Audio-Technica AT-1 (1968–1971)
The AT-1 was Audio-Technica's first phono cartridge sold in the United States. It was introduced in 1968 and built through 1971, and it was the entry point of the company's first three-model AT-1/2/3 series. It's a moving-magnet design with a bonded elliptical 0.5 mil stylus and a Duralumin wire coil. Output is rated at 4.0 mV at 1 kHz, and frequency response is 20 Hz-20 kHz (±3 dB). Channel separation is specified at 25 dB at 1 kHz. The cartridge weighs 8 grams. Recommended load is 47 kΩ with 100-200 pF capacitance.
The replacement stylus is the ATN-7. It's still available today from aftermarket suppliers, which helps when the cartridge is now over half a century old. The original period price was $29.95.
High Fidelity (December 1974, p.53) covered the closely related AT-1ES, describing it as Audio-Technica's "Almost Best" pickup — a CD-4 Quadradisc-capable version with a Shibata stylus — which gives some sense of the family lineage. The standard AT-1 itself appears not to have received independent lab testing in the major audio magazines of its day; the surviving record is mostly factory specs and owner reports.
Forum owners generally speak well of it. One called it "a nice little vintage cart" that tracks well and sounds surprisingly good with classical music. Another said it beats many newer budget carts he'd heard. The usual caveat applies: after decades, the cantilever suspension can dry out, and original styli are getting hard to find.
Known specs:
- Moving magnet, bonded elliptical 0.5 mil stylus
- Output: 4.0 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz (±3 dB)
- Channel separation: 25 dB at 1 kHz
- Tracking force: 1.5-3 g (per Hifi-Wiki) or 1-3 g (per audio-technica.com)
- Weight: 8 g
- Replacement stylus: ATN-7 (still available)
- Original price: $29.95
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