Clearaudio Takes New Direction For Compass Turntable

The new Compass turntable is a change of direction for Clearaudio, especially as it follows the launch of a moving coil cartridge for a cool €25,000/$29,000/£22,000. The Clearaudio Compass turntable package offers all you will need to spin vinyl for less than the company's previously most attainable turntable-only offering, The Concept.

We're told that this new entry-level, belt-driven turntable sports precision components and premium materials the company is known for, resulting in "accessible performance without compromise".

The Compass's design centres on a polished, tempered steel spindle in a sintered bronze bushing running on a Teflon thrust pad. This spindle, combined with an acrylic 20mm (0.787-inch) main platter alongside a "precision CNC machined" aluminium sub-platter, promises greater stability.

Thanks to its medium-density wood fibre chassis, including "decoupling elements" and a steel bottom plate designed to add further weight and security, unwanted noise and vibrations should be mitigated further.

An electronic changer switches the resonance-damped DC motor between 33⅓ and 45 rpm speeds (+/- 0.05%).

The compact (120x435x340mm [HxWxD] incl. dustcover) Clearaudio Compass also comes with a T1 tonearm, derived from the brand's more premium Satisfy model, loaded with a newly developed N1 moving coil cartridge.

A detachable acrylic lid and a plug-in power supply complete the practically plug-and-play turntable package.

Robert Suchy, Clearaudio's CEO, told StereoNET:

Clearaudio has always stood for uncompromising quality and exceptional design. Now, we are welcoming a wider audience for our high-end technology with Compass: a ready-to-play turntable delivering a vinyl-listening experience that exceeds expectations in this price range.

The Clearaudio Compass is available in silver or black from September and priced at €1,290 (global prices pending).

Visit Clearaudio for more information