At33ptg II perfect straight out the box


Wow.
After my experience with the Goldring 1042 and its massive break in period and awful initial tonality I was thinking I was in for another slog of a break in period.
Well the At33ptg II sounds as good if not considerably better from the first minute than the fully broken in 1042.

Just thought I'd share the love.
Such a relaxed but thorough cartridge.
Nothing is missed and nothing is overdone.
Very pleased so far and it has only been 20 minutes.

Only using a project mm/mc little box n all. Not sure what the model is because when I search its name about five come up but it all sounds swell. 

Anyway can't wait to listen to all my records over and over.

The sound is crystal clear with no harshness at all and every instrument is exactly as it should be and there is plenty of sound stage for it all to sit in.

I understand what they mean about forgetting about the cartridge and just enjoying the music now.

Such a relief to not have to worry about what I need anymore!

On a side note. It is a much bigger improvement than 'upgrading' your amp. Though I really feel I couldn't get anything that would beat my JVC relic that is under £1k I have tried all the best reviewed under that. Note I listen at probably about talking volume I don't blast it.

The cart I had before by 1042 was a Lyra Helikon, with my pre amp I think it was coloured though and could sound just a touch on the cold side, very very scooped mids as well with my set up. The At33 is spot on. It seems warmer than the 1042 but I think it is really just because the 1042 could have a bit of a grating upper mids that would override the warmth of it.

My speakers are lowly wharfedale 10.1's which on comparison to my last speakers (q acoustics 2010i) are much better. Much flatter and wider response and they do take a lot to sound harsh in the treble, which I am very sensitive to.
Future upgrade will be speakers if I ever feel the need. Maybe Quad s2's. Their response looks a lot like the 10.1's but better. 

nedhogan
Different strokes for different folks. I had a Goldring 1042 in my system and it was very impressive. It does have a Gyger S stylus which is one of the pickier styli to adjust but the ML stylus on the AT is no slough in that regard either. AT cartridges are also a very great value and you really have to ask your self why anyone would spend more than $2K on a cartridge. There are so many cartridges under $1K that are excellent.
I had the same experience with the At33ptg/II, right out of the box it sounds fantastic and probably the least fussy cartridge I’ve had when it comes to setup. The tonal balance is perfect in my system and most record sounds good with it. It is not as detailed as a Lyra or Ortofon but it makes up in musicality and overall balance.
I found it very difficult to set up (and I’ve set up many carts) but very rewarding