Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges 2025 - EN

2025 phono cartridges

“It is an honour to provide a quality audio experience to millions of people throughout the world. What begins as a simple vibration – a subtle movement – results in an emotional connection, whether that be when listening deeply to an album or sharing your voice with the world.”

A message from Audio-Technica’s President

Dear Customer,

On April 17th, 1962, my father Hideo Matsushita started Audio-Technica. The first product we launched was the phono cartridge model AT-1. Over 60 years later, I am pleased to introduce our complete line of phonograph cartridges. What begins as a simple vibration – a subtle movement – results in an emotional connection, whether that be when listening deeply to an album or sharing your voice with the world. We will continue to celebrate over 60 years of Audio-Technica, with the focus on the human being. We believe that the analogue transmission

allows us to enjoy the essence of music and that will never change, despite the evolution of digital technology over the past 40 years. It is an honour for me to provide a quality audio experience to millions of people throughout the world, and this would not be possible without you and your support for our products. I hope you will join us in celebrating over 60 years of Audio-Technica and the Art of Analogue. As always, I would like to thank you personally for your dedication to the Audio-Technica brand.

Kazuo Matsushita President Audio‑Technica Corporation

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 3

Over 60 years of phono cartridge research and development

Hideo Matsushita founded Audio-Technica in 1962. Audio-Technica’s first product was the AT1 phono cartridge.

Phonograph cartridge production line, 1962, Shinjuku, Tokyo. The quality and musicality of today’s Audio-Technica phono capsules is the result of 60 years of analogue heritage, the dedication of our design engineers and the craftsmanship of our production staff.

1962 AT-1

1967 AT35X

1978 AT25

1979 AT120E/G

1987 AT-OC9

2012 AT50ANV

2019 Serie AT-OC9X

2017 Serie VM

2018 Serie VM95

2020 Serie AT-ART9X

2022 AT-ART20

2024 AT-ART1000x

4 - Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025

Index

Choosing the right cartridge

Understanding styli, Moving Coil or Moving Magnet

AT-ART1000x Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge with Direct Power System

8-9

AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

10-11

AT-ART9XI Audio-Technica’s Flagship Magnetic Core Moving Coil Cartridge

12-13

AT-ART9XA Non-Magnetic Core MC Cartridge for Superior Spatial Representation

14-15

Excellence Series cartridges specifications

MC Step-Up Transformer

AT-OC9X Series cartridges

18-21

AT33 and AT-MONO3 Moving Coil phono cartridges

22-25

AT-VMx Series cartridges overview

26-29

Line Contact AT-VMx Series cartridges

Elliptical and Conical AT-VMx Series cartridges

AT-VMx Mono cartridges for Shellac & early mono LP’s and replacement stylus

AT-VMx Series replacement and upgrade styli matrix

VM95 Series cartridges

34-39

VM95 Series - Styli compatibility charts and replacement styli

AT-XP Series - Audiophile DJ cartridges and replacement styli

42-43

P-mount moving magnet plug-in cartridges

44-45

Playing 78 rpm Shellac SP records

46-47

Cartridges technical specifications

48-51

Replacement styli for cartridges only available on turntables and for discontinued models

Replacement styli guide for discontinued Audio-Technica models

AT-PEQ30 Phono Preamplifier RIAA Equalizer with MM and MC inputs

54-55

Headshells

56-57

Turntables accessories

Cleaning accessories

Cartridge-making dictionary

60 -6 2

Understanding styli sizes and shapes

Alphanumeric product listing

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 5

Choosing the right cartridge The ultimate performance potential of any record playing system is defined by the capabilities of its phono cartridge. Tonal balance, response range, clarity on musical peaks, stereo separation and imaging, along with freedom from noise and distortion are all affected at the outset. The selection of this first component is critical to the full enjoyment of the rest of your system. Your choice of cartridge can also strongly affect the life of your records. With vinyl records becoming more and more difficult to replace, it’s an important point to keep in mind when selecting a cartridge or upgrading your system. Since Audio‑Technica has long been recognized as a world leader in phonograph cartridge design and production, we offer a wide range of models designed to match turntable/tonearm requirements, performance levels and budget considerations. This brochure is intended to help make your decision easier by giving you as much information as possible. It will also give you specific “numbers” for all of our cartridges, with additional detailed information on our Audiophile Series. But no matter which model you select, we’re confident you’ll find your Audio‑Technica cartridge to be outstanding value in every respect.

These “numbers” are an attempt to describe how your cartridge will perform, and how well it will meet your needs. Frequency response is a measure of the range of sounds that the cartridge will reproduce uniformly. This “flatness” of response ensures that no frequencies are given over- or under- emphasis. And uniform response is a hallmark of Audio‑Technica Vector Aligned cartridges, with even the least expensive units providing smooth reproduction within their stated ranges. Channel separation is another key specification. It is the measure of how well one channel “ignores” the other stereo channel, so that you don’t hear signals from the right channel in your left-side speaker. It’s measured in dB, and the higher the number, the higher the separation. Separation is especially important at the higher frequencies, a region where Audio‑Technica cartridges are particularly outstanding. Channel balance is a measure of both production quality and good basic design. Both sides of a stereo cartridge should have equal loudness when equally recorded levels are present. Output level is important in matching your cartridge to the electronics. Too low a level can result in noise, too high a level can over-drive a preamp into distortion. However, the output levels of all A-T Dual Magnet cartridges will work well with virtually any magnetic phono input. There are a number of other measurements of phono cartridge performance, but in the final analysis, the most important characteristics to you will probably be how well the cartridge performs audibly, how it interfaces with your other system components, and how carefully it preserves your record library for future use. ls tracking force important? Yes, but not to the exclusion of other characteristics. Each cartridge (regardless of its manufacturer) operates best in a particular range of tonearm tracking forces. It is important that this range is within the capabilities of your turntable if optimum performance is to be achieved. Keep in mind also that record wear goes up as pressure on the record surface increases. Tracking too light can cause as much (or more) damage as tracking too heavily.

Choosing your cartridge format Audio‑Technica cartridges can be: – P-mount (plug-in) – Half-inch mount (1/2”)

• P-mount cartridges have four terminals at the back that simply plug in to the end of the tonearm. The cartridge is then secured to the tonearm with a single screw. • Half-inch mount cartridges also have four terminals at the back, but they have larger pins that connect to four individual wires at the end of the tonearm. The cartridge is secured to the tonearm’s headshell with two screws, spaced 1/2” apart.

The specifications (pages 48 to 51)

The most important specifications include frequency response, channel separation, channel balance and output level.

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Understanding styli shapes, shank shapes and constructions

0.6 mil, normally touches the centre of the record groove walls. The conical design works best in moderate to lower priced, and older record players with a tonearm imposing higher tracking forces, or tonearm not featuring cartridge tilt adjustment. Typical radius of conical stylus for 78 rpm records is 2.5 or 3 mil (pages 46 & 47), four times bigger than LP record conical styli. Stylus shank construction : Nude or Bonded Styli Nude styli, shaped from whole diamonds, are more costly than bonded styli, which have their diamond tips “bonded” to metal shanks before finishing and being assembled to the cantilever. Also because of their lower mass, nude styli track more accurately (diamond density is lower than the metal shank, and the size is smaller). Also, since our nude styli are grain-oriented, with their longest- wearing faces touching the record surface, they last longer. Stylus shank form factor: Rectangular and Square Shanks or Round Shank Rectangular and square shank nude styli cost even more than round shank nude styli to make, but mounting them in laser-cut square holes in the cantilever locks them precisely into the correct alignment with the record groove. Which cartridge is best? Moving Coil or Moving Magnet? Many serious audiophiles prefer Moving Coil designs, citing clarity and transparency of tone, better defined transients, precise stereo imaging and lower distortion as the reason for their preference. Please note that Moving Coil cartridges require preamps with special compatible inputs (MC phono inputs). The output level of MC cartridges is between 0.2mV to 0.55mV, therefore MM phono inputs designed for cartridges delivering around from 3mV to 5mV cannot accommodate Moving Coil cartridges. Moving Magnet cartridges are more robust. Moving Magnet cartridges stylus assembly are field replaceable.

5 main series of cartridges: Excellence, Moving Coil, VM Series, VM95 Series and XP Series DJ cartridges.

5 different diamond stylus shapes: Special Line Contact, Shibata, Microlinear, Elliptical and Conical.

4 different stylus constructions: Nude Rectangular Shank, Nude Square Shank, Nude Round Shank and Bonded Round Shank. The Special Line Contact stylus, offers the optimum tip design for high frequency response with minimum abrasion, providing low distortion and low record wear. The Shibata stylus was originally developed to play four channel vinyl records (quadraphonic) and for this purpose it was necessary to playback up to 45 kHz. The Shibata shape provides a long line of contact with groove walls, minimizing record wear, and replays high frequency material with minimal distortion. The Microlinear stylus almost exactly duplicates the shape of the cutting stylus used to produce the original master disc. This enables it to track portions of the groove other styli cannot reach, resulting in extremely accurate tracking of high frequency passages and ruler-flat frequency response within the audible range. The Elliptical stylus has two radii, the front radius being wider than the side radius. This allows the stylus to ride in the centre of the groove, like the conical, while the smaller side radius can more accurately track higher frequencies. Audio-Technica Elliptical styli have a size of - 0.3 x 0.7 mil (1) with the first number indicating the side radius. The Conical stylus is the simplest, least expensive and most widely used stylus. Its spherical tip, which has a typical radius of

(1) The abbreviation mil is equal a thousandth of an inch - mil = 0,001 inch = 0,0254 mm = 25,4 m m

Point Contact Styli

Line Contact Styli

Direct power Moving Coil

AT-ART1000x (page 9)

Moving Coil

AT33MONO (page 24)

AT33EV (page 23) AT-OC9XEN (page 20)

AT-OC9XEB (page 20)

AT-OC9XML (page 21) AT33PTG/II (page 23)

AT-OC9XSH (page 21) AT33Sa (page 23) AT-ART9XA (page 15)

AT-OC9XSL (page 21) AT-ART20 (page 11) AT-ART9XI (page 13)

Moving Magnet

AT-VM510xCB (page 35)

AT-VM95SP (page 39) AT-VM670xSP (page 32)

AT-VM95EN (page 38)

AT-VM530xEN (page 31)

AT-VM520xEB (page 31) AT-VM95E

AT-VM95ML (page 39) AT-VM740xML (page 30) AT-VM745xML (page 30)

AT-VM95SH (page 39) AT-VM750xSH (page 30)

AT-VM760xSL (page 30)

AT-VM610xMONO (page 32)

(page 38) AT85EP (page 45) AT-XP5 (page 43) AT-XP7 (page 43)

AT-VM95C (page 38) AT81CP (page 45)

AT-XP3 (page 43)

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 7

AT-ART1000x Air Core Coil Direct Power Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

EXCELLENCE SERIES CARTRIDGES / ART SERIES

AT-ART1000x Air Core Coil Direct Power Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

Nude Rectangular Shank Special Line Contact

Titanium body The structure that supports the specialized magnetic circuit and suspension system is constructed from titanium. Known for its lightweight, strong and anti-resonant acoustic properties, this material requires sophisticated machining and is only employed in Audio‑Technica’s top of the range cartridge models. The titanium also works in tandem with the cartridge’s polymer cover and aluminium housing to minimize vibrations that can colour the sound quality. Cartridge Rebuild Program (1) To protect against damage to the cantilever and wear to the stylus tip of this product, we offer our Cartridge Rebuild Program, a paid service. This service offers a replacement of the whole motor unit (stylus tip, cantilever, coils and rubber dampers).

This next-generation cartridge takes the philosophy and design of the innovation AT-ART1000 to a new level, with a more refined direct power system for improved efficiency and enhanced bass reproduction. Developed and manufactured in Japan, utilizing cutting-edge materials and design elements, the AT-ART1000X delivers the ultimate listening experience to audiophiles around the world. Special Line Contact Stylus The AT-ART1000x features a special line contact diamond tip stylus and a solid boron cantilever. This high-performance stylus / cantilever combination enables the maximum pick-up of ”information” from even the most complex vinyl record grooves. For the Direct Power System to flourish effectively, a lightweight solid boron cantilever has been specially selected for superior strength and subtle control of movement. Direct Power System Like its predecessor, the AT-ART1000X features a direct power system that places the dual moving coil directly above the stylus tip, ensuring that the audio quality does not suffer the negative effects normally introduced by the cantilever’s length and material type. Having the coils move in such close proximity to the stylus tip allows the cartridge to vividly render even the most subtle sonic details and provide unsurpassed transient response. The newly developed coils for this model are rectangular, however, not round, in order to position more of their surface area in the magnetic field. This enables the cartridge to more accurately reproduce strong modulations, resulting in improved output voltage and an expanded low-frequency range. Non-magnetic core coil with 3 ohm impedance Each non-magnetic core coil is constructed of 20 μm (0.79 mil) diameter PCOCC wire handwound eight turns to create a 1.1 mm × 0.6 mm rectangle. The coils are contained in ultra-thin 25 μm (0.98 mil) special film and placed in the tiny 0.5 mm gap of a powerful magnetic circuit, enabling each coil to generate an output voltage of 0.22 mV with a coil impedance of 3.5 Ω, despite having a non-magnetic core. (1) For more information on how you can apply for this reconstruction program, contact your local Audio-Technica service centre (locations can be found at www.at-globalsupport.com ) or the Excellence dealer where you purchased your AT-ART1000x. For terms and conditions, visit www.audio-technica.com/en-gb/authorised-retailers . (2) Please note that, as part of Audio-Technica’s Excellence program, the Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge with Direct Power System AT-ART1000x is only available at select Audio-Technica Excellence retailers.

Technical Specifications

Type

Direct Power System Aluminium / titanium

Body material

Frequency Response Channel Separation Output Channel Balance

15 to 30,000 Hz 30 dB (1kHz) 0.5 dB (1kHz)

Output voltage

0.22 mV (mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

Vertical tracking angle

19°

Vertical tracking force range

Specified in each cartridge

Stylus Shape

Special Line Contact

Stylus curvature radius Stylus construction

1.5 x 0.28 mil

1-piece rectangular body Solid boron Ø 0.26 mm 20 x 10 – 6 cm cm/dyn 9 x 10 – 6 cm/dyn (100 Hz)

Cantilever Static load

Dynamic load

Coil wire Terminals

20 m m Ø PCOCC Gold plated brass

Recommended Load Imp.

Min 30 W

Coil Impedance DC Resistance Coil Inductance Cartridge weight

3.5 W (1 kHz)

3.5 W

1 m H (1 kHz)

11 g

Dimensions

17.3 x 17 x 25.5 mm (W x D x H)

Mount

1/2” centre

Replacement stylus Included Accessories

Factory reconstruction

1 non-magnetic screwdriver; 2 washers; cartridge installation screws (M2.6) (2 x 5 mm, 2 x 8 mm, 2 x 10 mm, 2 x 12 mm); protector; brush; set of pcocc lead wires; case (wooden box)

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 9

AT-ART20 Magnetic Core Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

EXCELLENCE SERIES CARTRIDGES / ART SERIES

AT-ART20 Magnetic Core Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

Nude Rectangular Shank Special Line Contact

Audio-Technica is pleased to introduce the AT-ART20, the latest cartridge in our ART Series that will allow you to experience a new world of sound. As with previous magnetic core cartridges in our high-end lineup, we had two main goals in developing the AT-ART20: provide superlative analogue sound reproduction and optimize the performance and benefits of a magnetic core cartridge. Based on cartridge technologies and know-how cultivated over our long history, and employing the best materials and advanced processing techniques, we created a magnetic core moving coil cartridge that’s optimally structured to reproduce sound with the full expressiveness of the original recording. The high-frequency response of the AT-ART20 is extended and detailed, while the low-frequency sound, which cartridges tend to bury, is reproduced with full clarity and force. Vocals come through with all the variety and expressiveness of the human voice. Even at low volumes, the full character of the sound source blossoms anew for the listener with extended sound depth and rich spatial imaging to convey the original environment of the performance.

Yoke

Stylus tip

Coil for left channel

Coil for right channel

Magnet

Unprecedented, emotional sound quality All sonic details carefully and accurately reproduced

Magnetic Core MC with a superb sound Cartridge finished in Japan

• Unparalleled expressive power to depict every tone and space As a top-of-the-line MC cartridge, the AT-ART20 transmits an astonishing amount of information with high resolution, while capturing musical expression. The sound field stage is realistic, regardless of music genre, fully delivering the expressiveness of a performer’s voice and the instrument’s original dynamic qualities. • High-quality terminal pins with thick gold plating The thickness of the gold-plated portion has been increased to approximately 30 times than that of conventional plating to reduce contact resistance. • Resonance suppression by combining various materials The cartridge construction consists of an aluminum base, titanium housing, and elastomer undercover. The unique combination of these materials minimizes resonance.

• Newly designed magnetic circuit improves the cartridge’s efficiency Based on the magnetic circuit of the AT-ART9XI, the front yoke is 0.6 mm (0.024”) thicker to improve magnetic flux density. By increasing the efficiency, more realistic sound quality is achieved. Output voltage is improved by more than 15% without increasing the number of coil turns which can increase mass and impedance. Lighter and more responsive with a new stylus/cantilever assembly Strengthened cantilever improves high-frequency characteristics • Tip reinforcement plate made of titanium reduces stylus tip mass As in the flagship model of the ART Series, the AT-ART1000x, titanium is used for the tip reinforcement plate that holds the diamond tip in place. This reduces its mass and improves the high-frequency characteristics. • Special line contact stylus and 0.28 mm (0.011”) diameter solid boron cantilever A nude special line contact stylus is used to provide premium high- frequency response with minimal inner-groove distortion for consistent reproduction across the entire record. The special line contact shape also causes very little abrasion, resulting in long stylus life and low record wear. A rectangular shank mounts the stylus to the cantilever, ensuring precise alignment with the record groove and reducing mass to improve transient and frequency response (20 – 50,000 Hz). In addition, a stepped pipe structure is used, connecting the cantilever and armature increasing rigidity, which improves the strength of the cantilever and suppresses unwanted vibrations.

Design that expresses a sense of life and dynamism Utilizing Fukui Prefecture’s world-class technology in cartridges

• Precision-machined titanium with polished finish By utilizing the advanced cutting and polishing technologies cultivated in the eyeglass industry of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, which has a history stretching back more than 100 years, Audio-Technica has realized an organic design with a beautifully curved surface that has never been seen in a cartridge before. The combination of this design and advanced cutting technology has also made it possible to reduce the thickness of the titanium, resulting in a significant weight reduction.

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 11

AT-ART9XI Magnetic Core Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

12 - Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025

EXCELLENCE SERIES CARTRIDGES / ART SERIES

AT-ART9XI Magnetic Core Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

Nude Rectangular Shank Special Line Contact

Featuring a special line contact stylus on a boron cantilever, the AT-ART9XI replaces the AT-ART9. The “ART” in the model number stands for Audio-Technica Reference Transducer, a component used only in our premium cartridges. The specially designed magnetic circuit boasts an output voltage of 0.5 mV, making the cartridge easy to use with most RIAA Phono Preamplifiers featuring MC inputs. The ART9XI is capable of reproducing even the most delicate expressions while also ensuring dynamic playback.

Rear Yoke (Permendur)

Horquilla Front Yoke (Permendur)

Boron Cantilever

Punta de la aguja Special Line Contact (SLC) Stylus

Bobina para canal izquierdo Right channel coil

Left channel coil

Pole piece (Permendur)

Imán Magnet (Neodynium)

Bobina para canal derecho

Magnetic Core Coil (Permendur)

Special line contact stylus and 0.28 mm diameter solid boron cantilever The SLC stylus ensures faithful reading of the music signal, while the boron cantilever offers excellent response characteristics. Threaded cartridge mounting holes for easy installation on headshells or integrated tonearms The cartridge body includes threaded screw holes that allow installation on headshells or integrated tonearms with only two screws (no nuts necessary). High-separation, wide-response dual moving coil The dual moving coils of the system are aligned in an inverted V shape, which provides high separation and wide response for clear sound localization and minimal distortion. Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke for significantly increased magnetic energy The specially designed magnetic circuit optimizes energy in the magnetic gap where the generator coils are located. Enjoy dynamic playback with an output voltage of just 0.5 mV.

PCOCC coils for high-fidelity transmission Using PCOCC (Pure Copper Ohno Continuous Cast) wire for the coils achieves pure signal transfer. Machined aluminum base for stable playback The machined aluminum base supports both the magnetic circuit and the vibration system, ensuring excellent playback stability. Hybrid body reduces undesirable parasitic resonance The machined aluminum housing combined with high-rigidity plastic helps reduce undesirable parasitic resonance for improved sound quality.

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 13

AT-ART9XA Non-Magnetic Core Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

EXCELLENCE SERIES CARTRIDGES / ART SERIES

AT-ART9XA Non Magnetic Core Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge

Nude Square Shank Shibata.

Compared with the magnetic core used in most MC cartridges, non-magnetic core cartridges feature no magnetic distortion, allowing for natural timbre and a precise sound field. Although conventional non-magnetic cores struggle with output voltage, the AT-ART9XA features a newly designed coil armature with an improved output voltage of 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec).

Rear Yoke (Permendur)

Horquilla Front Yoke (Permendur)

Boron Cantilever

Bobina para canal izquierdo Right channel coil

Bobina para canal derecho Left channel coil

Punta de la aguja Special Line Contact (SLC) Stylus

Imán Magnet (Neodynium)

Shibata stylus and 0.28 mm diameter solid boron cantilever The Shibata stylus ensures accurate high and mid-low range reproduction, and the boron cantilever provides excellent response characteristics.

Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke for significantly increased magnetic energy The specially designed magnetic circuit optimizes energy in the magnetic gap where the generator coils are located. PCOCC coils for high-fidelity transmission Using PCOCC (Pure Copper Ohno Continuous Cast) wire for the coils achieves pure signal transfer. Machined aluminum base for stable playback The machined aluminum base supports both the magnetic circuit and the vibration system, ensuring excellent playback stability. Hybrid body reduces undesirable parasitic resonance The machined aluminum housing combined with high-rigidity plastic helps reduce undesirable parasitic resonance for improved sound quality.

Threaded cartridge mounting holes for easy installation on headshells or integrated tonearms The cartridge body includes threaded screw holes that allow installation on headshells or integrated tonearms with only two screws (no nuts necessary). Newly designed coil armature for improved output voltage A complete redesign of the armature offers a 20% increase in the cross- sectional area of the generator coil to provide an output voltage of 0.2 mV, 8 dB over the former model AT-ART7. High-separation, wide-response dual moving coil The dual moving coils of the system are aligned in an inverted V shape, which provides high separation and wide response for clear sound localization and minimal distortion.

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 15

EXCELLENCE SERIES CARTRIDGES / ART SERIES

Cartridges specifications

Model Number

AT-ART1000x

AT-ART20

AT-ART9XI

AT-ART9XA

Dual Moving Coil

Type

Direct Power System

Dual Moving Coil

Coil Design

Air core coils

Magnetic core coil

Non-magnetic core coil

Body Material

Aluminium / titanium

Aluminum / titanium / elastomer

Aluminium

Frequency Response

15 to 30,000 Hz

20 to 50,000 Hz

Channel Separation

30 dB (1 kHz)

Output Channel Balance

0.5 dB (1 kHz)

Output Voltage

0.22 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

0.55 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

0.5 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

0.2 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

Vertical Tracking Angle

19 degrees

20 degrees (see note n°1)

Vertical Tracking Force Range

Specified for each individual cartridge 1.6 to 2 g (standard 1.8 g)

1.6 to 2 g (standard 1.8 g)

Stylus Shape

Special Line Contact

Shibata

Stylus Curvature Radius

1.5 x 0.28 mil (see note n°4)

2.7 x 0.26 mil (see note n°4)

Stylus Construction

Nude rectangular shank

Nude square shank

Cantilever

0.26 mm Ø solid boron

0.28 mm Ø solid boron

Static Compliance

20 x 10 – 6 cm / dyne

23 x 10 – 6 cm / dyne

25 x 10 – 6 cm / dyne

20 x 10 – 6 cm / dyne

Dynamic Compliance

9 x 10 – 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz)

13 × 10 – 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz)

15 x 10 – 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz)

10 x 10 – 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz)

Wire Used for Coil

20 m m Ø PCOCC (see note n°2)

PCOCC (see note n°2)

Terminal Pins

Gold plated brass

Thick gold plated brass

Gold plated brass

Recommended Load Impedance

Min 30 W (see note n°3)

Min 100 W (see note n°3)

Coil Impedance

3.5 W (1 kHz)

12 W (1 kHz)

DC Resistance

3.5 W

12 W

Coil Inductance

1 m H (1 kHz)

25 m H (1 kHz)

2,5 m H (1 kHz)

Cartridge Weight

11 g

9.0 g

8.5 g

Dimensions

17.3 (H) x 17 (W) x 25.5 (L) mm

17.3 (H) x 16.8 (W) x 26.6 (L) mm

17.3 (H) x 16.8 (W) x 25.0 (L) mm

Mounting

Half-inch, 2.8 mm unthreaded

Half-inch, M2.6 threaded holes

Replacement Stylus Accessories Included

Factory reconstruction

(see note n°5)

1 Non-magnetic screwdriver; 2 washers; cartridge installation screws (M2.6) (2 x 5 mm, 2 x 8 mm, 2 x 10 mm, 2 x 12 mm); protector; brush; set of

1 Non-magnetic screwdriver; 2 washers; cartridge installation screws (M2.6) (2 x 5 mm, 2 x 8 mm, 2 x 10 mm, 2 x 12 mm); protector; brush

pcocc lead wires; case (wooden box)

(1) Vertical tracking angle of 20 degrees is IEC/DIN standard. (2) PCOCC = Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process. (3) When head amplifier connected. (4) The abbreviation mil is equal a thousandth of an inch – 1 mil = 0,001 inch = 0,0254 mm = 25,4 m m. (5) When the stylus is to be replaced, replace the entire cartridge. Take the used cartridge to your Audio‑Technica Authorized Service Centre. The new cartridge, or any other model which is desired among the line-up of MC cartridges sold by Audio‑Technica, are available at the stylus replacement price (contact an Audio‑Technica Authorized Service Centre).

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STEP-UP TRANSFORMER FOR MOVING COIL CARTRIDGE

AT-SUT1000 Step-Up Transformer For Moving Coil Cartridge (MC)

Employing the finest materials and production methods, the MC AT-SUT1000 step-up transformer is built to deliver unadulterated sound from a moving- coil phono cartridge for the ultimate analogue listening experience. It incorporates a special hand-wound large core transformer capable of a wide range of voltages, making it ideal for boosting the voltage of low-impedance moving coil cartridges. The transformer keeps a balanced signal from a moving coil cartridge through the phono preamplifier. If desired, users can opt for an unbalanced connection. The AT-SUT1000 transformer uses a HANENITE® rubber mount to suppress vibrations and permalloy magnetic shielding to block external noise. Features • High-quality moving coil (MC) step-up transformer, compatible with balanced an unbalanced connections • Special hand-wound large core transformer capable of a wide range of voltages, making it ideal for stepping up low-impedance moving coil cartridges • Transformer maintains balanced signal from the cartridge through to the phono preamp (RCA input and output are also available) • Utilizes HANENITE® rubber mount to eliminate vibrations and permalloy magnetic shielding to block external noise

AT-SUT1000

Frequency Response:

10 - 200 kHz (-3 dB to +1 dB at 3 W ) 10 - 60 kHz (-3 dB to +1 dB at 10 W ) 10 to 40 kHz (-3 dB to +1 dB at 17 W )

Input/Output:

Stereo (right/left) RCA or XLR (2: hot)

Input/Output Terminal:

Step-Up Ratio:

22 dB

Supported Cartridge:

2 to 17 W 47,000 W

Recommended Load Impedance:

Channel Balance: Channel Separation:

0.5 dB or less 100 dB or more

Dimensions:

92 mm (3.6”) H × 196 mm (7.7”) W × 150 mm (5.9”) D, excluding protrusions

Weight Approx.:

5 kg

Accessories:

1.0 m (3.3’) ground wire

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 17

AT-OC9X Series cartridges

AT-OC9X Series cartridges are made from 32 years of cumulated experience and customer feedback from 12 different models all inspired by the acclaimed AT-OC9.

AT-OC9XEB

AT-OC9XEN

AT-OC9XML

AT-OC9XSH

AT-OC9XSL

Screw

Washer

The 5 new models of the AT-OC9X series all feature PCOCC internal wiring and an aluminium body with integrated M2.6 threaded inserts to enable easier mounting. AT-OC9XML, AT-OC9XSH, AT-OC9XSL also feature a Permendur Yoke magnetic structure combined with a Boron cantilever.

The next generation of the widely revered AT-OC9 cartridge series has been developed by Audio-Technica, pioneers of cartridge technology. The new series features an array of stylus options including: Bonded Elliptical, Nude Elliptical, Microlinear, Shibata and Special Line Contact . - The moving coil structure has a wide frequency response and enables the audio information to be separated into both the left and right channels resulting in an accurately defined stereo image. - Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process (PCOCC) is used for the coils to achieve the purest signal possible. - Threaded holes in the cartridge body enable the cartridge to be mounted on to the headshell, or integral tonearm, with just two screws M2.6 – no nuts or bolts required. - Features an aluminium cantilever for AT-OC9XEB and AT-OC9XEN models, and boron cantilever for AT-OC9XML, AT-OC9XSH and AT-OC9XSL. - A neodymium magnet and pure iron yoke (for AT-OC9XEB and AT-OC9XEN) provides increased magnetic energy. - The yoke part of the magnetic structure of the AT-OC9XML, AT-OC9XSH and AT-OC9XSL uses Permendur, a soft magnetic alloy made of Iron and Cobalt. - Aluminium body minimizes unwanted vibration for reduced resonance and a superior audio reproduction.

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 19

AT-OC9X SERIES / ELLIPTICAL MODELS

AT-OC9XEB Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with bonded Elliptical stylus

Bonded Round Shank Elliptical

An excellent affordable introduction to the characteristics that is moving coil. • Features bonded Elliptical stylus and aluminium cantilever • A neodymium magnet and pure iron yoke provides increased magnetic energy • Aluminium body minimizes unwanted vibration for reduced resonance and a superior audio reproduction • Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process (PCOCC) is used for the coils to achieve the purest signal possible

Includes : • 1 non-magnetic screw driver • 1 brush • 2 washers • 4 pairs of mounting screws (M2.6): 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm • 1 plastic protector.

AT-OC9XEN Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Elliptical nude stylus

Nude Square Shank Elliptical

Featuring a square shank for accurate stylus alignment and nude diamond for increased fine detail retrieval.

Includes : • 1 non-magnetic screw driver • 1 brush • 2 washers • 4 pairs of mounting screws (M2.6): 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm • 1 plastic protector.

• Features low mass nude elliptical stylus and aluminium cantilever • A neodymium magnet and pure iron yoke provide increased magnetic energy • Aluminium body minimizes unwanted vibration for reduced resonance and a superior audio reproduction • Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process (PCOCC) is used for the coils to achieve the purest signal possible

AT-OC9X Series cartridges feature threaded insert for easy mounting either on integral tonearm or on removable headshells. A special line of removable through hole type headshells have been designed for the new AT-OC9X cartridges, see page 56.

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AT-OC9X SERIES / LINE CONTACT MODELS

AT-OC9XML Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Microlinear stylus

Nude Square Shank Microlinear

Microlinear complex diamond profile enabling higher frequency response, detail like never before experienced and limiting inner groove distortion. Microlinear diamond profile provides low record and stylus wear. • Features nude Microlinear stylus and boron cantilever which provides lower distortion and high transient response • A neodymium magnet and permendur yoke for dramatically increased magnetic energy • Aluminium body minimizes unwanted vibration for reduced resonance and a superior audio reproduction

• Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process (PCOCC) is used for the coils to achieve the purest signal possible Includes : • 1 non-magnetic screw driver • 1 brush • 2 washers • 4 pairs of mounting screws (M2.6): 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm • 1 plastic protector.

AT-OC9XSH Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Shibata stylus

Nude Square Shank Shibata

Shibata profile diamond originally designed for Quadraphonic replay offers a depth of sound, combined with high frequency response that has to be heard to be believed. • Features nude Shibata stylus and boron cantilever with rich low frequency reproduction and high transient response • A neodymium magnet and permendur yoke provides dramatically increased magnetic energy • Aluminium body minimizes unwanted vibration for reduced resonance and a superior audio reproduction

AT-OC9XSL Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Special Line Contact stylus

Nude Rectangular Shank Special Line Contact

Special Line Contact as featured in our flagship ART1000x, this diamond profile offers the ultimate in accurate sonic reproduction with a sense of space and realism to all instruments that few other configurations can achieve. • Features Nude Special Line Contact stylus and boron cantilever with accurate tracking ability and high transient response • A neodymium magnet and permendur yoke provides dramatically increased magnetic energy • Aluminium body minimizes unwanted vibration for reduced resonance and a superior audio reproduction

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 21

AT33 Series cartridges

MOVING COIL CARTRIDGES / AT33 SERIES

AT33Sa Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Shibata stylus

Nude Square Shank Shibata

• MC cartridge with Shibata stylus 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. • Advanced tapered boron cantilever and 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 with dramatically enhanced magnetic energy and 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.

• 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. • A tough body designed to be rigid The product’s housing is made of precision-cast hard aluminium 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.

AT33PTG/II Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Microlinear stylus

Nude Square Shank Microlinear

• Advanced nude tapered boron and weight reduction This model succeeds in thinning down and shortening the cantilever, compared to the AT33PTG. The coil impedance is also refined from 17 W to 10 W . We realized significant weight reduction of the vibration system and successfully improved the basic performance and sound quality of the cartridge.

• High performance and long-life Microlinear stylus Microlinear (ML) is a specially polished line contact stylus. This has a better high range performance than the conical or elliptical stylus due to its small curvature radius and realizes low distortion and expanding high range reproduction even when playing at the inner circumference of records. And the constancy of the line contact shape is one of its main features with an average product lifetime of around 1,000 hours.

AT33EV Dual moving coil stereo cartridge with Elliptical stylus

Nude Square Shank Elliptical

• Elliptical stylus and hard duralumin tapered pipe cantilever The big advantage to the elliptical chip is its ability to richly reproduce sounds in the medium and low ranges. This elliptical diamond is embedded into a hard duralumin tapered pipe cantilever. With its outstanding machine strength, the duralumin cantilever is tough enough for the job and produces natural sounds without distortion. The cantilever of this product, moreover, goes through a tapering process to harden it, making it faster to transmit sound than conventional duralumin cantilevers and producing unsurpassed response. Supporting this cantilever fulcrum with the traditional double damper disperses resonance, enables stable tracing and achieves linear frequency characteristics.

• “Hanenite” vibration-controlling rubber minimizes unnecessary vibration

The vibration-controlling rubber “hanenite” is used in the housing interior and the cantilever fulcrum support to minimize unnecessary vibration. The body structure, designed to be rigid and suppress vibration, allows the outstanding basic performance of the dual moving coil to fully express itself.

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 23

MOVING COIL PHONO CARTRIDGES FOR MONO VINYL LP RECORDS

AT33MONO High-end moving coil mono cartridge for mono vinyl LP (Long Play) records

0.65 mil Conical Stylus Nude Square Shank

The AT33MONO is made specifically for use on mono LP. The AT33MONO produces sound to a very high quality because it does not easily pick up unnecessary strain components from distorted or scratched records, producing audio that you couldn’t possibly get from a stereo cartridge. The AT33MONO also has appropriate compliance in the vertical direction to avoid damage to stereo records. • Mono cartridge compatible with stereo playback systems. • 0.65mil conical nude square shank stylus hard duralumin cantilever. • Strong body stabilized by a rigid body set-up. • “Hanenite” anti-vibration high-damping rubber eliminates unnecessary vibrations. • High-quality brass fastening screw. • Note: this model is not compatible with SP records due to the size of the diamond (0.6mil) designed for microgroove 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm vinyl records.

AT33MONO internal wiring This schematics shows the internal wiring of AT33MONO featuring two horizontal voice coils each voice coils termination is available independently per the above diagram.

AT-MONO3/LP High output moving coil mono cartridge for mono vinyl LP (Long Play) records

Bonded Conical Stylus Round Shank

Made specifically for mono recordings on vinyl records, the cartridge only generates signal with horizontal movement. However to produce a minimal wear on the groove, the AT-MONO3/LP also has an adapted vertical compliance. • Carefully selected components and state of the art technology produce a high resolution cartridge. • Straight pipe aluminium cantilever and low mass stylus guarantees a high tracking ability. • The average usage time is 500 hours extending the life span of precious mono recordings. • High purity PCOCC allows a more transparent signal transmission both high efficiency and high fidelity. • To support the internal mechanism, the body is made of solid die-cast aluminium alloy, furthermore stiffness is achieved with the addition of rigid synthetic resin to hold the body. • Note: this model is not compatible with 78 rpm SP records due to the size of the diamond (0.6mil) designed for microgroove 33 1/3 rpm records.

AT-MONO3/LP internal wiring This schematic shows the internal wiring of AT-MONO3/LP featuring two horizontal voice coils wired in series, resulting electrically as a single mono voice coil. The mono signal is available from white-blue terminals, the same signal is also available from red-green terminals in order to feed both inputs of a stereo phono preamp.

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MOVING COIL PHONO CARTRIDGE FOR 78 RPM MONO SHELLAC SP RECORD

AT-MONO3/SP High output moving coil cartridge for 78 rpm mono Shellac SP (Standard Play) records

2.5mil Bonded Conical Stylus Round Shank

The AT-MONO3/SP cartridge is designed to faithfully transcribe the performances recorded on 78 rpm Shellac records. Made specifically for mono recordings, the cartridge only generates signal with horizontal movement. However to produce a minimal wear on the groove, the AT-MONO3/SP also has an adapted vertical compliance. • Straight pipe aluminium cantilever and low mass stylus guarantees a high tracking ability. • The average usage time is 500 hours extending the life span of precious mono recordings. • High purity PCOCC allows a more transparent signal transmission offering a high efficiency and a high fidelity. • To support the internal mechanism, the body is made of solid die-cast aluminium alloy, furthermore stiffness is achieved with the addition of rigid synthetic resin to hold the body.

AT-MONO3/SP internal wiring This schematic shows the internal wiring of AT-MONO3/SP featuring two horizontal voice coils wired in series, resulting electrically as a single mono voice coil. The mono signal is available from white-blue terminals, the same signal is also available from red-green terminals in order to feed both inputs of a stereo phono preamp.

AT33MONO , AT-MONO3/LP and AT-MONO3/SP are true mono cartridges due to the horizontal configuration of the voice coils. The cartridge only generates electrical signal with horizontal movement due to the horizontal configuration of the coil.

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 25

AT-VMx Series

The Next Step in a History of Constant Improvement With over half a century of experience and expertise, the AT-VMx series represents the next step in Audio-Technica’s dedication to MM advancement and enhancement. Rooted in the first AT100 models released in 1979, with subsequent development culminating in the VM series in 2016, the new AT-VMx series builds on this knowledge to provide further improvements to the range. The AT-VMx series’ coil conductor update: The PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) achieves more powerful low-frequency expression, a wider sound field, and improved reproduction of detail. An option within the 700 series also provides a choice between an aluminium and a boron-based cantilever, both with a Microlinear stylus shape. True to Audio-Technica’s dedication to improvement, new features like threaded inserts for all models and an aesthetic redesign for enhanced stylus visibility help improve usability, as well as the replacement process. The whole product series continues to focus on a convenient and qualitative replacement and upgrade route for advanced users with distinct listening preferences.

Die-cast aluminium alloy housing reduces vibration and adds natural electrical isolation. (*700 Series products)

Threaded inserts for all models further improve usability by simplifying the mounting and replacement process.

Centre shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk.

Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability (PCUHD) coil conductor ensures powerful low-frequency expression and a wider sound field.

Upgraded Design, Familiar Quality Material changes to the packaging ensure that the AT-VMx series also confirms to changing demands without compromises, significantly reducing the amount of plastic in use.

Due to the increased quantity of counterfeit products available online, never accept an Audio-Technica cartridge, replacement stylus or cartridge-headshell set in non Audio-Technica original packaging and always buy from an Audio-Technica Authorized Dealer.

Audio-Technica Phono Cartridges Guide 2025 - 27

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