Clearaudio Professional Analogue Toolkit

Introduction

Drawing on thirty years of hi-fi experience, Clearaudio has assembled a collection of precision tools designed to set-up and fine-tune all analogue turntables. This toolkit simplifies the adjustment and optimization of all analogue playback systems.

Toolkit Components

1. Bearing Oil / Lageröl

Fully synthetic, long-lasting turntable bearing lubricant providing ultra-low friction and improving performance. It offers a wide operating temperature range, low pour point, good viscosity-temperature behavior, and is stable against oxidation, aging, and corrosion.

2. Weight Watcher touch with calibration weight / Weight Watcher touch mit Gewicht

An accurate, digital cartridge stylus pressure gauge for precise adjustment of tracking force. It features a touch display and is battery-powered.

3. Level Gauge

A high-precision, calibrated spirit level to ensure all hi-fi equipment is perfectly level.

4. Mini Level Gauge

A miniature, high-precision, calibrated spirit level ideal for setting Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) and Azimuth.

5. Diamond Brush

An easy-to-use brush designed for cleaning diamond styli, effective for removing dirt and residue.

6. Elixir of Sound (Stylus cleaning fluid / Nadelreiniger)

A highly efficient stylus cleaning fluid that removes dirt and dust from the stylus tip. It is gentle, effective, and economical.

7. Cartridge alignment gauge + Stroboscope test disc with Speed Light / Cartridge alignment gauge + Stroboscope Test Scheibe mit Speed Light

A high-precision alignment gauge for all radial tonearms and a stroboscope test record with a 300Hz speed light for accurate setting of turntable speed.

8. Headshell cable set / Headshell Kabelset

High-grade OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) cables with non-magnetic gold-plated Clearaudio cartridge connectors, 50mm in length.

9. Screwdriver / Schraubendreher

A screwdriver for tightening cartridge mounting screws.

10. White gloves / Weiße Handschuhe

A pair of white gloves to protect the turntable from fingerprints during setup and adjustment.

11. Cartridge mounting screws / Schrauben zur Tonabnehmermontage

A set of M 2.5 bolts, nuts, and washers for mounting the cartridge in the headshell, including plastic, gold-plated, aluminum, and stainless steel options.

12. Headshell plates / Headshellplättchen

Headshell spacers or extra weights for use where required. Includes a rectangular MM plate (5.19g) and a finger-shaped MC plate (2.95g).

13. Tweezer / Pinzette

Tweezers designed for fitting and removal of cartridge connectors.

14. Cartridge light / Lampe für Tonabnehmer

A light to aid accurate cartridge alignment, powered by two CR2016 3V batteries.

15. LP Drill

A tool that quickly corrects undersized spindle holes of records, featuring an ergonomic aluminium handle and a 7.3 mm diameter.

16. Hex wrench / Innensechskantschlüssel

A selection of Allen keys (1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 7.0 mm) to adjust Clearaudio turntables and tonearms.

17. Cartridge connectors / Tonabnehmer Pins

Non-magnetic gold-plated cartridge connectors with a spring design for excellent contact.

18. Magnifying glass / Lupe

A magnifying glass for inspection of the cartridge diamond.

Using the Weight Watcher touch

The digital Clearaudio Weight Watcher touch scale allows for extremely precise adjustment of tracking force, enabling optimal performance of your phono cartridge. It is a precision instrument for quickly, easily, and exactly checking and setting the required tracking force.

Key Usage Points:

• Ensure the scale is placed horizontally on the turntable platter.
• Do not touch the calibration/measuring surface during measurement.
• Place the tonearm with the cartridge onto the designated measuring area.
• Slowly lower the tonearm so the stylus is centered on the red dot. Ensure the cartridge body does not contact the scale.
• The display shows the weight in grams. Adjust tracking force as per cartridge manufacturer specifications.

Battery Replacement: If the device does not switch on or shows inconsistent results, replace the batteries (2x CR2032). Open the battery compartment by pressing the lock, replace batteries paying attention to polarity, and re-cover.

Calibration: If measurements seem inconsistent, use the supplied 100g calibration weight. Place the scale on a flat surface, press and hold 'MODE' for 3 seconds (display shows 'CAL'), place the 100g weight centrally on the calibration area, wait 3 seconds, then press 'ON/OFF' (display shows 'PASS').

Technical Data:

Using Elixir of Sound (Stylus Cleaner)

Elixir of Sound is a highly efficient stylus cleaning fluid recommended for use every time you play a record. It removes baked-on mould release compound residue and other contaminants, ensuring optimal stylus performance.

When to Use:

• Every time you play a record.
• When purchasing a new stylus or cartridge.

How to Use:

• Clean the stylus with a BACK TO FRONT MOTION ONLY to avoid damaging the cartridge.
• Apply the cleaner by brushing it onto the underside of the stylus tip in a back-to-front motion.
• The cleaner loosens and removes stubborn deposits.
• Replace the cap promptly to prevent evaporation. Wipe up spills immediately.
• Use with adequate ventilation and keep out of reach of children. Do not ingest.

Using the Cartridge Alignment Gauge

This gauge ensures the correct distance between the turntable spindle and the tonearm bearing, crucial for accurate cartridge setup. For Clearaudio radial tonearms, this distance is 222mm for 9" models and 295mm for 12" models. Refer to your tonearm manufacturer's manual for other specifications.

Setup and Alignment:

1. Measure and fix the distance between the turntable spindle and tonearm pivot using the gauge's ruler and locking screws.
2. Place the alignment gauge on the turntable spindle and align its center pin with the tonearm pivot.
3. If the distance is incorrect, adjust the tonearm according to its manual.
4. Once the tonearm is positioned correctly, lock the ruler.
5. Remove the stylus protector and carefully lower the cartridge onto the scale plate.
6. The goal is for the stylus to land on the reference point, and the cartridge body to be parallel to the plate's lines. Gently move the cartridge within the headshell (backwards, forwards, rotationally) to achieve this.
7. Important Note: Do not adjust the cartridge while it is resting on the scale plate. Use the tonearm lift to raise it before adjusting, then lower it again to check.
8. After alignment, tighten the cartridge mounting screws and re-check the alignment.

Visual Aid: The process involves aligning the stylus to a reference point (Pic. 1) and ensuring the cartridge body is parallel to alignment lines on the scale plate (Pic. 2).

Using the Stroboscope Test Record and Speed Light

The Clearaudio Stroboscope test record and 300Hz speed light allow for extremely precise speed adjustments to your turntable, leading to dramatic sound improvements. The speed light is independent of mains frequency, providing accurate calibration via a quartz oscillator.

Usage:

1. Place the Stroboscope test record on your turntable with the stroboscope lines facing upward. The record has rings for 33.3rpm (outer), 45rpm (middle), and 78rpm (inner).
2. Start the turntable motor and select the desired speed.
3. Hold the speed light over the record so its blue light shines on the stroboscope lines.
4. The lines should appear stationary. If they move clockwise, the speed is too fast; if they move anti-clockwise, the speed is too slow. Adjust turntable speed until the lines appear stationary.

Technical Data (Speed Light):

Please Note: Insufficient battery voltage can lead to inaccurate results. Replace the battery if measurement fluctuations occur.

About Clearaudio electronic GmbH

Clearaudio electronic GmbH is dedicated to producing high-quality audio equipment. They are not responsible for typographical errors and technical specifications are subject to change without prior notice.