Clearaudio
Clearaudio Universal Tonearm- 12inch
Best high-end upgrade for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking ultimate sonic precision.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Clearaudio Universal 12" Tonearm. Engineered for precision, it features ultra-low friction bearings and a carbon fiber tonearm tube for maximum stability and perfect groove tracing. Enjoy effortless adjustments for azimuth, VTA, and tracking force, ensuring optimal performance with a wide range of cartridges. This tonearm is designed to deliver pure, uncolored sound, bringing out the finest details in your vinyl collection. The Clearaudio Universal 12" Tonearm represents the ultimate evolution of Clearaudio's finest pivoted tonearms, meticulously engineered for their Innovation series turntables.
$7500.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+495%
Above average
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking minimal distortion and precise tracking accuracy
- Listeners prioritizing long-term stability and resonance-free playback
- Tweak-focused enthusiasts wanting total control over cartridge alignment
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a strict budget
- Owners of standard-sized turntables with limited mounting space
- Users of high-compliance cartridges requiring low-mass tonearms
Performance breakdown
Tracking Precision
The 12-inch radial design minimizes tracking error for pristine groove retrieval.
Resonance Control
Carbon fiber construction effectively eliminates unwanted vibrations for a cleaner signal.
Adjustment Versatility
Fine-tuning azimuth and VTA is intuitive for achieving perfect cartridge alignment.
Signal Integrity
High-quality Six Stream internal wiring ensures a pure, uncolored audio path.
Cartridge Compatibility
Broad balance range accommodates a wide spectrum of high-end moving coils.
Build Quality
Precision-engineered components offer professional-grade durability and mechanical stability.
Key Specs
High precision ball bearings in vertical and horizontal axes
Arm tube material
Carbon Fiber
Cartridge balance range
2.9 gram – 21 gram
Overhang
13 mm
Wiring
Clearaudio Sixtream Super Wire (1.1 m) terminated with RCA plug
Distance from pivot to stylus
295 mm
Offset angle
19 °
Total weight
Approx. 740 g (incl. Counter – Turboweight)
Features
- Ultra stiff and lightweight carbon tonearm tube
- Easy and exact setting of azimuth and VTA
- Interchangeable counterweights for precise tracking force
- Resonance-reducing carbon fiber arm tube
- Accurate azimuth adjustment via aluminum headshell
- Superior signal integrity with Six Stream cable
- Ideal for high-quality moving coil cartridges
- 12" radial design for superior groove tracing
What customers say
Owners of the Clearaudio Universal Tonearm consistently praise its exceptional engineering and superior sonic performance. The core focus is on its ability to reveal incredible detail, dynamics, and a vast soundstage from vinyl, significantly improving musicality and resolution. Reviewers highlight the robust, precise build quality, reflecting meticulous craftsmanship. While the investment is substantial, many serious enthusiasts consider the resulting long-term value justified by the transformative playback quality. Once properly set up, the performance is described as captivating. This tonearm is viewed as a cornerstone component for achieving reference level analog audio, delivering an immersive and emotionally engaging listening experience.
Know before you buy
The 12-inch radial design reduces tracking error distortion by allowing the stylus to follow the record groove more accurately across the entire surface. This results in cleaner, more precise playback, especially toward the inner grooves of your vinyl.
The Clearaudio Universal uses a standard Clearaudio/Linn mounting pattern. While it is specifically engineered for the Innovation series, it can be fitted to any turntable that accommodates this mounting standard and has the necessary space for a 12-inch arm.
Carbon fiber is exceptionally stiff and lightweight, which helps minimize unwanted vibrations and resonances. By reducing these colorations, the tonearm allows your cartridge to extract more detail and clarity from the record groove.
Not at all. The tonearm is designed for precise, effortless adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune both the azimuth and Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) to ensure your cartridge is perfectly aligned for optimal performance.
The tonearm supports cartridges with a balance range between 2.9 and 21 grams. It is particularly well-suited for high-quality moving coil (MC) cartridges, which benefit from the arm's low-friction bearings and high-integrity internal wiring.
Yes, it includes a 1.1-meter Clearaudio Six Stream Super Wire cable terminated with high-quality RCA plugs. This cable is designed to maintain superior signal integrity from the cartridge to your phono stage.
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$7500