Clearaudio Concept Turntable With Upgraded Sumiko Phono 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 sample came to us from an audiophile with a substantial collection, meaning it was well cared for and lightly used.

Best of all it comes with a brand new Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 (Moving-Coil) phono cartridge, which is a substantial upgrade. This is the high output version capable of working with most preamps that have a standard MM (Moving-Magnet) phono input.

More from Clearaudio:

CONCEPT
Clearaudio's vision for the concept: design an elegantly styled turntable package featuring a level of groundbreaking technology usually only found in high-end turntables, combining plug-and-play simplicity with outstanding sound quality and affordability.

Beneath the sleek, contemporary exterior is a level of technical sophistication unique to Clearaudio.

The concept’s body is carefully crafted from medium-density wood fibre (or, optionally, pressure-formed solid wood) with a selection of smart made-to-match surface finishes. The body’s upper layer incorporates a special high-tech satined plastic compound designed to minimise unwanted resonance.

The DC motor is fed by an external voltage-stabilised power supply and is completely decoupled from the turntable’s body to ensure no mechanical interference.

The concept tonearm features a magnetic bearing that is friction-free for extremely low distortion and superb performance.

Innovative, high-performing, user-friendly and affordable. Now that’s what we call an unbeatable concept.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
Captive RCA Cables, External Power Supply Brick.

General Sound:
Accurate to the recording

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. 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:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Reviews:
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Specs:
SPEED RANGES
33-1/2, 45, and 78 rpm

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 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.