Clearaudio Universal Tonearm User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of Clearaudio's Universal tonearm, one of the best radial tonearms available in the world of high-end audio. The Universal tonearm is manufactured with the highest degree of tolerance and quality. This product has been developed with a focus on excellent quality, functionality, and ease of use. Please take a moment to read this product manual to ensure correct set-up and to avoid any possible damage. Clearaudio wishes you much enjoyment with your new Universal tonearm.

Safety Instructions

1. General Information

   Check the tonearm for any damage before using it. Do not connect the tonearm if damaged! Never connect the tonearm if it has been dropped or gotten wet; contact your dealer to have the tonearm checked. Never expose the tonearm to rain or moisture. The inside of the tonearm is maintenance-free. Never open the case or attempt to repair the unit yourself, as this can lead to loss of warranty! Before using the tonearm for the first time or after a long period of inactivity, the lift must be operated approximately 4-5 times to loosen the grease in the tonearm lift to lower the lift bar evenly again.

2. Intended Use

   The Universal is a tonearm for playing music and is intended exclusively for use on turntables. Only use the Universal tonearm in accordance with the information provided in the user manual.

3. Location of Installation

   Avoid locations with direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and high humidity. Likewise, avoid placing electronic devices near heaters, heat lamps, or other devices that produce heat. The device is designed for operation at room temperature. No objects with an open flame may be placed on or near the device (burning candles or similar).

4. Maintenance

   We recommend that you move the tonearm lift at regular intervals to keep the bearing grease supple and to prevent the tonearm from getting stuck during playback if you do not use your Clearaudio tonearm for a longer period. Never use aggressive cleaning agents. Do not use dry cloths for cleaning as this generates static electricity. Suitable cleaning and care products from Clearaudio are available at www.analogshop.de or from specialist retailers. Only use a soft cloth with a smooth surface or a soft brush for cleaning.

5. Health Information

   Permanently high volume can lead to various types of hearing damage. Use high volume responsibly!

6. Service

   The Universal tonearm should be repaired during the guarantee period by the manufacturer only, otherwise the warranty claim expires. All Clearaudio products should only be serviced by a specialist retailer. If, despite the high production standard, a service is necessary, the Universal tonearm must be sent to Clearaudio through your dealer.

7. Transport

   Use the original packing material for further transportation of the Universal tonearm, otherwise serious damage could occur. Be sure to pack the device exactly as it was shipped. Safe transport is only guaranteed in the original packaging. Proceed in reverse as described for assembly when packing.

8. Disposal

   Do not dispose of this product together with other waste. WEEE Reg. No.: DE26004446

9. CE Marking

   This electronic product corresponds to the applicable guidelines for obtaining the CE mark.

Contents

The manual covers the following sections:

• List of components (Pages 6-7)
• Mounting the tonearm base (Pages 8-11)
• Mounting the Universal tonearm without VTA-Lifter (Page 12)
• Adjustment of the distance between spindle and pivot point (Page 12)
• Adjustment of the Universal tonearm (Pages 13-18)
• Troubleshooting (Page 19)
• Technical details (Page 20)
• Warranty information (Pages 40-41)

1. List of Components

The Clearaudio Universal tonearm is delivered in customized packaging to ensure its safe transport. Please retain the original packaging for any future transportation and shipping. The following components are included:

Recommended Tools:

• Clearaudio Cartridge alignment gauge (Art. No. AC005/IEC)
• Clearaudio Weight Watcher touch (Art. No. AC163)

Both items and more accessories are available through your dealer or at www.analogshop.de.

2. Mounting the Tonearm Base

This section details mounting the tonearm base onto different turntable models.

2.1 Mounting the tonearm base on the Clearaudio Performance DC or Ovation turntable

Ensure the correct tonearm base is mounted. A different base is required if using the VTA-Lifter.

To access the tonearm base, place the turntable on the edge of a table. Remove the tonearm base by loosening the six M4 x 35mm screws with a hex wrench. Exchange the tonearm base and loosely tighten the screws to keep it rotatable, ensuring the perfect location.

• Without VTA-Lifter: Use tonearm base AC031-5 (Pic. 2).
• With VTA-Lifter: Use tonearm base AC031-8 (Pic. 3).

[Image description: Pic. 2 shows a tonearm base for Performance DC & Ovation, Art. No. AC031-5. Pic. 3 shows a tonearm base for Performance DC & Ovation, Art. No. AC031-8.]

2.2 Mounting the tonearm base on a Clearaudio Innovation series turntable

Ensure the correct tonearm base is mounted. A different base is required if using the VTA-Lifter.

If the base is pre-assembled, it's optimized for packaging. If not, remove the previous base by loosening the screw with a 7mm hex wrench. Exchange it with the correct one and place it as shown in picture 6. Loosely tighten it so the base remains rotatable.

• Without VTA-Lifter: Use tonearm base AC030-4 (Pic. 4).
• With VTA-Lifter: Use tonearm base AC030-10 (Pic. 5).

[Image description: Pic. 4 shows a tonearm base for Innovation Series, Art. No. AC030-4. Pic. 5 shows a tonearm base for Innovation Series, Art. No. AC030-10. Pic. 6 shows a rough alignment of the tonearm base.]

2.3 Mounting the clamping ring on other manufacturers' turntables

Drill three holes into the turntable chassis to mount the aluminium clamping ring. Use the measurements in the drawing template (Pic. 7) for correct positioning. Use a 3.3mm drill. After drilling, thread the holes with a tap cutter. If the material is unsuitable for threading, use a 4.5mm drill and longer screws with nuts.

Please note: This drilling template is only suitable for Universal 9 inch tonearms. For the Universal 12 inch tonearm, see technical details on page 18 for the correct distance between platter spindle and tonearm pivot point.

[Diagram description: Pic. 7 is a drilling template for mounting the tonearm base on a manufacturer's turntable. It shows dimensions for mounting holes and the clamping ring, indicating distances like 222mm (Pivot to Spindle) and hole diameters.]

2.4 Mounting the VTA-Lifter on other manufacturers' turntables

Drill holes into the turntable chassis to mount the VTA-Lifter. Use the measurements in the drawing template (Pic. 8) for correct positioning.

Please note: This drilling template is only suitable for Universal 9 inch tonearms. For the Universal 12 inch tonearm, see technical details on page 18 for the correct distance between platter spindle and tonearm pivot point.

[Diagram description: Pic. 8 is a drilling template for mounting the VTA-Lifter on a manufacturer's turntable. It shows dimensions for mounting holes, including PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) and hole sizes.]

3. Mounting the Universal tonearm without VTA-Lifter

To assemble with VTA-Lifter, follow the separate VTA-Lifter manual.

Attach the clamping ring to the tonearm base using the 3 supplied M4 x 10 screws. Ensure the side hole of the clamping ring remains accessible (see Pic. 9). First insert the tonearm cable, then the tonearm foot into the hole of the clamping ring (Pic. 5). Fix the tonearm with the screws and hex wrench. Do not over-tighten for later adjustments.

[Image description: Pic. 9 shows the mounting of the clamping ring without VTA-Lifter.]

4. Adjustment of the distance between spindle and pivot point

Use the Clearaudio alignment gauge (Art. No. AC005/IEC) for exact setting of the tonearm pivot point. The distance between spindle and tonearm pivot point must be exactly 222mm (for Universal 9 inch) and 295mm (for Universal 12 inch) (Pic. 10). Adjust the distance by rotating the tonearm base. Tighten the tonearm base and re-check the measurement.

[Diagram description: Pic. 10 illustrates the distance between spindle and tonearm pivot point. For Universal 9 inch, it's 222mm. For Universal 12 inch, it's 295mm.]

5. Adjustment of the Universal tonearm

These settings require mounting the cartridge on the headshell. Always follow the cartridge manufacturer's instructions. Leave the stylus protector on your cartridge to avoid damages.

Signal Cable Connection:

Connect the signal cable with the matching color pins of the cartridge. The color coding is:

• Red: right channel / R+
• Green: right channel / R-
• White: left channel / L+
• Blue: left channel / L-

Connect the pins carefully, without using too much force. Precision pliers or tweezers can assist.

5.1 Adjustment of the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)

The tonearm remains loose in the clamping ring. Place a record or the Clearaudio alignment gauge (Art. No. AC005/IEC) on the turntable and remove the stylus protector. Remove the antiskating screw (it will be re-inserted later).

Make sure that the tracking force is roughly adjusted to avoid damaging the cartridge. Be extremely careful during the following steps! Never move the cartridge in the alignment gauge while it is lowered.

Place the included Mini Level Gauge on the headshell. Take the tonearm from its resting position so it rests on the lowered lift bracket. Lift the entire tonearm in the clamping ring so the cartridge hovers over the platter. Carefully lower the tonearm in the clamping ring so the tonearm tube is parallel to the platter. The tonearm tube should not touch the lift bracket, but the needle must rest on the record or the alignment gauge.

Hand-tighten the clamping ring. Re-check the setting with the Mini Level Gauge and correct if necessary. If the position is correct, return the tonearm to its holder and replace the stylus protector.

[Image description: Pic. 11 shows the adjustment of the VTA.]

5.2 Alignment of the tonearm

Use a ruler or the Clearaudio alignment gauge (Art. No. AC005/IEC) for correct alignment. Open the clamping ring carefully. Set the distances as follows (Pic. 12):

• Universal 9 inch: Distance from platter to rest position holder = 195mm (± 3mm); Distance from platter to headshell center = 217mm (± 3mm)
• Universal 12 inch: Distance from platter to rest position holder = 251mm (± 3mm); Distance from platter to headshell center = 248mm (± 3mm)

[Diagram description: Pic. 12 shows the alignment of the tonearm with distances for Universal 9 inch (195mm, 217mm) and Universal 12 inch (251mm, 248mm).]

Fix the tonearm in the clamping ring and re-check previous settings, correcting if necessary.

5.3 Alignment and adjustment of the cartridge

Use the adjustment template included with the delivery for final tonearm and cartridge adjustment. Place it directly on the turntable (without record) and align it with the arrow pointing toward the tonearm pivot point (Pic. 13).

Take the tonearm out of rest position and align it in the area of the cross lines. Lower the tonearm and check alignment.

The cartridge body must be aligned in the template grid, and the needle tip should be located in the cross lines. The side and front edges of the housing must be parallel to the grid lines. To correct, loosen the cartridge screws to move the cartridge in the headshell. Re-check the setting after tightening the screws.

[Image description: Pic. 13 shows placing the adjustment template. Pic. 14 shows the alignment of the cartridge.]

5.4 Adjustment of the tracking force

Turn the adjustment screw at the end of the tonearm to increase or lower the tracking force. (Green arrow = Higher tracking force, Red arrow = Lower tracking force).

Use the chart below to check the correct weight for your cartridge. Follow the cartridge manufacturer's instructions. To exchange weights, loosen the screw on the underside of the counterweight using a hex wrench (#1.5).

Classification of counterweights for different cartridges, with a recommended tracking force of 2.8g for Universal 9":

Classification of counterweights for different cartridges, with a recommended tracking force of 2.8g for Universal 12":

We recommend using the Clearaudio „Weight Watcher touch" digital cartridge scale (Art. No. AC163, also available at www.analogshop.de) for correct setting.

[Image description: Pic. 15 shows the adjustment of the tracking force with arrows indicating direction.]

5.5 Adjustment of the azimuth

Azimuth is the angle of the cartridge stylus to the record surface. Viewed from the front, the cartridge needle must be vertical to the record.

Please note: The azimuth is already set at the factory.

If you wish to optimize azimuth, place the supplied Mini Level Gauge on the headshell and lower the cartridge onto the record surface.

To change azimuth: Loosen the screw (hex wrench #2) on the bottom side of the tonearm tube near the headshell. Adjust azimuth by turning the headshell in the tonearm tube. After finding the correct position, carefully tighten the small hex screw without changing the selected position.

[Image description: Pic. 16 shows azimuth adjustment. Pic. 17 shows the screw for azimuth adjustment.]

5.6 Adjustment of the antiskating

Re-insert the antiskating screw that was previously removed. Adjust antiskating by turning the screw (red box Pic. 18). This adjustment depends on the tracking force of your cartridge:

[Image description: Pic. 18 shows antiskating adjustment with three pictures illustrating minimal, middle, and maximum antiskating positions.]

The tonearm adjustment is now complete. Re-check all settings and correct if necessary before connecting the tonearm to your phono pre-amplifier. We hope you enjoy your new Universal tonearm.

6. Troubleshooting

Check possible causes for incorrect operation. Contact your dealer if errors persist. Never try to open the unit and/or repair it yourself; this will void the warranty!

7. Technical Data

* Provided that the warranty card is correctly completed and returned to Clearaudio, or your product is registered online at https://clearaudio.de/en/service/registration.php, within 14 days of purchase.