylus pressure: 1.8 - 2.2g (2.0g standard)
Coil impedance: 10 Ohms (1kHz)
Direct current resistance: 10 Ohms
Recommended load resistance: 100 Ohms or more (w/ head amplifier connected)
Coil inductance: 22 mu H (1kHz)
Static compliance: 40×10 - 6 cm/dyne
Dynamic compliance : 40×10 - 6 cm/dyne (100Hz)
Needle tip form: Nude elliptical 0.3 x 0.7 mil
Cantilever Duralumin tapered pipe
Vertical tracking angle: 23 °
External size: H16 x W16.6 x L6.5 mm
Weight (cartridge): 6.9 g

Accessories:
- Non-magnetic body screwdriver x 1
- Stylus Protector x 1
- Cartridge installation screws & nuts - 13 mm x 2, 19 mm x 2, nut x 2, washer x 2
- Stylus brush x 1
- PCOCC headshell lead wire set



Overall, this is a serious "audiophile" MC cartridge. Not quite a Lyra Helikon, but it will still run sonic circles around your usual MM cart. Remember that you will need a phono pre that can handle MC cartridges with this output, and/or a step-up transformer to use it with MM inputs. (Remember to make sure impedance is within a compatible range.)

You can dig out more comparative data online, if the comparisons are important to you. Many websites about this series are in Japanese, though; it seems that this series is most popular there, with the exception of the PTG, which is more widely popular.

I'll be able to make more meaningful comments on the sound of this series in a few weeks, after I've brought home, installed and listened enough to the AT-33ML/OCC cartridge I'm buying. I may be able to borrow a PTG for comparison, too (not sure yet, but I know who has one who might loan it to me).

Hope this helps.

[BrocLuno]

Is interesting and highly thought of

[deaner33]

Arkay, thanks for the write-up. Big fan of LOMC carts - I'm currently running a Denon DL-301 Mk II & am researching possible replacements when it gives up the ghost.

[aidynphoenix]

i think your link is broken..

[deaner33]

Originally Posted by aidynphoenix

i think your link is broken..

Fixed