Clearaudio Concept Turntable - w/New Hana SH Cartridge

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General:
The Concept is regarded as the best value/performance piece from Clearaudio.

Handmade in Europe with meticulous attention to fit and finish. Close inspection reveals that no shortcuts were taken in both design and materials selection. 

This particular example is fitted with a brand new Hana SH cartridge, perfectly calibrated, along with its original power adapter. It also has a brand new belt from Clearaudio.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some very light signs of wear on the metal surround of the plinth. Overall very good condition.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
Captive RCA phono output and ground, Removable barrel power input

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

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

Included:
Unit, power cord and cartridge

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
MATERIAL/COLOR
medium-density wood:
black/silver or black/black
pressure-formed solid wood:
black/wood or black/dark wood

PACKAGE COMBINATION
Cartridge: optional with concept MM, concept MC, Essence MC
Tonearm: optional with concept or Satisfy Kardan
Upgrade for cartridge/tonearm possible

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS 
Resonance-optimised bodywork; body comprises medium-density wood fibre or pressure-formed solid wood; upper layer incorporates high-tech satined plastic compound.

SPEED RANGES 
Electronic speed selection, 33-1/2, 45 rpm (78 rpm optional)

DRIVE UNIT 
Decoupled and resonance damped DC motor, flat belt-drive and plug-in power supply unit designed for worldwide use with all networks and power frequencies.

BEARING 
Polished and tempered steel shaft in a sintered bronze housing, running on a Teflon thrust-pad.

PLATTER 
Synthetic material, CNC precision milled surface; 30mm / 1.18 inch thickness; aluminum sub-platter

SPEED VARIATION 
± 0.05 %

Dimensions:
Width 16.54 inches
Depth 13.78 inches
Height 4.92 inches

Weight:
25 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 assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's 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 it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings 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 TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm 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 (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

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