If you’ve been holding out for a cartridge upgrade, Audio-Technica just gave analog fans a lot to chew on. The Japanese audio brand has launched the AT33x Series, a completely new lineup of stereo and mono moving coil (MC) phono cartridges and it’s the first major update to their cartridge range in over a decade.

There are five models total, priced between $449 and $899, and all are handcrafted in Japan. Whether you’re chasing detail in a stereo setup or diving deep into monaural LPs, the AT33x series was designed with flexibility and performance in mind and without the four-figure price tags of their highest-end offerings.

Let’s start with what makes these cartridges different. One of the biggest changes is the use of die-cast zinc in the cartridge body. Audio-Technica has never used this material before in a cartridge, and it’s not just for looks — it’s dense and rigid, helping reduce unwanted resonance that can muddy the sound, especially in the mids and lows. That means clearer vocals, punchier basslines, and overall better control.

The body itself is a hybrid mix of zinc, aluminum, and a high-rigidity polymer, which helps spread any vibrations evenly throughout the housing. The goal? A more balanced sound without any particular frequency jumping out in a bad way.

Inside, you’ll find pure copper coils (PCOCC) that are designed to keep the signal as clean as possible, along with thick gold-plated pins to minimize connection resistance. These are the kinds of small details that matter when you’re trying to get the most out of your vinyl collection.

If you’ve ever struggled with cartridge and tonearm compatibility, Audio-Technica made some updates that might make your life easier. The AT33x Series uses a redesigned suspension system with slightly lower dynamic compliance than past models. In plain English: these cartridges should be easier to pair with a wider variety of tonearms.

And for anyone who dreads installation, the good news is all the models have threaded mounting holes, so you won’t need to juggle tiny nuts and bolts when attaching them to your headshell.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each cartridge brings to the table:

Stereo Models:

• AT33xEN ($699 at Amazon): Uses a nude elliptical stylus and a duralumin tapered cantilever. Good tracking, wide playback bandwidth, and a clean, balanced sound.
• AT33xMLD ($799 at Amazon): Upgrades to a microlinear stylus for more precision and nuance, also paired with a duralumin cantilever.
• AT33xMLB ($899 at Amazon): The top stereo option, with a microlinear stylus and a boron-tapered cantilever, offering fast response and extra detail in the highs.

Mono Models:

• AT33xMONO/I ($649 at Amazon): Built with a 0.65 mil conical stylus and a duralumin cantilever. It’s designed for strong mono playback with great tonal accuracy.
• AT33xMONO/II ($449 at Amazon): Same stylus type but swaps in a samarium cobalt magnet and pure iron yoke. That translates to stable performance and a warmer tonal profile — ideal for older mono pressings.

All five models use Audio-Technica’s dual moving coil design, which is known for excellent channel separation in stereo models. For the mono cartridges, the internal design is tuned to ignore vertical movement, which helps reduce surface noise on older or worn mono records.

Alongside the AT33x launch, Audio-Technica also rolled out some new vinyl accessories. These include:

• Two new slipmats (one rubber, one cork/rubber blend)
• A stainless-steel disc stabilizer
• Cartridge alignment tools
• A pair of AT-ST3 speaker stands with cork damping feet for $59

These extras start at just $14, and while they’re not required, they could help you squeeze even more out of your setup.

The AT33x Series officially goes on sale October 23, 2025, with the following prices:

If your turntable setup is ready for a cartridge refresh, the Audio-Technica AT33x Series offers a wide range of choices for both stereo and mono playback. With updated materials, improved compatibility, and thoughtful design tweaks, it’s a substantial update that stays grounded in real-world audiophile needs — especially if you're not looking to spend more than $1,000 on a cartridge.

Whether you spin jazz originals, mono reissues, or stereo pressings from your favorite artists, this series was built to slot into a wide range of setups without the usual cartridge-matching headaches. And for vinyl lovers, that’s always good news.