商品描述
Overview
Introduced as a commemorative model celebrating Audio-Technica’s 60th anniversary, the AT-MC2022 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge was a crystallization of more than half a century of technical expertise and aesthetic refinement. With its integrated diamond cantilever and stylus tip in a meticulously engineered housing, the AT-MC2022 offered exceptional responsiveness and transparency, establishing a new benchmark for analog playback. Released in limited quantities worldwide, the cartridge sold out immediately and earned widespread acclaim among high-end audio enthusiasts.
Now, with the goal of surpassing the outstanding expressive capability of the AT-MC2022, Audio-Technica has developed the new AT-MCD1 as its flagship iron-core MC cartridge. While inheriting the one-piece diamond construction designed to transmit the kinetic energy of the record groove without loss, the AT-MCD1 further reduces the mass of the diamond cantilever and adopts a newly developed stylus profile. This seamless, high-purity structure enhances the precision of converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals, achieving a higher integration of detail, density, speed, and smoothness.
Built around its diamond core structure, the AT-MCD1 naturally reproduces everything from the faintest nuance to powerful dynamic expression, presenting sound in which image contours and spatial depth emerge vividly. By retrieving even the most delicate signals without loss, sound rises smoothly from silence, and the texture of instruments and the lingering resonance of harmonics are conveyed with striking realism. The unbroken purity of the AT-MCD1’s diamond construction delivers ultra-low noise and outstanding resolution while staying true to the anniversary model’s philosophy, faithfully drawing out every detail in the original recording.
Features
The Performance of Diamond-Crafted Audio
Lightweight 0.22 mm square diamond cantilever for enhanced high-frequency expression
The inherently high transmission speed of diamond allows for faster attack and decay, rendering sound images with remarkable clarity. Vocals are naturally centered between the speakers, recreating the vivid presence of a singer performing right in front of you. The low frequencies are solid and densely textured, extending downward with commanding depth. The tip of the AT-MCD1’s 0.22 mm square diamond cantilever has also been lightened, successfully suppressing high-frequency resonance peaks. As a result, high-frequency reproduction becomes more supple and refined, further enhancing the realism of music playback.
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.
Working in harmony with the high responsiveness of the diamond cantilever, the new Shibata stylus captures even the faint breath of a vocalist and the subtle decay of vibrating strings. The result is an exceptionally vivid and immersive sound. By uncovering delicate details once hidden within the recording, the AT-MCD1 delivers markedly improved high-frequency resolution and an exceptionally lifelike listening experience.
Machined Titanium Housing
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
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.
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-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.
Natural Solid Wood Case
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.