![]() The final VTA position had the tonearm lowered just slightly below level when using a standard 180 gram record. VTA was set by getting the tonearm level and then fine tuned by listening. Tracking force was set to the recommended 2 grams using both provided counterweights for the TRACER tonearm. Using a Feikert Protractor we mounted and aligned the Hana ML cartridge. A second bolt-on counterweight provides a large range of cartridge compatibility as well as allowing optimal position of the counterweight.”Ĭartridge mounting was quick and painless. “The under slung counterweight assembly provides an optimal center of gravity and is integral to the rear carbon fiber assembly, allowing fine tracking force adjustments. The hybrid bearing uses a horizontal sapphire bearing for the vertical plane and the vertical ball bearing of hardened steel is used for the radial motion of the tonearm. The head shell is machined from solid aluminum and allows overhang, offset and azimuth adjustment. The TRACER tonearm is Clearaudio’s newest pivoted design that uses a carbon fiber arm tube for low weight, stiffnes s, and very low resonant signature. #Showstars hana set 31 installLast step, slowly insert the Tracer tonearm and you are ready to install your cartridge. Insert the bearing into the platter and slowly lay it on the plinth followed by inserting the belt and leveling the feet. The OSC sensor constantly reads platter speed and communicates with the motor to maintain pitch/speed accuracy due to stylus drag.Īssembly of the components was straightforward. Platter speed is handled by an optical speed control with the sensor mounted on the plinth under the platter. The motor is mounted directly above one of the three feet to reduce vibration. Reducing contact points and friction, the CMB eliminated the need for a ball bearing, thrust pad, or point of contact, dramatically lowering the noise floor while increasing speed stability.”Ī 24-volt, three speed DC motor does the heavy lifting of making the Delrin platter dance over the plinth. “Clearaudio’s patented platter bearing combines an inverted, polished ceramic axle mounted to the plinth with a magnetically levitated reciprocal bearing/spindle assembly. When first installed, I dorked around for 3-4 minutes spinning it in awe of how it levitates over the plinth. Once inserted into the platter and placed onto the plinth, the platter seemed to just float and spin with ease. Sliding into the platter was Clearaudio’s Ceramic Magnetic Bearing. The Delrin material has similar characteristics to an LP record, removing the need to have a platter mat. Panzerholz is used in limousines and state cars in Europe as a security shield due to its combination of strength and lightness, resulting in the name “Bullet-proof wood”.Ĭompared to other Clearaudio Innovation turntables, a shorter 40mm Delrin platter is used providing a non-resonate surface for your precious LPs. The resulting material has the strength of steel but without ringing or resonance due to its low Q. Panzerholz, or iron wood, is a special high-tech wood laminate created by compressing multiple layers of Baltic birch ply using special adhesives and very high pressure. The original Tri-star plinths from the 1990s where made from acrylic and then upgraded circa 2003 with the aluminum skins to better rigidity and damping. The 3-pointed star shape plinth was originally introduced by Clearaudio over 20 years ago on their Master Reference turntable and is still used today across the Innovation series. The beautiful Tri-Star plinth looked like it should be on display at the MoMA. Once unboxed, what caught my attention was the level of simplicity. Dreading the moment when I needed to re-pack it, I had remorse that I didn’t document every element of the unboxing to allow me to easily piece it back together. When the boxes arrived, my first impression was just how well the Clearaudio Innovation was precisely packed with perfectly cut foam inserts that layered the various ingredients of the turntable inside it’s factory box. #Showstars hana set 31 plusThe total Clearaudio combo totaled $8500 USD plus $1200 USD for the Hana Cartridge. Speaking to Garth Leerer of Musical Surroundings, US importer of Clearaudio, we decided to pull together a synergistic combo of the Clearaudio Innovation Basic Turntable, Clearaudio TRACER tonearm and Hana ML moving coil cartridge. To change things up, I decided to put it on ice for a couple of months and listen to something smaller and simpler to see how it could fit the bill. It’s big, it’s fast, and generates a sound that I have not been able to surpass with any digital setup to date. For us analogoholics, you can never have enough LPs or turntables to play them on! For the last few years, I have been blessed with the company of an AMG Viella V12 turntable.
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