Audio-Technica proudly introduces the AT-MCD1, a new flagship dual moving coil stereo cartridge created to advance the brand’s pursuit of analog excellence. Drawing on decades of cartridge design expertise, the AT-MCD1 features an integrated diamond stylus and cantilever, delivering highly efficient vibration transfer and precise signal conversion for a listening experience defined by low noise, exceptional clarity, and remarkable resolution.
The AT-MC2022, released to commemorate Audio-Technica’s 60th anniversary, drew the attention of discerning analog enthusiasts with its integrated diamond structure and finely crafted housing design. The newly introduced AT-MCD1 builds on the same development philosophy and technical foundation, further refining the concept as the brand’s next flagship model.
Extending the groove-energy transmission concept established by its predecessor, the AT-MCD1 adopts a lighter diamond cantilever and a newly developed stylus profile to improve the accuracy with which mechanical vibrations are converted into electrical signals. Through refinements in both structure and materials, it achieves an exceptional balance of information retrieval, speed, and detail, while rendering musical nuance, dynamic expression, and spatial depth with even greater delicacy. While inheriting the design philosophy of the commemorative model, it also advances overall signal pickup performance and resolution.
Integrated diamond stylus and cantilever
At the heart of the AT-MCD1 is a 0.22 mm square diamond cantilever formed from high-purity lab-grown diamond. This integrated structure enables more direct transmission of groove modulation while reducing losses associated with conventional bonding. The result is faster transient response, more natural high-frequency extension, and more precisely focused sound images. By further reducing mass at the front end of the cantilever, Audio-Technica has also improved high-frequency behavior, helping the cartridge reproduce treble with greater smoothness, openness, and control.
A new standard using lab-grown diamond
The integrated diamond cantilever is crafted from high-purity, lab-grown diamond produced using the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)* method. Synthetic diamond created through CVD offers material characteristics equal to—and in some respects exceeding—those of natural diamond. Its exceptional uniformity and high reliability allow it to exhibit ideal properties as a cantilever material.
The adoption of lab-grown diamond in this model ensures outstanding precision and consistency in acoustic performance while also reflecting consideration for reduced environmental impact during the manufacturing process.
**CVD: A synthetic diamond manufacturing process in which carbon atoms are layered through chemical vapor deposition.
Newly developed Shibata stylus for a precise and lifelike listening experience
The AT-MCD1 is the first product to feature Audio-Technica’s new Shibata stylus profile. While previous Shibata styli employed a curvature of R2.7 × r0.26 mil, this model adopts a finer R2.7 × r0.08 mil tip radius. This smaller curvature radius allows the stylus to trace the intricate modulations of the record groove with greater accuracy.
Combined with the high responsiveness of the diamond cantilever, the new Shibata stylus responds more precisely to signal changes in the groove, further enhancing the reproduction of fine sonic detail and delivering a richer listening experience.
Lightweight, rigid, and acoustically superior titanium construction
The housing is precision-machined using advanced 5-axis CNC technology for a complex, finely detailed exterior design. By minimizing wall thickness while maintaining exceptional rigidity, the titanium housing is remarkably lightweight and offers exceptional acoustic performance.
Ion plating for durability and beauty
After each housing is mirror-polished by skilled craftsmen, an ion-plating process is applied to significantly enhance surface durability. The result is a deep, lustrous black finish with refined elegance, delivering a sophisticated appearance worthy of a flagship model.
Premium Specifications Inheriting Audio-Technica Tradition
The AT-MCD1 inherits key design concepts from Audio-Technica’s premium moving coil cartridges, from its internal structure and magnetic circuit to its coils and terminal pins. The goal is a cartridge platform that supports efficient signal transmission, effective resonance control, and faithful musical reproduction.
- Hybrid titanium, aluminum, and elastomer construction for dispersed resonance
The base features Audio-Technica’s well-regarded aluminum design, while the housing is made of titanium and the undercover is made of elastomer with advanced damping properties. This combination of materials suppresses the resonance generated by the cartridge.
- High-separation, wide-response dual moving coil
The dual moving coils of the AT-MCD1 provide high separation and wide response for clear sound localization with minimal distortion.
- High-efficiency magnetic circuit with increased flux density
The AT-MCD1 incorporates a dedicated magnetic circuit developed specifically for Audio-Technica’s high-class MC cartridges. Without altering coil impedance, it achieves higher output voltage while further enriching the presence and realism of the sound image.
- PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) coils
PCOCC, which eliminates crystal grain boundaries in the direction of transmission, minimizes signal disturbance and provides purer and smoother transmission.
- High-quality sound terminal pins with thick gold plating
The thickness of the gold-plated portion has been increased to approximately 30 times that of our conventional products to reduce contact resistance and enhance sound quality.
Easier Operation and Improved Usability
Threaded cartridge mounting holes
The new threaded holes make it easier to mount the cartridge directly onto integrated tonearms and compatible headshells, which are widely used in the hi-fi audio market around the world.
Solid cherry wood cartridge storage case
When not in use, the cartridge can be safely stored in a luxurious solid cherry wood case. The case also allows storage with the cartridge mounted on compatible headshells.*
*Compatible headshells: AT-LH11H, AT-LH13H, AT-LH15H, AT-LH18H, AT-LT10.
Made-in-Japan Reliability and a Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
- Made in Japan model crafted and hand-finished entirely by artisans
Precision machining with attention to detail and delicate adjustment, using techniques cultivated over many years, has resulted in a high level of perfection that cannot be replicated by automation. This reliability and quality are proof that the Japanese spirit of craftsmanship is alive and well.
- Environmentally conscious paper-based packaging
The packaging is composed almost entirely of paper-based materials, reducing environmental impact whether packaging is thrown away or recycled. This careful material selection reflects Audio-Technica’s commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing.
- Individually engraved serial number
Each cartridge is precisely engraved with a unique serial number on the rear plate before shipment. This detail underscores the individuality of the AT-MCD1 and offers the owner a distinct sense of exclusivity and pride.
Accessories Included
- Case (wooden box),
- Non-magnetic screwdriver,
- Washer × 2,
- Protector,
- Cartridge installation screws (M2.6) (5.0 mm × 2, 8.0 mm × 2, 10.0 mm × 2, 12.0 mm × 2),
- Brush
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AT-MCD1
