We all like the sound of our music. And there’s nothing like
the unique sound of a record. That is the reason why so many are so passionate
about it. If you want the best sound out of your records, you need a good
cartridge. Audio Technica has a huge line of cartridges. For those really
serious audiophiles, there is the moving coil line. Up for review today is
their Audio-Technica AT33EV Moving Coil Cartridge.
Features and specs:
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Frequency Response:
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15-50,000 Hz
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Channel Separation:
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30 dB (1 kHz)
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Vertical Tracking Force:
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1.8-2.2 grams (2.0 grams standard)
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Recommended Load Impedance:
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100 ohms (with head amplifier connected)
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Output:
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0.3 (mV at 1 kHz, 3.54 cm/sec)
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Channel Balance:
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0.5 dB (1 kHz)
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Stylus Shape:
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0.3 x 0.7 mil nude elliptical
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Cantilever:
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Duralumin tapered pipe
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Mount:
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Half-inch
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The Audio-Technica AT33EV came in a nice color printed box
with specs printed on it. Opening the box revealed a well protected cartridge
in a clear plastic box. Also included was the owner’s manual, brush, screws,
screwdriver and wires. It included everything you need to install the cartridge
on your head. Materials used in the construction appeared to be all metal. Quality
of materials used, as well as fit and finish was excellent. It is a flagship
product, and it definitely shows.
I love the design and build quality if the Audio-Technica
AT33EV. Audio-Technica always makes high quality products for the price point.
Given its $549 MSRP, I was expecting the same. But after pulling it out and
seeing it, I was floored. It’s built like a tank for a cartridge. Just be
prepared that it does not come with a head.
Attaching it to a spare head I had with the included
hardware was simple enough. They provided all of the hardware needed; wires,
mini screwdriver, dust brush, and screws in a couple of different sizes. The
included manual walked you through the installation process. I was glad to see
that it was easy to read and follow. I would expect that those buying this
cartridge have experience installing cartridges, but if not just follow the
manual. I got it installed and connected to my phono pre-amp, and was ready to
go.
The sound provide by the Audio-Technica AT33EV was nothing short
of stellar! The level of resolution provided was amazing, and I heard details
in the music I had not noticed before. Experiencing my music again like it was
the first time was a true treasure. I moved from record to record as I fell in
love again with the collection. Prince: 1999, the vocals were so silky smooth
with excellent texture and timbre. Cymbals were so crisp and clean and the bass
was deep, full and with excellent impact and dynamics. Beethoven's 4th Symphony: Strings were extremely clean with excellent resolution of the strings and very dynamic as well. Brass was silky smooth with nice harmonics in the midbass, flute had nice air. And the tympani had excellent impact and low end extension with authority. Sound stage was not just deep and wide, it was holographic. And this was the result of everything I placed on the turntable. Crisp and clean highs with tons of resolution, mids that were silky smooth with excellent harmonics, and midbass and bass with excellent pitch definition, low end definition, dynamics, and authority. Soundstage was wide, deep, and more holographic in nature, with excellent imaging.
In the end, I was taken back by the Audio-Technica AT33EV. The
sound provided by it was astonishing. The sound quality of modern CD’s and high
resolution formats provides amazing resolution. It was so pleasing to not only
be able to hear the sound that records are known for, but thanks to the AT33EV,
I was also able to hear the resolution the songs provide. You get the best of
both worlds! And the build quality is impeccable! Based on it’s design,
features, quality and performance, the Audio-Technica AT33EV Moving Coil
Cartridge has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more info and complete
specs, check out their website at www.audio-technica.com.
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