Audio Technica AT33PTG/II MC Cartridge, anyone have it or heard it?

regafan

Thanks, yes 20x is a good choice for AT33PTG/2: .3mv output; 10 ohm impedance.

I went thru a learning phase here

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/which-sut-for-3mv-10-ohms-mc-cartridge-into-3mv-mm-input-sensiti?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email

I chose the Vintage and Versatile Fidelity Research FRT-4
Unit tested, seller knows electronics, 100% rating, takes returns

https://www.ebay.com/itm/333648114135?ul_noapp=true

3 inputs; MM bypass; four settings: 3 ohms;10 ohms; 30 ohm; 100 ohms
I expect to listen and choose either 10 ohm 18x or 30 ohm 21x

10 ohm = 21x = +26db = 6.3mV output = 107 ohm load

30 ohm = 18x = + 25.2db = 5.5mv output = 140 ohm load

options for future MC cartridges

3 ohm = 36x = +31db

100 ohm = 10.6x = +20db

bypass for my Mono Cartridge

I like 3 inputs option too, you never know,

I got the cartridge, all aligned, calibrated, waiting for Fidelity FRT-4 SUT to arrive on the 20th, then schedule with Bill to bring 2 of his SUT's.

It really is a shame AT doesn't use body threads so only top screws would be needed for easy movement during overhang/null settings.

This is the old fashion PITA nuts and screws, only worse. There isn't even a socket for the nuts to keep them from turning when tightening the screws, totally sucks.

Screws go in from the bottom, because the molded recess that receives the screw heads prevents holding the nuts if you put them at the bottom. Then, to make a fine adjustment, headshell off, lightly loosen, back in, check, out, tighten. No way could I put this in a fixed arm, it must be removable headshell. 

Totally sucks, Common Skinny Love, Common Threaded Body!

Oh baby, it sounds fantastic, playing thru SUT into beloved MM phono stage of beloved McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp mx110z.

SUT is Fidelity Research FRT-4.

other comments my moments ago post here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/which-sut-for-3mv-10-ohms-mc-cartridge-into-3mv-mm-input-sensiti#1984152

thanks for the help!

Sounds like you're really liking it! the AT33PTG/2 is a winner and can easily compete with carts up to 2K from smaller boutique manufacturers.

The only thing I don't like is that it tracks at 2.0 grams, I am used to:

Shure V15VxMR which tracks at 1g

AT440ml 1.25g

Shure Elliptical 97xe 1.25g

Grado Mono 1.5g

I believe the AT33PTG-II is beating the Shure V15VxMR because of it's greater channel separation, and it's tighter channel balance. It's not frequency, they produce the same range, detail, it's not about preferred bass kick as I expected, the AT is simply more 'open', the same sounds, but some space between. I keep saying, when you tweak balance of a track that is a little off, sometimes just a little bit, it is surprising how much of a difference it can make, this is similar to my ears. 

The last 2 tracks of side 2 of this, all 3 guitarists play together, one of my all time favorites, and a very revealing test are better than I ever heard them with no doubt. They are 2 great tracks to refine anti-skate as well.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_Night_in_San_Francisco

The Shure is going upstairs to my office system, to have a listen out with the AT440ml on the Mitsubishi Vertical Turntable LT-5V

Someone said separation and specs are not a way to choose a cartridge, perhaps, but this AT33PTG-II has the best specs of any cartridge I own, and sounds better than anything I have ever owned, or heard at my Audiophile friends systems.

of course various ... is different than ... published specs are:

AT33: SUT 6.3mv; 15-50k; sep 30db; bal .5db, track 2.0g

Shure V15.. 3mv; 10-25k; sep 25db; bal 1.5db, track 1.0g (brush option)

AT440ml: 5.0mv; 5-32k; sep 30db; bal .75db; track 1.25g

Shure 97xe: 4mv; 20-22k; sep 25db; bal 2db; track 1.25g (brush option)

Grado Mono: 4mv; 10-55k; track 1.5g

I always preferred my Shure V15VxMR over my AT440ml, but primarily because of the brush, in TT prior location on springy floor, now both main and office systems are solid, no bruch needed. We shall see tomorrow upstairs.