Audio-Technica has introduced the AT-MCD1, a new flagship iron core moving coil stereo cartridge, which inherits the distinctive one piece diamond cantilever and stylus construction of its predecessor, the 60th anniversary cartridge AT-MC2022, while further refining the design to achieve improved detail, speed and smoothness.
At the core of the AT-MCD1 is an integrated diamond cantilever and stylus tip engineered to transmit the groove’s kinetic energy with minimal loss. The lightweight 0.22 mm square diamond cantilever takes full advantage of the material’s high transmission speed, enabling fast attack and decay.
Vocals are said to be precisely focused, low frequencies are dense and controlled and high frequencies are rendered with refinement and smoothness. Due to the suppression of unwanted high frequency resonance, the listening experience is described to be more realistic and fatigue-free.
To create this specific diamond, AudioTechnica employs 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 uniformity and high reliability allow it to exhibit ideal properties as a cantilever material.
The AT-MCD1 is the first Audio-Technica cartridge to feature a newly developed Shibata stylus with a finer R2.7 × r0.08 mil curvature radius. This refined profile allows the stylus to trace even the most intricate groove modulations with more accuracy. In combination with the responsive diamond cantilever, it reveals subtle details such as the breath of a vocalist or the delicate decay of strings.
Featuring highseparation, wideresponse dual moving coils, the AT-MCD1 strives for accurate sound localisation and low distortion. A hybrid structure combining titanium, aluminum and elastomer materials helps suppress resonances and overall mass reduction ensures excellent acoustic performance, while maintaining structural integrity.
Additional refinements include PCOCC coils for purer signal transmission, thick goldplated terminal pins to reduce contact resistance and threaded mounting holes, allowing easier installation on integrated tonearms and compatible headshells.
After mirror polishing by skilled craftsmen, each housing receives an ion plated finish that enhances durability and creates an elegant black appearance.
The AT-MCD1 is available now for £9,999 / €11,000.