AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-MCD1
Audio-Technica launches AT-MCD1 flagship MC cartridge
Audio-Technica introduced the AT-MCD1 as its flagship iron-core moving-coil stereo cartridge at High End 2026 in Vienna. The cartridge uses a single lab-grown diamond for the stylus and cantilever, paired with a newly developed Shibata profile. US pricing is $11,000.
Georg S. Kuklick
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Audio-Technica launched the AT-MCD1 flagship iron-core moving-coil stereo cartridge at High End 2026 in Vienna on 4 June 2026. The dual moving-coil cartridge is priced at $11,000 in the United States. Its core design uses a unified stylus-cantilever formed from a single lab-grown diamond.
The AT-MCD1 uses a newly developed Shibata stylus with a 2.7 × 0.08 mil curvature radius. The diamond cantilever is 0.22 mm square. Audio-Technica also uses PCOCC moving coils and a magnetic circuit originally developed for the AT-ART20.
The cartridge has a 20 Hz to 50,000 Hz frequency response and 0.55 mV output voltage at 1 kHz and 5 cm/sec. Channel separation is 28 dB at 1 kHz. Recommended tracking force is 1.7 g to 1.9 g, and recommended load impedance is at least 100 ohms.
The AT-MCD1 body combines a titanium housing, aluminum base and elastomer undercover. It measures 17.3 mm × 17.7 mm × 26.7 mm and weighs 9.5 g. Mounting is via M2.6 × 2 threaded holes. The cartridge was introduced at High End 2026 in Vienna on 4 June 2026.
Key specifications
Type | MC |
|---|---|
Frequency response | 20 to 50,000 Hz |
Channel separation | 28 dB (1 kHz) |
Vertical tracking angle | 20° |
Vertical tracking force | 1.7 to 1.9 g; 1.8 g standard |
Recommended load impedance | 100 ohms or higher |
Output voltage | 0.55 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec |
Stylus shape | Shibata, integrated cantilever type |
Stylus curvature radius | 2.7 × 0.08 mil |
Cantilever | 0.22 mm square diamond |
Dynamic compliance | 15 × 10-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz) |
Threaded hole | M2.6 × 2 |
Predecessor: Audio-Technica AT-MC2022 — $9,000.00
Rung below: Audio-Technica AT-ART20 — $3,199.00
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