Clearaudio Performance DC Air Turntable Complete with Many Upgrades

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General:
Loaded Clearaudio Performance DC turntable recently upgraded to AIR status here in our shop which required replacing the motor and control board.

$8549 MSRP with upgrades including:

• Tracer Tonearm $6000 total with 'table.
• Virtuoso V2 Cartridge $1200.
• Acrylic dust cover $250.
• Morrow Audio Cable Upgrade with Furutec and Pure harmony connectors $400.
• Upgraded Motor and Drive control board to AIR.
• VTA-Lifter 2 Vertical Tracking Adjustment $600.

Cartridge shows little to no use under inspection with our shop microscope. The acrylic cover is super clean and so is the 'table. All working perfectly.

Cosmetic Notes: There is a light black stain on the plinth between the tonearm and platter, barely visible. Very light scratch on the platter.

Will come complete in the original box with accessories and fully calibrated.

Clearaudio Performance DC AiR

The AiR series all feature a new air-core DC 12 V motor similar to the air-core DC 24-volt motor used in the Reference Jubilee, Innovation, and Ovation. This new, vastly improved motor provides superior performance and speed stability for greater dynamics, even better imaging, and more musicality. All other turntable specifications remain the same.

The Performance DC’s main composite chassis consists of a specific density wood core sandwiched between two massive anodized aluminum plates. A band of polished silver aluminum is wrapped around the plinth’s core, giving the Performance DC an elegant and modern look. 

The powerful and smooth-running DC motor is mounted to the composite main chassis and is effectively decoupled for enhanced dynamic range. The motor and belt are hidden from view, protected from dust and UV.

They drive a precision machined aluminum sub-platter coupled to a 40mm thick polyoxymethylene (POM) platter, supported by Clearaudio’s patented CMB (Ceramic Magnetic Bearing).

The Performance DC’s 33, 45, and 78 rpm speeds are selected by blue illuminated buttons, ergonomically integrated into the front left of the chassis. Precision adjustability is possible for each speed via user-accessible trim pots.

The Performance DC comes with an interchangeable arm board design which can accommodate a variety of 9-inch tonearms including Clearaudio’s Satisfy Carbon, Tracer, and TT5 Linear tracking arm.

Cosmetic Condition:
8. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
- Aluminum sandwich plinth
- 2-piece height adjustable (for leveling) aluminum feet with anti-resonance damping tips
- 40mm-thick POM platter with weighted rim
- Machined aluminum sub-platter
- Inverted Ceramic Magnetic Bearing (CMB)
- Decoupled 3-speed DC motor; user fine-adjustable 33, 45, 78 rpm
- Verify Carbon Fiber tonearm features a magnetic bearing, carbon fiber armwand, and 1-meter DirectWire cable

Weight:
40 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Testing Process:

First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings.  We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range.  There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum.  We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure.  On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then asses the platter speed by using one of several methods, the most accuse is a playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency out put with a frequency counter or oscilloscope.  We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure its within spec.  We do this for all speeds available for that particular model.  Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on table drive design.  Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment.  We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure its properly lubricated keeping in mind that some don't require lubrication at all.

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism, replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change and low mechanical noise.

When fitting a new cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the arm design.  We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:

• Pivot to spindle adjustment

• Tracing force

• Anti-skate

• Tonearm height

• Lifter height

• VTA

• Azimuth

• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.